What is the difference between NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183?

NMEA 0183 operates on a 1-to-1 connection method using RS232/RS422, where multiplexers and buffers are required to connect multiple devices ‘together’. NMEA 2000 uses CAN with a backbone / drop cable network system, where all devices on the network talk to one another.

NMEA 2000 simplifies the connection – The NMEA 2000 backbone is a single trunk cable to which the appropriate T-pieces, network cables and terminators can simply screw onto. Unlike connecting NMEA 0183 open cable ends.

Using NMEA 2000 gateways, like the NGW-1, allows compatibility between the two networks

Download our two free guides on NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000.

For more information on NMEA 0183 and how it works, please download our free guide to NMEA 0183 networking.
For more information on NMEA 2000 and how it works, please download our free guide to NMEA 2000 networking.