What is the purpose of a car navigation protocol box?
2 Answers
Navigation protocol box is a square box connected to the navigation tail wire, which enables information communication between the vehicle computer and the navigation system. When installing a car navigation system, a corresponding protocol box is required; otherwise, issues like inability to power off or turn on may occur. It is more commonly used in high-end vehicles to decode functions such as the original car's air conditioning display and door opening information, ensuring that the installation of the navigation system does not affect other auxiliary functions of the vehicle. Car navigation systems feature GPS global satellite positioning, allowing drivers to always know their exact location while driving. With functions like automatic voice navigation and optimal route search, car navigation systems help drivers find the quickest path. The integrated office and entertainment features make driving more relaxed and efficient.
When using an aftermarket navigation system, the protocol box plays a crucial role—it acts like an interpreter, enabling the navigation unit to understand the vehicle's 'language.' Its main function is to connect to the car's internal CAN bus network, read data such as vehicle speed, turn signal status, and reverse signals, and then transmit this information to the navigation system. This allows the navigation to display real-time information, such as automatically switching to the rearview camera when reversing or adjusting map updates based on speed. Without it, the navigation may lag or become inaccurate. I once saw a friend's navigation fail completely when their protocol box malfunctioned, and repairing it was quite troublesome. It's advisable to choose a compatible brand during installation and have it professionally installed to ensure stable wiring. Though small, this little box is a critical piece of hardware, making daily driving safer and more convenient, especially during long trips or reversing, saving a lot of distraction.
