Which statement best describes how NMEA 2000 differs from NMEA 0183?

Which statement best describes how NMEA 2000 differs from NMEA 0183?

• A. NMEA 2000 uses RS-232; NMEA 0183 uses CAN.
• B. NMEA 2000 is wireless; NMEA 0183 is wired.
• C. NMEA 2000 uses a multi-device CAN-based network with PGNs and node addressing, whereas NMEA 0183 uses simple point-to-point ASCII sentences without a bus.
• D. NMEA 2000 uses serial RS-232; 0183 uses USB.

Answer: (C)

The difference being tested is how the two standards handle data sharing and network structure. NMEA 2000 is a multi-device CAN-based network where many instruments can be connected on one bus. It uses PGNs (Parameter Group Numbers) to define what data is being sent and includes node addressing so each device on the network can be identified and addressed. In contrast, NMEA 0183 is a simple, point-to-point system that transmits ASCII sentences over a basic serial link without a bus, no PGNs, and no network addressing across multiple devices. That’s why the best description is the one that says NMEA 2000 uses a multi-device CAN-based network with PGNs and node addressing, whereas NMEA 0183 uses simple point-to-point ASCII sentences without a bus. The other options misstate the technology (for example, NMEA 2000 is not wireless and does not use USB; NMEA 0183 is not USB and is not a CAN-based system).

The difference being tested is how the two standards handle data sharing and network structure. NMEA 2000 is a multi-device CAN-based network where many instruments can be connected on one bus. It uses PGNs (Parameter Group Numbers) to define what data is being sent and includes node addressing so each device on the network can be identified and addressed. In contrast, NMEA 0183 is a simple, point-to-point system that transmits ASCII sentences over a basic serial link without a bus, no PGNs, and no network addressing across multiple devices.

That’s why the best description is the one that says NMEA 2000 uses a multi-device CAN-based network with PGNs and node addressing, whereas NMEA 0183 uses simple point-to-point ASCII sentences without a bus. The other options misstate the technology (for example, NMEA 2000 is not wireless and does not use USB; NMEA 0183 is not USB and is not a CAN-based system).