Networking constraints

In systems that include more than one MFD/Chartplotter, the MFDs/Chartplotters must be networked together using an ethernet network. The ethernet network can be either a direct RayNet cable connection or connection via a network switch such as the RNS-5. The following constraints apply when networking MFDs/Chartplotters:

Ethernet networks

  • Any network including more than one MFD/Chartplotter must have a designated Datamaster.

  • The Datamaster MFD/Chartplotter is the primary display in the system and will receive data from NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG and, if applicable, NMEA 0183 devices. The data received by the Datamaster will be bridged over the ethernet network to other networked MFDs/Chartplotters.

  • Up to 10 MFDs/Chartplotters can be connected to the same network.

  • All networked MFDs/Chartplotters should have the same software version.

  • In mixed Axiom-Series and Axiom 2-Series display networks an Axiom 2-Series display must be the Datamaster.

  • Other ethernet devices connected directly to an MFD/Chartplotter will be shared with networked MFDs/Chartplotters.

  • Networked MFDs/Chartplotters will share the Datamaster’s Homescreen. Changes made to the Homescreen on any MFD/Chartplotter will be reflected on all networked MFDs/Chartplotters.

  • Electronic cartography stored on internal or external memory on any MFD/Chartplotter can be shared by all MFDs/Chartplotters on the same network.

  • Up to 2 Radar scanners can be connected to the same network and used simultaneously.

  • Multiple Sonar modules can be connected to the same network and used simultaneously.

  • MFDs/Chartplotters with an internal sonar module can share sonar data with networked MFDs/Chartplotters.

For details regarding internet connections, refer to: Internet connection

For details regarding networking third-party ethernet products, refer to: Ethernet (IPv4) networking of Raymarine devices with third-party products

Wi-Fi networks

  • MFDs/Chartplotters cannot share data over a Wi-Fi connection.

  • MFD/Chartplotter Wi-Fi connection can be used to provide internet connection via an access point.

  • MFDs/Chartplotters that have an internet connection using Wi-Fi will share the internet connection with ethernet networked MFDs/Chartplotters.

  • An internet connection over ethernet will take precedence over an internet connection over Wi-Fi.

  • Data from ethernet networked devices is not bridged over a Wi-Fi connection.

  • Data from NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG devices is not bridged over a Wi-Fi connection.

NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG networks

  • Only the Datamaster MFD/Chartplotter needs to be connected to the NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG backbone.

  • If more than one MFD/Chartplotter is connected to the backbone, only the Datamaster MFD/Chartplotter will receive data from other devices on the backbone.

  • The Datamaster MFD/Chartplotter will bridge NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG data over the ethernet network to other MFDs/Chartplotters.

  • More than one MFD/Chartplotter can be connected to the same backbone for data redundancy purposes. If the Datamaster MFD/Chartplotter fails, another networked MFD/Chartplotter can take its place as the Datamaster.

    All MFDs/Chartplotters on the same backbone should have the same software version.

Networking with legacy MFDs/Chartplotters

  • Axiom 2 Pro MFDs/Chartplotters cannot be networked to legacy MFDs/Chartplotters running LightHouse 2.

  • Axiom MFDs/Chartplotters running earlier versions of LightHouse 3 can be networked to legacy MFDs/Chartplotters. For further details on networking legacy MFDs/Chartplotters, refer to: Legacy eS and gS Series compatibility with Axiom displays

  • Alpha Performance displays cannot be networked to legacy displays running LightHouse 2.