Humminbird AS-ETH-5PGL 5 Port Ethernet Switch

The Humminbird AS-ETH-5PGL (part 411850-1) is the 5-port Ethernet switch designed for building a multi-display Humminbird fishfinder network on the boat. Connect up to five compatible Humminbird fishfinders (or other Ethernet-compatible Humminbird devices like radar, MEGA Live, TargetLock, and the AS ETH NMEA2K interface) to a single switch and they share sonar, charts, waypoints, and routes across the entire network. For larger boats with more than five Ethernet devices, link multiple AS-ETH-5PGL switches together to scale up to 20 devices on one network. Built specifically for the Humminbird Ethernet ecosystem.

What an Ethernet switch does on a boat. The Humminbird Ethernet network is the backbone that lets multiple Humminbird devices share data with each other. With one fishfinder, you don't need a switch. With two devices, you can run a single Ethernet cable between them point-to-point. With three or more devices (which is the typical serious-fishing boat config), you need a switch to interconnect them. The switch acts as the central hub: each device plugs into the switch, the switch routes data between all connected devices, and any device can talk to any other device on the network. Think of it as the network hub for the boat's electronics.

The 5-port count is sized for the typical multi-display fishing rig. A common config: two fishfinders at the helm (a primary and a secondary for split-screen redundancy), one fishfinder at the bow for the angler on the trolling motor, MEGA Live transducer interface, and a TargetLock interface. That's 5 devices, exactly fills the switch. For larger boats running additional Ethernet hardware (multiple MEGA Live transducers, additional displays, radar interface, NMEA 2000 gateway), add a second AS-ETH-5PGL and link the two switches together with one Ethernet cable between them. Each additional switch adds another 4 usable ports (one port goes to the inter-switch link).

Compatibility. Works with all current and recent Humminbird fishfinders that have Ethernet capability: XPLORE, APEX, SOLIX, HELIX G4N, and HELIX G3N. Also works with the Humminbird MEGA Live, TargetLock, AS ETH NMEA2K (Ethernet-to-NMEA-2000 gateway), Humminbird radar, the trolling motor Ethernet interface for compatible Humminbird-network trolling motors, and the AS ETH 5PXG and other Humminbird Ethernet switches. Older non-Ethernet HELIX models can connect via the AS EC QDE adapter cable (sold separately).

The connection status lights are the troubleshooting feature that makes Ethernet networks practical to wire and diagnose. Each port has its own status LED. Amber LED means a connection in the older 100Mbps generation devices (XPLORE, HELIX G4N and G3N, AS ETH NMEA2K, compatible trolling motor, radar). Green LED means a connection in the newer 1000Mbps gigabit generation (APEX, SOLIX, MEGA Live, TargetLock, AS ETH 5PXG, AS ETH 5PGL). The amber power light at the front of the switch confirms the switch is receiving 12V power. Solid LED means connected and idle. Flashing LED means data transfer in progress. No LED on a connected port means a wiring or device problem to investigate.

The mixed amber-green LED behavior is intentional and useful. The switch handles both 100Mbps and 1000Mbps speeds simultaneously, with each port auto-negotiating to the connected device's capability. So you can have an APEX (gigabit) and a HELIX G4N (100Mbps) on the same switch without performance issues, the switch just runs each port at the right speed. The LED color tells you what speed each port is running, which is useful for troubleshooting (a port unexpectedly running 100Mbps when you connected a gigabit device usually indicates a cable issue).

Wiring the network. Use Humminbird Ethernet cables (specific lengths sold separately based on your install) to connect each device to the switch. The Humminbird Ethernet connector is a screw-collar marine-rated connector, not the RJ45 connector you'd see on a home networking setup. Don't try to substitute consumer-grade Ethernet cables and adapters. the Humminbird connectors are sealed for marine use and the cables are jacketed for marine harness routing. For HELIX devices that don't have the modern Ethernet connector, use the AS EC QDE adapter cable (sold separately) to connect them to this switch.

Power. The switch runs on 12V DC and draws very little current (the unit is power-efficient). Wire it to a switched 12V circuit on the boat (so the switch powers up and down with the rest of the electronics, not always on draining the battery). The amber power LED at the front confirms power is present.

Mounting. The switch comes with mounting hardware for installation in the boat. Mount in any sheltered location with reasonable airflow around the case. Behind the dash, in a sealed equipment locker, or in any dry compartment is fine. Avoid mounting in the bilge or in any area with regular water exposure (the switch is rated for marine helm conditions but isn't fully waterproof for immersion).

Network design tips. Plan the cable routing before you start the install. Run the Ethernet cables along existing wire harness paths and protect them with chase tubes or split loom. Avoid running Ethernet cables alongside high-current AC or DC power cables (electromagnetic interference can degrade Ethernet performance over long runs). Keep cable lengths under the standard Ethernet 100-meter limit per cable run (which is way more than any boat will ever need). For installs where cable runs would exceed reasonable lengths, place additional switches at intermediate locations to break up the run.

What's in the box. The AS-ETH-5PGL Ethernet switch, the 12V power cable, and the mounting hardware. Ethernet cables are sold separately based on your install requirements. The AS EC QDE adapter cables for connecting older HELIX models without modern Ethernet connectors are also sold separately.

What this isn't. It is not a router (no internet access or NAT functionality, just a Layer 2 Ethernet switch for the local Humminbird network). It is not a wireless access point (this is wired Ethernet only). It is not compatible with non-Humminbird Ethernet devices (the connectors are Humminbird-specific). It is not a NMEA 2000 device (different protocol, different connectors).

1-Year Limited Humminbird warranty. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units.