Garmin BlueNet Technology Overview
This reference provides technical information about Garmin BlueNet™ technology, Garmin BlueNet components, and general Garmin BlueNet network-building instructions, including best practices when building a Garmin BlueNet network that includes devices using the legacy Garmin® Marine Network technology.
Garmin BlueNet is a standards-based network communications protocol acting as a successor to the current Garmin Marine Network technology used for communication between Garmin marine devices.
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It utilizes standards-based network protocols.
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It requires minimal or no configuration.
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It supports a network connection speed up to 1 Gbps. This supports more video streams and better resolutions, and allows for more-advanced sensors and devices.
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It uses compact, water-resistant marine connectors.
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It is compatible with third-party devices, such as IP cameras, without requiring a Garmin Marine Network PoE isolation coupler.
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It is compatible with legacy Garmin Marine Network devices when using a Garmin BlueNet 30 gateway.
Primary Differences Between the Garmin BlueNet Network and the Legacy Garmin Marine Network
Although the legacy Garmin Marine Network is an Ethernet-based communication protocol, Garmin BlueNet technology improves on it in many ways.
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Cabling
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Legacy Garmin Marine Network cables consist of 2 twisted pairs for data and 2 twisted pairs for power-on functionality.
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Garmin BlueNet network cables consist of 4 twisted pairs combined for data and for Wake on Lan (WoL) power-on functionality.
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Connectors
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The legacy Garmin Marine Network uses standard RJ45 network connectors. Although they are an industry standard, RJ45 connectors are not ideal for use in a marine environment and require large water-resistant locking collars.
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The Garmin BlueNet network uses compact connectors, similar in size to a NMEA 2000® connector, designed for routing and maintaining connections in a marine environment.
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Network Connector Identification
You can identify Garmin BlueNet devices and cables and legacy Garmin Marine Network devices and cables by examining the ports and connectors.
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Garmin BlueNet device port This port may be all black on some older devices and blue on newer and current devices. |
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Garmin BlueNet cable connector |
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Legacy Garmin Marine Network device port |
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Legacy Garmin Marine Network cable connector |
