The NMEA Router is a comprehensive and powerful software designed to manage and relay NMEA data. It can process all data in the NMEA standard from various devices. It supports the conversion and filtering data streams, enabling seamless integration and communication between different navigation and communication devices on board a ship. This makes it easy to manage and forward AIS data.

Developer	Neal Arundale
OS	Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10)
Version	v1.3.66 (06.11.2017)
Costs	free
Categories	AIS Forwarder
Pro	easy configuration multiple inputs and outputs manageable
Contra	only available for Windows

Once you understand the principles and structure of the NMEA Router, managing various devices and targets becomes very straightforward. You start by creating a Profile and then setting up Connections to receive data from a device or designate output targets. These different connections can then be linked through Routes to send data from one or multiple devices to a specific target or various targets.

Requirements

You can connect the receiver to your PC via USB or direct serial connection
You have identified the COM port assigned to the device on your computer
You have requested to share AIS data and have received the IP and port information
Your operating system is supported by this software

Configuration

Download the NMEA Router software here. Make sure that you choose the right software, as other applications are also offered for download. Install it, and start the application.

Start with creating a new profile: Configure → Profile → New

Label the profile with a name of your choice and click OK

Now create a new Connection (AIS receiver): Configure → Connection → New

It is always helpful to choose an appropriate Connection Name for the device to easily distinguish everything
For serial and USB devices, choose Serial as the Type of Connection
Click OK for the next form to configure the Serial Port

Choose the COM port as the device your receiver is connected to
The Baud Rate is normally 38400 or check your device manual
The Data Direction is Input
Save by clicking OK

Create a new output Connection: Configure → Connection → New

in order to name the connection clearly, choose for example "MarineTraffic"
as Connection Name
Select UDP/TCP as the Type of Connection
Click OK for the next form to configure UDP/TCP
As Protocol can be selected, UDP or TCP
As Data Direction, select Output
Add the sharing information that you received with your sharing request
- Remote Host - here, you can add the IP (5.9.207.224)
  or DNS address (listener.marinetraffic.com)
- Add the Remote Port that you received
Save by clicking OK

Generate a route so the data of the source can be sent to the receiver:
Configure → Route → New

In the field Between, select the Input Connection that you created
In the field And, select the Output Connection that you created
Make sure to activate the box Enabled
Save by clicking OK

Don't forget to save the profile.
When you close the software, you will be prompted to save the changes to the profile at the latest.

If the connection does not start automatically, you have to start it manually: Click on the Start button
Now, you can see how the data is being transferred

Add NMEA Router to Startup in Windows System Configuration, so you don't have to start the program manually each time, but you have to click Start.

Next, access your station on MarineTraffic to verify if the data is being received. Please allow a few minutes for the statistics to reflect a successful reception.

Links

What is the best Software for my needs

AIS Dispatcher

ShipPlotter

I already have an AIS Receiver with a serial port only, can I use it?

Can I avoid using a computer with my serial-port AIS Receiver?