What is a key advantage of the CAN-based architecture used by NMEA 2000?

• A. Multi-device communication on a single trunk.
• B. Higher power consumption.
• C. Point-to-point only communication.
• D. No addressing needed.

Answer: (A)

The big advantage is that many devices can talk over a single shared backbone. In a CAN-based NMEA 2000 network, all nodes connect to one trunk with drop cables, so you can add sensors, displays, and controllers without wiring a separate link between every pair. This simplifies wiring, makes expansion easy, and keeps the network scalable while still allowing simultaneous communications through CAN’s arbitration. The other statements don’t fit: CAN networks don’t inherently use more power, they aren’t limited to point-to-point only, and addressing is part of how messages are identified and delivered on the bus.