When is it necessary or desirable to install a HS5 RayNet Network Switch?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

When is it necessary or desirable to install a HS5 RayNet Network Switch(es)?

The primary reasons why one would install a HS5 RayNet Network Switch(es) include:
- the system's MFD(s) do not feature sufficient Ethernet Network ports to support interfacing all compatible devices having an Ethernet communications interface to the system.
- redundancy within a system having more than one a/c/e/eS-Series MFD. In systems having more than one a/c/e/eS MFD where more than one of these MFDs has been interfaced the HS5 RayNet Network Switch(es) and to the SeaTalkng backbone, it would be possible to reconfigure this second a/c/eS-Series MFD to perform as the system's Data Master MFD in the unlikely event of a failure of the system's primary Data Master MFD.
- compatible devices having an Ethernet communications interface which are interfaced directly to a MFD's Ethernet Network port will not be accessible to other MFDs within the system when the MFD to which the device has been connected has been switched OFF. Note: this does not apply to gS-Series MFDs, as the Ethernet communications circuitry within the gS-Series MFDs will remain operational at all times except when the circuit supplying power to the gS-Series MFD has been switched OFF.
- simplified installation. Depending upon layout of the vessel, where the marine electronics will be installed, and how easy it will be to chase cables, it my be easier to lead the Ethernet communications cables from these devices to a HS5 RayNet Network Switch below decks where space and access may be better than in the area where the MFD(s) will be installed.

From a performance standpoint, there is no advantage to using a HS5 RayNet Network Switch should the total number of Ethernet Network ports of the MFDs be sufficient to support interfacing all compatible devices having an Ethernet communications interface to the system.

The gS-Series MFDs feature Gbps Ethernet Network ports. Accordingly, should the system feature gS-Series MFDs, then it is recommended that the Gbps port of the HS5 Network Switch(es) should be interfaced to the Ethernet Network port of the gS-Series MFDs to maximize the system's performance.

RAYFAQ#