The modern boat, whether for recreation or business, relies on advanced systems and internet connectivity to enhance safety, navigation, operations, and passenger experience. Having fast, reliable networking onboard has become an absolute necessity to utilize these technologies to their full potential.
However, achieving uninterrupted connectivity on the water is extremely challenging compared to on land. This makes purpose-built marine networking equipment a must.
At Aigean Networks, we deeply understand the unique requirements of networking on boats and have the specialized solutions to address them. This article explores the importance of reliable networking for modern vessels along with how Aigean’s products deliver the performance and redundancy needed offshore.
Why Networking on Boats is So Challenging
On today's boats, nearly every system from navigation to entertainment requires high-speed internet access. But establishing and maintaining this connectivity offshore comes with a unique set of difficulties.
Limited Internet Access Options
On land, you can choose from cable, DSL, fiber, and fixed wireless services with speeds up to 1 Gbps. For boats, there are only a few internet access options:
Cellular data – LTE and 5G cellular provide good bandwidth near shore but performance drops off offshore as you move out of range. And cellular reception can be intermittent as you navigate around obstructions.
Traditional Satellite – Services like VSAT allow boats to get internet access offshore but maximum speeds are around 20Mbps. Latency is also very high which impacts real-time applications.
Starlink - In recent months, Starlink has dramatically improved connection speeds at a lower cost, but a lot of the typical satellite internet limitations apply. While speeds are much improved, latency remains invariably high compared to terrestrial broadband connections and, just as traditional satellite coverage, service is impacted by weather and physical obstructions, which can cause intermittent outages. With continued enhancements in satellite technology and proliferation of low earth orbit constellations like Starlink, satellite internet will likely play an increasing role in connectivity at sea.
Marina Wi-Fi – When docked near a marina, Wi-Fi access may be available but the range is limited. So you lose signal as soon as the boat leaves the slip. Typically, when available, this option provides the fastest speed, lowest latency, and lowest price (often free!) compared to other options.
Cellular, satellite, and marina Wi-Fi each have significant limitations for delivering consistent high-speed bandwidth to vessels offshore. And no single connection type can provide continuous connectivity as conditions and location changes.
Intermittent Connectivity
On top of bandwidth constraints, boat internet connections come and go as you move around:
Cellular signals get spotty or drop out completely as you go out of range offshore.
Obstructions like bridges, mountains, and even waves can intermittently block satellite signals.
Marina Wi-Fi only works within relatively close range and generally cuts out past the breakwater.
Dead zones and intermittent connectivity make boat networks unreliable. Critical systems can be disrupted and passengers frustrated.
Slower Speeds
Even when cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi connections are available offshore, bandwidth is far lower than land-based services:
LTE cellular offers speeds of just 10-20 Mbps under perfect conditions. 5G is faster near shore but range dropoff is extreme, limiting usable distance.
The highest VSAT satellite internet speed is around 20 Mbps but average is only 3-4 Mbps. Latency is also very high.
Maritime Starlink can offer speeds in excess of 100 Mbps at a lower monthly cost, but with latency spikes, constant pricing structure changes, and at-scale uncertainties can
Marina Wi-Fi typically offers stable speeds in excess of 25 Mbps at marinas with dated infrastructure, but most are capable of 250+ Mbps with high-speed backhauls and dockside access points. Distance and line-of-sight are limiting factors.
Speeds of these maritime services often don’t match user expectations. Slow bandwidth means agonizingly long waits for web pages and apps to load. Streaming video buffers constantly. Large file downloads can take hours.
Contending with slow offshore bandwidth makes delivering acceptable performance onboard very difficult.
Harsh Marine Environments
The marine environment is extremely harsh on electronics with constant motion, vibration, moisture, and corrosive salt air. Standard networking gear will deteriorate and fail quickly offshore.
Marine grade equipment rated for water, rust, and shock is mandatory but adds cost and complexity. Boat networking hardware needs specialized designs to withstand the demanding conditions.
The combination of limited connectivity options, intermittent signal reception, constrained bandwidth, and harsh environments makes uninterrupted networking almost impossible on boats.
Without purpose-built solutions, you simply can't rely on the level of connectivity that land-based networks provide.
The Aigean Advantage
At Aigean Networks, we engineer specialized networking equipment to handle the rigors of marine use and deliver reliable performance offshore.
Our marine-grade multi-WAN routers, Wi-Fi bridges, and Wi-Fi access points are designed from the ground up for the challenges of boats and yachts. Here are some key advantages Aigean offers:
Redundant Internet Links
We build advanced multi-WAN routers that can connect a vessel’s network to multiple internet connections like Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite. Automatic failover capability means that if one link drops, your traffic instantly switches to another for continued connectivity. These routers also offer “failback” capabilities to ensure you’re always on the best internet connection.
Rugged Hardware
All Aigean hardware utilizes marine-grade components and rugged designs able to withstand the rigors of marine environments.
We use powder coated aluminum enclosures, marine-rated connectors, and conformal coated circuit boards, where applicable. Shock mounting, stabilization platforms, and solid state drives enhance reliability.
Our hardware is proven to survive years of use in harsh offshore and coastal environments on recreational and commercial vessels.
Advanced Wireless Solutions
Aigean's Wi-Fi access points, routers, bridges, and repeaters are specifically engineered to handle the RF challenges offshore and onboard.
We employ unique directional, high-gain antennas to ensure maximum connection speed with our Wi-Fi bridges, and provide extensive Wi-Fi coverage on boats of any size with our access points.
Our solutions allow fast roaming and symmetrical performance even under heavy loads so multiple devices can connect seamlessly.
Integrated Solutions
We make it easy to integrate our equipment into both new and existing networks on recreational and commercial vessels.
Aigean routers work with any WAN source and seamlessly take over management of failover.
Our Wi-Fi systems are designed for straight-forward integration with existing onboard networks and electronics.
World-Class Support
We pride ourselves on our world-class support.
Whether you need pre-sales consultation, troubleshooting, or installation assistance - Aigean's network and hardware engineers can provide fast, top-tier service and support.
Use Cases
Reliable onboard connectivity unlocks a variety of key capabilities by allowing marine systems to utilize internet access offshore.
Here are some examples of how Aigean's equipment enables robust networking for both recreational and commercial boats:
Navigation & Safety
Modern chart plotters, autopilots, radar, and communication systems rely on constant data feeds for operation.
Onboard internet connectivity allow access to critical real-time information like:
Up-to-date charts and depth maps
Live weather and sea state reports
Vessel monitoring and tracking data
Email, voice, and video comms
Aigean's multi-WAN routers with cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite provide the redundancy needed to maintain this operational connectivity 24/7 offshore.
Interruptions to navigation and safety systems can be dangerous. Our reliable networking hardware minimizes the risk.
Entertainment
Passengers expect full access to online media and entertainment offshore just like they have on land.
Robust connectivity enables services like:
Video and music streaming
Social media, texting, and calling
Web browsing
Multiplayer gaming
Video conferencing
Aigean Wi-Fi systems allow fast roaming wireless access throughout the vessel. Our on-board networking support can handle hundreds of simultaneously connected devices without skipping a beat.
This keeps everyone connected and entertained anywhere offshore.
Monitoring & Control
Advanced telemetry and control systems need constant connectivity to operate equipment and stream sensor data.
Aigean's redundant multi-WAN routers maintain always-on access for:
Engine/genset monitoring
Fuel/tank level sensors
Pumps, valves, lighting controls
Security cameras
GPS tracking
Remote system control
With our reliable hardware, you can implement monitoring and automation systems confidently knowing connectivity will be maintained offshore.
Business Operations
On commercial vessels like fishing boats and cargo ships, internet enables:
Transmitting catch data
Complying with vessel tracking regulations
Connecting with onshore operations
Receiving work assignments
Diagnosing mechanical issues remotely
Aigean provides the offshore network availability and bandwidth critical for managing commercial marine operations.
Guest Internet Access
Whether docked or at anchor, onboard guests need access to the internet via Wi-Fi on their mobile devices, especially when cell phone connections are diminished or non-existent.
Aigean Wi-Fi solutions allow you to:
Provide Wi-Fi access to guests throughout the boat
Extend your onboard network to the marina Wi-Fi when docked
Our marine-grade equipment lets you deliver fast guest connectivity in both close and remote anchorage locations.
And Much More...
Reliable onboard connectivity enables many other capabilities like:
Wireless CCTV monitoring
Environment sensor platforms
eLog catch reporting
Crew/guest content portals
Networked AV systems
And more...
Aigean Networks provide the robust, redundant connections for virtually any connectivity need offshore.
Partnering with Aigean
At Aigean Networks, we're experts in delivering the reliable wired and wireless connectivity demanded by technology-driven vessels.
With purpose-built marine networking equipment, Aigean solutions unlock the full potential of onboard systems and internet access offshore.
We design, manufacture, install and support robust networking for:
Recreational yachts and motorboats
Fishing and commercial boats
Passenger cruisers
Eco-excursion vessels
Marine research ships
Aigean Networks has delivered specialized connectivity solutions for thousands of private and commercial marine customers across the globe.
To learn more about how our reliable equipment can improve your onboard systems and passenger experience through robust, redundant networking offshore, please contact us today!