Lowrance NEP-2 000-10029-001 Network Expansion Port

Lowrance NEP-2 000-10029-001 — Network Expansion Port, 5-Port Marine Ethernet Switch

Overview

The Lowrance NEP-2 (000-10029-001) is a five-port marine Ethernet network switch designed to expand compatible Lowrance and Simrad electronics networks. It allows multiple multifunction displays, radar systems, sonar modules, and other Ethernet-enabled accessories to share chart, waypoint, route, radar, and sonar data across the vessel through a single high-speed marine network. The NEP-2 is plug-and-play with no software configuration required — connect power and compatible devices and the network is live.

Important: The NEP-2 is a marine Ethernet switch — it is not an NMEA 2000 backbone hub and is not used for NMEA 2000 sensor data. Devices connected to the NEP-2 must support the appropriate Lowrance/Simrad Ethernet networking standard.

Kit Contents

• 1 × NEP-2 five-port network expansion module
• 1 × 2 m / 6.56 ft 4-pin power cable (Lowrance 032-0055-08)
• 4 × mounting screws
• Installation documentation

Key Features

• 5 Ethernet ports — connects multiple displays and compatible Ethernet accessories simultaneously
• Shares radar, sonar, chart, waypoint, and route data across all connected displays
• 12V / 24V DC operation — direct connection to vessel electrical system
• Plug-and-play — no network configuration or software setup required
• Waterproof / water-resistant marine-grade construction
• Compact module design — mounts in helm panel, electronics cabinet, or protected console location

Compatible Applications

• Multi-display Lowrance HDS series helm installations requiring additional Ethernet ports
• Lowrance and Simrad Ethernet networks connecting radar, sonar modules, and multifunction displays
• Helm builds where the number of displays or Ethernet accessories exceeds the available ports on a single display
• Adding radar or sonar modules to an existing Lowrance/Simrad Ethernet network
• Any compatible Lowrance or Simrad Ethernet marine electronics installation needing network expansion

Installation Notes

• Mount in a protected location away from direct spray and electrical interference sources
• Connect directly to the vessel’s 12V or 24V DC supply using the included 4-pin power cable
• Connect compatible Ethernet devices to the available network ports using appropriate Ethernet extension cables
• No AC power adapter or software configuration required
• Verify each connected device is compatible with the Lowrance/Simrad Ethernet networking standard before installation
• Older Lowrance HDS and Simrad NSE displays should be verified for interoperability before combining on the same Ethernet network

Technical Notes

• The NEP-2 is an Ethernet switch — not an NMEA 2000 junction block or backbone hub; do not use it to expand an NMEA 2000 sensor network
• All five ports are standard Lowrance/Simrad marine Ethernet — use compatible yellow-jacket Ethernet cables for connections
• Refer to your display’s networking diagram to plan port allocation before installation
• If a connected device does not appear on the network after installation, confirm the Ethernet cable is fully seated at both ends and that the device is powered

Alternate Part Numbers

• Lowrance: 000-10029-001
• Power cable: 032-0055-08
• UPC: 042194535593

Parts Desk Insights

Best Use Case: The NEP-2 is the solution when a customer is building out a multi-display helm and runs out of Ethernet ports on their primary display, or when they’re adding a radar or sonar module that needs to talk to more than one screen. It’s especially common on larger vessels with dedicated nav stations, a helm station, and a flybridge — anywhere you need the same chart and radar data visible at multiple positions.

Common Issues: The most frequent confusion is customers trying to use the NEP-2 as an NMEA 2000 hub — it won’t work for that application at all. Make sure customers understand the distinction: Ethernet carries high-bandwidth data like radar and sonar between displays, while NMEA 2000 carries sensor data from depth sounders, GPS antennas, and instruments. The other common issue is a device not appearing on the network after connection — almost always a cable not fully seated, a device that isn’t powered, or an older unit that isn’t compatible with the network generation.

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