Name a method to manage network load when many devices publish high-frequency data.

• A. Introduce more devices without addressing.
• B. Use message-specific PGNs with appropriate update rates.
• C. Increase all update rates to maximum.
• D. Remove gateways.

Answer: (B)

Controlling which data is sent and how often is the key to keeping a busy NMEA 2000 network from getting swamped. Each device can publish many PGNs, and high-frequency broadcasts from many devices can fill the CAN bus. By using only the necessary PGNs and setting their update rates to appropriate levels, you limit unnecessary traffic while still delivering the essential information. This selective, rate-aware approach reduces load without losing critical data.

Why not the other ideas: adding more devices without addressing data volume just compounds the congestion. cranking update rates up to the maximum directly increases bus load. removing gateways doesn’t tackle the underlying traffic issue and can remove useful filtering/routing that helps manage data flow.