Staying Connected while onboard

These days it seems almost everyone wants to be connected even when sailing/boating along the coast. Gone are the days of getting away from it all. Good or bad, here we look at Wifi  and Cell options for internet access.

Article overview and quick links

What is the best way to get online, either use your cell phone or use a Wifi connection? We will look at two examples of cruisers and the way they use the internet. Then we will look at the technology behind Cell Phone data systems and also Wifi data systems so we understand the technology.

After we have basic understanding we will look at Cell phone boosters. We will also look at increasing the Wifi signal that you can get on your lap top so you can get Wifi reception out on your anchorage.

We will look at more options to getting connected.

Then once we have connection well look at Skype the VOIP protocol that allows you to call home for free from anywhere in the World where you get an internet connection.

Then we go to the conclusion & other reading.

How do long distance cruisers communicate

Here are a couple of examples of cruisers and the mixture of communications they use.

Joe Boyle round the world cruiser has given the readers at SetSail his secrets on staying connected See his discussion on WiFI Here. 

Joe Boyle uses Wifi a lot and found Wifi access in 80% of the harbors and marinas they visited. They run an antenna up a halyard which increases Wifi reception 10 times. Once connected they use www.skype.com to call friends.

Joe uses this PCMCIA card from Broadband Express. Which costs $399 for this setup including the antenna.

A PCMCIA card is about 10 times the strength of the wireless that comes in your laptop, 300mw V 30mw.

Here is a different solution for a cruiser on the East Coast US.

Jeffrey Siegel. This is Jeffrey's components for his Cellular solution.

1. Wilson wired GSM dual-frequency cellular amplifier.
2. LMR-400 coax.
3. The best quality connectors possible.
4. Special connectors removing the need for any "patch" cables.
5. Shakespeare 4dB cellular antenna.
6. Cingular $40/mo all-you-can-eat data plan (to phones & PCs).

Quote. "My general finding is that WiFi isn't worth the effort of all the special hardware any longer. This is a sad conclusion. I've been using much of this WiFi hardware over the last three years with stellar success in the beginning. I believe that there are only two reasons (maybe three) to install and use amplified WiFi hardware: - You want access to WiFi connectivity at your home marina with known access points and the ability to connect to them."

Cell Phone Data transfer

Cell phones data plans work on what is called 2.5G signals and now the latest 3G or third generation. 3G provides high speed, broadband mobile internet access. Data plans are generally separate from voice plans.

T-Mobile and AT&T/Cingular operate on GSM (GSM is popular worldwide)

Verizon and Sprint operate on CDMA

For the new faster 3G service which is ever increasing in coverage; 

AT&T operates on GSM & HSDPA 

Verizon & Sprint operate on CDMA & EV-DO.

A broadband card from someone like Verizon or AT&T/ Cingular or Sprint can get you internet access for about $50-90/month. You can still get this service even up to 20 miles offshore, in some places.

Data speeds of 230kbps on these type of cards can be attained.

Wifi Data transfer

Wifi or wireless fidelity is more commonly associated with hot spots, marinas and places close to shore. You use the one installed in your laptop when you go to an internet cafe.

Wifi uses radio technologies called IEEE 802.11b and the newer 802.11g to transmit from an internet connection to the host computer. Hot spots refer to the areas around the internet connection that the 802 signal sends out. A hotspot is a small coverage area that provides internet access with a range of approx 300 feet. A hotzone is a large coverage area providing internet access up to 3 miles from a distribution point.

This diagram of the Syrens Wifi setup shows us the typical equipment used in setting up a Wifi installation that will greatly go beyond the wireless device internal to your laptop PC. These set ups allow you to get Wifi even out on an anchorage, up to 3 or 5 miles away.

Cell Phone boosters

Shakespeare

Cruisenet cellular router depending where you buy $1,622-$1,895 for the CN-2000.

CruiseNet™ is your own secure, high-speed, wireless network. You can send e-mails, surf the net, check online weather, and more… right from your boat. CruiseNet gives you high-speed uploads and downloads so you can send photos, music, and other files quickly and easily. Dual high gain antennas work together using performance enhancing antenna diversity.

Data speeds of 3mbps can be attained.

CruiseNet works on the EV-DO cellular network, i.e. Sprint, Verizon and Alltel for a subscription of $60/month and some 12* faster than a PC card. CruiseNet is fast! It’s many times faster than dialup, and higher Quality of Service than PCMCIA card-based systems that lack the power to maintain adequate connections, particularly in remote locations.

Linskys

Linksys 3G Afloat Mobile Wireless Router This is a cheaper option at $278.

Set up a wireless workspace anywhere you go on the Sprint PowerVision network. The new Linksys Wireless-G Router for Mobile Broadband enables you to share a mobile broadband Internet connection, anywhere that a 3G Network is available. 

With the Wireless-G Router for Mobile Broadband, you can create a secure wired or wireless network with Internet connectivity so colleagues, business associates and even clients can appreciate being able to connect to the Internet, share files & other network resources, and access emails when it matters. 

Wifi out on the mooring, Manufacturers

Port Networks

MWB-200 $350 introductory price and speeds of up to 54mbps.

Getting online with any of our Marine Wireless Bridge systems is as easy as plugging a standard network cable into the Ethernet port on your computer. Your computer doesn't have to have its own Wi-Fi adapter, or any other special hardware. The Marine Wireless Bridge does all the work, delivering the Internet to the computer just as if the computer were plugged into the wall at an office.

Our Marine Wireless Bridges have several advantages over built-in Wi-Fi, USB adapters, and similar systems:

Syrens 802.11 Wifi

The SYRENS EC-Series Wi-Fi functions as a wireless bridge and Ethernet converter in one package. If a HotSpot is available at the marina or near shore and provides public Internet access, SYRENS EC-Series Wi-Fi gets you on-line and keeps you connected...even at anchor. A waterproof enclosure houses a 24dbm amp & wifi Ethernet

Range is 3 to 5 and even 10 miles for the larger setup. $1895 and $599 for  Syrens Lite. distributed geosatsolutions

Seatech

This system uses an EnGenius EUB-362 EXT 200mw Internet Wifi adapter. The adapter connects to the computer through a standard USB2.0 port. The system uses a  HyperAmp Wifi 1 Watt Amplifier and a
HyperGain Wifi 2.4 GHz 8.5 dBi Omni directional Wireless LAN Marine Antenna. System cost $399.

EnGenius

EOC-3220-EXT $170.

Pushing outdoor range and functionality to its limits, EnGenius offers the latest in outdoor multipurpose Access Point / Client Bridge devices, the EOC-3220 EXT. The EOC-3220 series brings you the maximum range with its 400mW high wireless output power, and the flexibility you need for adaptable deployments such as industrial grade outdoor enclosure, antenna options, and 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) certification. Features such as 802.1x, WEP, and WPA provide security. Experience the best in outdoor wireless connectivity today with the EOC-3220 EXT

Skype

In a nutshell Skype connects two computers via the internet for voice communications and even with video. The VOIP protocol is what makes this happen. The software is free to download and use. I know friends who swear by Skype and Joe Boyle about also does.

You need a computer with internet capability like one of the systems above and the Skype software installed.  Most people get a headset so they can talk to the other end without the computers speakers. You can get the headset off the Skype web site.

Skype even has a book for dummies in its store. I like the books for dummies not because I am a dummy but that the book is laid out in a quick to understand format.

Other connection options

Skymate

For under $1,000 you get silver box e mail system, which connects to your computer. and VHF style antenna. Skymate is a "store and forward system" and charges by character. In addition to text only skymate offers the ability to send faxes and even voicemail, Weather downloads are also a benefit. The outgoing message is read by computerized voice and delivered to a phone number. Skymate is not GMDSS capable. The antenna is a 38 inch whip. Pricing is per character transmitted, ranging from a $16/month plan for 8,000 characters sent and received, to $70/month for 50,000 characters. Skymate coverage map  
Skymate has received full type approval by NOOA for its VMS Vessel Monitoring System which is required for fishing vessels.

KVH

Tracknet

High-speed data connections provided by EV-DO (Sprint, Verizon) service with upload/download speeds ranging from 400-700 Kbps and capable of reaching up to 2 Mbps. Low monthly fee and unlimited access to the Internet, email, and messaging.

In-motion, two-way access to MSN TV service directly on your vessel’s TV screens Wireless keyboard and remote for complete control of MSN TV service; 3W signal booster and external antenna to provide extended range and stronger signal strength 
Integrated WiFi compatible with WiFi-enabled laptops, PDAs, and other products. 

Probably one of the more expensive systems. TracNet 100 System and Whip Antenna $2,395 plus subscription $60-80/month.

Conclusion

We can see that Cellular can give us great range, but nowhere near the data transfer speeds of Wifi. On the Other hand Wifi has great speed (54mbps) but very little range offshore.

There are some new products on the market that combine Cell and Wifi and more being developed. We will look at these at a later date as they come on the market The advantage of these is that they will look for the better signal as one will not be best under all conditions.

Check the blog from Alan Spicer for more involved systems.

Other reading

Communications at Sea

This book is a complete guide to all forms of communication at sea. It examines the international marine use of cell phones, satellites, amateur radio, and email, cutting through the jargon and sales hype to enable readers to make the right choice for their needs. Comprehensive appendices on radio procedure, tables of radio frequencies and weather broadcast times provide invaluable reference information not available from any other single source.

Marine Amateur Radio

Developed by the United States Power Squadrons, the world's largest private, nonprofit boating organization, Marine Amateur Radio is a complete guide to the use of ham radio for two-way and network communications among boats and between boats and shore stations. Briefly, succinctly, and clearly, this sturdy handbook lays out the advantages of ham radio for boaters. It explains how to get an operator's license, how to select and install a receiver and antenna, and how to use the radio for voice and Morse code communications with other boats and to shore--including inexpensive telephone patches to home. It also shows readers how to link up with marine voice nets for weather and safety communication.