Help with boat internet

[RussL]

I am really struggling with the quality of products and services, as well as information available about getting/improving internet on your boat. I know Satellite based systems are just stupid expensive and completely impractical for me, so I have eliminated that option. Starlink looks interesting, but they have no marine antenna yet, and it is waitlisted everywhere. That leaves me with cellular and WIFI extenders....

Lets start with WIFI. As I see it there are 2 categories of hardware available. the less expensive (sub $1000) options such as the ALFA Campro 2, the Vector, Rogue, etc. All with fairly short range extension around 400ft. Then you jump to the $2500+ options like Wave, Aigean Networks AN-7000, etc. Does anyone have experience with these systems? I don't mind paying more for hardware if it is better. I just want it to work.

Thanks,
Russ

[Phrancus]

Don't know about your US situation but for the sake of it that it may sparkle ideas here's our solution:

first we used each device individually, some over cell-network and the rest over the (paid) WiFi at the marina. That was a hassle as only one device could be logged in and switching devices was useless.

So I got out an old laptop and installed an extra WiFi antenna over USB, and with software (Connectify.me) I could create my own WiFi cloud while the laptop would keep the WiFi link to the marina stable and connected. Worked like a charm. Nice addon is that you can filter out advertising data. Except I had to keep the laptop on all the time.

Next generation of the solution will be a router/modem that accepts a SIM card for the data to the internet and will create our own WiFi cloud for all devices to connect to. Give that network the same name and password as at home and no device will need configuration hassle.

If you can use your phone as an access point for other devices, than such a router may be a practical solution.

[RussL]

Thanks, I use my iPad in that way now for cellular coverage, but I am looking to work remotely from time to time, and I need a reliable connection. I have actually been considering the GlowMex, Wave, or Digital Yacht solution that combines WiFi boot and cellular. The thing is they are relatively expensive and there just isn’t a lot of good information out there. I don’t see many people reviewing or talking about how well they work.

[Helmsman]

Starlink has an RV solution out now. The satellite costs 599 and then 135 a month. Download speeds are around 200-250 mbs and upload around 30mbs. The motor is postulated to not be extremely robust, but the screen has receivers all along the curves, so movement is less than you might first think. Many, many boaters are moving to Starlink.

Here is a pretty robust discussion on it. The last few pages of the post discuss the RV solution.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s4/ ... 61866.html

[dssking]

I just installed Starlink RV on my 396 and it works flawlessly. Can stream all day long, surf, etc. No issues.

Pricey solution, but reliable and is what I needed to be the "Office on the lake:.

[JimN]

QR_BBPOST I am really struggling with the quality of products and services, as well as information available about getting/improving internet on your boat. I know Satellite based systems are just stupid expensive and completely impractical for me, so I have eliminated that option. Starlink looks interesting, but they have no marine antenna yet, and it is waitlisted everywhere. That leaves me with cellular and WIFI extenders....

Lets start with WIFI. As I see it there are 2 categories of hardware available. the less expensive (sub $1000) options such as the ALFA Campro 2, the Vector, Rogue, etc. All with fairly short range extension around 400ft. Then you jump to the $2500+ options like Wave, Aigean Networks AN-7000, etc. Does anyone have experience with these systems? I don't mind paying more for hardware if it is better. I just want it to work.

Thanks,
Russ

What range from the land-based network do you need? If you're not going extremely far, maybe Cradlepoint would work. If you want a cellular booster, Wilson and Shakespeare have those.

[kgarguilo]

In the past I have used Cradlepoint first the MBR1200 then graduated to the AER1600 with two modems (Verizon) That only gave me 150gbits per month x 2. plus I have the cheap Marina internet for watching TV <20mbits unlimited. I sold that boat and have moved to the T-Mobile Home wireless internet for everything now. Getting 320meg downloads and 8- meg up. The wifi is adequate out of the box for a Carver 406. 3 TVs a PC and various other wifi connected appliances. Back to cradlepoint a solid product line and GREAT customer support. Yes you pay annually but, it was worth it

[JimN]

QR_BBPOST In the past I have used Cradlepoint first the MBR1200 then graduated to the AER1600 with two modems (Verizon) That only gave me 150gbits per month x 2. plus I have the cheap Marina internet for watching TV <20mbits unlimited. I sold that boat and have moved to the T-Mobile Home wireless internet for everything now. Getting 320meg downloads and 8- meg up. The wifi is adequate out of the box for a Carver 406. 3 TVs a PC and various other wifi connected appliances. Back to cradlepoint a solid product line and GREAT customer support. Yes you pay annually but, it was worth it

How far can you stray from the 'home' location for the T-Mobile device? I called them last week about using it at home and they told me I can't because the local cell doesn't have any open ports, but I didn't feel like spending more time on the phone, trying to get better answers. Their website indicated that I can't get it at my address, too.

[kgarguilo]

Try using another address you have access to as many others have done. I just walked down the dock to the end, so through other boats and I got 200 ft before the signal went from green -60db to the yellow on a wifi analizer on my phone. Still had signal, but not ideal at 200'. Also, placement matters, if i was to place it on the cockpit, I could likely get further. Minein inthe salon inthe old tv on in the starboard wall unit. Hope this helps