A Humminbird Ethernet switch is a networking device that connects multiple devices together on a computer network. It allows several wired devices to communicate with each other and access the network resources by forwarding data packets between the devices. Humminbird makes Ethernet switches specifically designed for networking their fish finder and depth finder units.
What Does an Ethernet Switch Do?
An Ethernet switch serves as the central hub of a wired network. It forwards data packets to the correct devices on the network. When a device sends data, the switch examines the destination address contained in the data packet and determines which port to forward it out of. This allows multiple devices to connect, communicate and share data on the same network.
Some key capabilities and functions of an Ethernet switch include:
- Forwarding data packets between ports based on MAC addresses
- Maintaining a MAC address table to keep track of what devices are connected and available
- Preventing collisions and congestion with packet buffering
- Operating at fast switching speeds up to 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Providing plug-and-play connectivity
- Expanding the number of available ports on the network
How is an Ethernet Switch Different from a Hub?
An Ethernet hub is a simpler networking device that also connects multiple devices together. However, a hub broadcasts all data out to every port, rather than determining the correct destination port. This can create collisions, network congestion and slow performance if too many devices are connected to the hub.
A switch provides a major advantage over a hub because it examines the MAC address of each packet to determine the destination device. This allows the switch to directly send the data only to the correct port. This reduces collisions and keeps the network running fast and efficiently even with many connected devices.
Key Features of a Humminbird Ethernet Switch
Humminbird makes Ethernet switches designed specifically to complement their fish finder systems. They have several key features that make them uniquely suited for networking Humminbird fish finders and other marine electronics:
Waterproof Housing
Since they will be exposed to the outdoor marine environment, Humminbird switches feature a ruggedized waterproof housing. They are designed to be mounted on the boat and withstand splashing water, rain, moisture and the other conditions encountered on the water.
Corrosion Resistance
The housing is also made to resist corrosion, an important consideration for electronics used on boats in saltwater environments. The switches hold up well to the corrosive effects of saltwater to ensure years of reliable use.
High Port Density
Humminbird switches provide a high number of ports (typically 5, 8 or 16 ports) in a compact housing. This allows you to connect several fish finder units and other electronics without needing more than one Ethernet switch onboard.
Wide Temperature Tolerance
These switches can operate in a wide range of temperatures. This ensures they continue working properly despite hot or cold weather, as well as the inherent temperature fluctuations found onboard a boat.
Easy Mounting
The Ethernet switches come with integrated mounting tabs or brackets. This facilitates installing them securely onboard the vessel with minimal hassle.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Some models provide PoE ports that deliver power over the Ethernet cable. This is useful for powering certain devices like wireless access points or IP cameras.
Plug-and-Play Connectivity
They are plug-and-play with automatic crossover, so there is no need for crossover cables. You can simply plug devices directly into the switch ports with standard Ethernet patch cables.
Why Use an Ethernet Switch for Marine Electronics?
There are several key reasons an Ethernet switch is useful for connecting Humminbird fish finders and other marine electronics:
Connect Multiple Fish Finders
A switch allows you to install and connect multiple fish finder units on the boat and network them together. This allows the units to communicate with each other and integrate together to provide expanded fish finding coverage around the boat.
Link Components of a System
Switches support creating complete integrated systems with your marine electronics. You can connect not only multiple fish finders but also other components like radar, satellite weather receivers, thermal cameras, video cameras and more. An Ethernet switch provides the central hub to link everything together into one electronics network.
Share Data Between Devices
The interconnected devices can share sonar data, navigation info, weather data, video feeds and other information between units. This enables integrating different marine electronics in powerful ways to enhance functionality.
Shared Display
A fish finder display head on the helm can show sonar data from transducers mounted in other parts of the boat by connecting through an Ethernet switch.
Long Cable Runs
Ethernet cable runs up to 100 meters in length, allowing you to install switch centrally and connect devices mounted further away from it.
Fast Network Speeds
Gigabit Ethernet switching provides high bandwidth to support smooth transfer of sonar imagery, weather satellite data, live video feeds and other bandwidth-intensive data between electronics.
Flexible Expandability
You can easily add more Ethernet ports to the network by daisy-chaining additional switches together. This allows your marine electronics network to conveniently grow as needed.
Choosing the Right Humminbird Ethernet Switch
Selecting the ideal Ethernet switch depends on factors like:
- Number of devices to connect – Choose a switch with enough ports for current needs plus some extra capacity for expansion.
- Power over Ethernet – Determine if PoE ports are needed to deliver power over the Ethernet cable.
- Environment – Pick a fully waterproof model designed for marine use if the switch will be mounted outside.
- Network speed – 1Gbps Gigabit Ethernet provides the fastest performance for multiple high-bandwidth devices.
- Budget – Less expensive switches typically have fewer ports and lower network speeds.
- Mounting requirements – Verify the switch has suitable mounting options for installation on your boat.
Consulting the boat electronics installer or Humminbird directly can help determine the right switch and configuration for your application.
Typical Humminbird Ethernet Switch Setups
Here are some common ways Humminbird Ethernet switches are utilized:
Linking Multiple Fish Finders
A basic setup is connecting 3-4 separate fish finder units to the switch to allow networking them together and combining their scanning capabilities for complete sonar coverage around the boat.
Integrating Fish Finder with Chartplotter
The fish finder and chartplotter can link via Ethernet so sonar, navigation data and charts are shared between the components.
Complete Marine Electronics Network
Larger installations involve connecting fish finders, chartplotters, radar, thermal cameras, satellite weather receivers and other electronics through the Ethernet switch for fully integrated systems.
Fish Finder with Wireless Access Point
A PoE switch powers a WiFi access point to provide wireless connectivity from tablets and phones to access the fish finder remotely.
Integrating Security Cameras
Ethernet switches support adding security cameras that can be viewed on multi-function displays. This provides enhanced monitoring around the boat.
| Type of Device | Typical Ports Needed |
|---|---|
| Fish Finder | 1 port per unit |
| Chartplotter | 1-2 ports per unit |
| Radar | 1 port |
| Satellite Weather Receiver | 1 port |
| Thermal Camera | 1 port per camera |
| WiFi Access Point | 1 PoE port |
| IP Security Camera | 1 PoE port per camera |
Conclusion
In summary, a Humminbird Ethernet switch provides central connectivity for networking Humminbird fish finders, chartplotters, radars and other marine electronics on a boat. Key benefits include sharing data between units, remote display capability, flexible expandability and creating complete integrated systems spanning multiple devices and functions. Choosing the right Ethernet switch with sufficient ports, power over Ethernet if required and rugged waterproof construction allows building a high-performance marine electronics network to enhance fish finding, navigation, system integration and onboard awareness while on the water.
