TZT16F has two Ethernet connections?

[wkearney99]

How are the two Ethernet connections different? There's no indication in the manual or the installation document explaining their differences. Nor is there any warning about making two connections to the same network (which is generally a bad plan for most other sorts of Ethernet devices).

I'm assuming if there's more than one TZT3 on the network that it'd be important for any other Ethernet devices be on the same external switch (like a HUB101) in order to have them share network data. As in, with a radar and AIS unit, put them and the TZT3 displays all into the same network.

So how are the Network 1/2 ports expected to be used? What're the known scenarios in which you'd use more than one of them?

Is it possible to use one of them to make the Internet connection via one of these ports instead of WiFi? As in, "network 1 - hub101 - 172.16.x.x only stuff" and "network 2 - local boat network and internet uplink". It'd certainly be helpful to be able to use the second port to make a hard-wired connection for internet services and not use WiFi at all.

 

[Johnny Electron]

How are the two Ethernet connections different?

There is no difference. If used; it is like a two port hub built into the unit. If you use them both, then you must count it as a hub in your overall system count. You are allowed a maximum of three hubs per Ethernet network. If you go beyond that it will cause delay problems. You are correct that you want the radar and sounder shared items on the same network. Larger systems really should consider only using one Ethernet connection on the MFDs so the max hub limit can be reserved for larger 5/8/16 port type hubs. The two connections are useful for small boats that might have just radar and one other network item and not wish to have an external hub at all. Every system design must consider how they network the items but DON'T exceed three hubs on a network.

 

[wkearney99]

Ok, interesting focus on the 3 hop limit, but that won't be an issue. The two TZT3 units, FA50 and radar are all into one 8 port switch, so they're good.

The other two MFD12 are connected to each other directly, with only one linked into the boat-wide N2K network. They get their AIS via the 0183-HS link from the FA50, as that's not passed by the TZT3 back out onto the N2K bus (as per previous discussions).

So is the presence of two Ethernet ports on the TZT3 for small boat setups? As a way to use up to two Ethernet-connected devices without a hub? I'll just use the RJ45 plug for the socket and ignore it.

 

[Johnny Electron]

So is the presence of two Ethernet ports on the TZT3 for small boat setups? As a way to use up to two Ethernet-connected devices without a hub? I'll just use the RJ45 plug for the socket and ignore it.

Correct.