Networking constraints

In systems that include more than one chartplotter, the 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 chartplotters:

Ethernet networks

  • Any network including more than one chartplotter must have a designated Datamaster.

  • The Datamaster 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 chartplotters.

  • Up to 10 chartplotters can be connected to the same network.

  • All networked 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.

  • The data from other compatible Ethernet devices connected directly to a chartplotter will be shared with other networked chartplotters.

  • Networked chartplotters will share the Datamaster’s Homescreen. Changes made to the Homescreen on any chartplotter on the network will be reflected on all networked chartplotters.

  • Electronic cartography stored on internal or external memory on any chartplotter can be shared by all 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.

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

For details regarding internet connections, refer to:

For details regarding networking third-party Ethernet products, refer to:

Wi-Fi networks

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

  • The chartplotter’s Wi-Fi connection can be used to provide an internet connection to the chartplotter via an access point.

  • Chartplotters that have an internet connection using Wi-Fi will share the internet connection with Ethernet networked 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 chartplotter needs to be connected to the NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG backbone.

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

  • The Datamaster chartplotter will bridge NMEA 2000 / SeaTalk NG data over the Wi-Fi network to other chartplotters.

  • More than one chartplotter can be connected to the same backbone for data redundancy purposes. If the Datamaster chartplotter fails, another networked chartplotter can take its place as the Datamaster. All chartplotters on the same backbone should have the same software version.

Networking with legacy chartplotters

  • Axiom 2 Pro chartplotters cannot be networked to legacy chartplotters running LightHouse 2.

  • Axiom-Series chartplotters running earlier versions of LightHouse 3 can be networked to legacy chartplotters. For further details on networking legacy chartplotters, refer to:

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