Future standards for marine Ethernet networks

A clear overview of why onboard networks are becoming Ethernet-based, what standardization means for interoperability between navigation, radar, and AIS systems, and how to plan for scalability and secure operation.

As the marine Industry Terms becomes increasingly digitized, the need for fast, secure, and standardized networks onboard increases. Ethernet has become a key component in this shift, and two important standards driving this development are IEC 61162-450 and IEC 61162-460.

What is IEC 61162-450?

IEC 61162-450 is an international standard that defines how digital communication between vessel systems should occur via Ethernet. It is part of the IEC 61162 series and focuses on enabling data transfer between multiple transmitters and receivers in a network.

The purpose of the standard is to:

• Support data formats according to IEC 61162-1, -2, and -3 (including NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000)
• Ensure interoperability between equipment from different Manufacturers
• Enable fast and reliable communication

The network is limited to OSI layers 1 and 2, meaning that only physical components such as switches and cables are included – which simplifies and secures communication.

Areas of application

IEC 61162-450 is used in:

• Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS)
• Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
• Radar and AIS systems
• Voyage Data Recorders (VDR)
• Autonomous and remotely controlled vessels

Its Ethernet-based structure enables scalable communication with high bandwidth – crucial for modern digital vessels.

What are tag blocks?

In IEC 61162-450, tag blocks are used as metadata to authenticate and identify messages. These are particularly important in networks with multiple devices, where clear labeling improves both performance and security.

Examples of tag block elements:

• s: – source (e.g., sensor ID)
• c: – timestamp
• a: – authentication
• *XX – checksum

In NMEA 2000, text-based tag blocks are not used; instead, metadata is embedded in the binary message format via PGN (Parameter Group Numbers).

What does IEC 61162-460 add?

IEC 61162-460 is an addition to the 450 standard and focuses on security, isolation, and network monitoring. It is particularly important in environments where systems are exposed to external threats or where redundancy and isolation are critical.

Key features:

• IGMP snooping to reduce unnecessary traffic
• SFI collision detection for quick troubleshooting
• 460-Forwarders that act as firewalls between secure and insecure zones

With increasing cyber threats to vessel networks, IEC 61162-460 is an important component for protecting navigation and control systems. According to Industry Terms reports, the economic consequences of marine cyber incidents have increased by almost 200% since 2022, with average ransom amounts exceeding $3 million.

Conclusion

Together, IEC 61162-450 and 460 form the backbone of modern marine Ethernet networks. With 450, we get fast and compatible data communication, while 460 adds the security layers required for future autonomous and connected vessels.

Actisense and the future

The development team at Actisense is already working on implementing these standards in their PRO series of buffers and multiplexers, with launch planned for the second quarter of 2026.