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Tech Talk with SeaBits
CHOOSING AN ONBOARD INTERNET SYSTEM by Steve Mitchell
More than ever, people need to stay connected while on their boats, but figuring out where to start when setting up a system can be daunting. Many purpose-built boating systems can be complex and cost a lot of money, and most provide very lackluster results. Using home equipment can result in frustration, and end up only solving part of the problem. In light of the array of options and challenges, let’s focus on sailors who want internet access while cruising and anchored, and look at both ends of the spectrum in terms of internet usage. I won’t address offshore access (yet) because of cost and complexity. The goal will be to keep the choices as simple as possible to help guide you to one general area. HOW DO YOU USE THE INTERNET? Understanding how you want to use the internet is important in choosing a system. This has to do with the types of activities you use the internet for, how many people will be aboard, and how much data or traffic you will be generating. If you are only checking weather reports and email, sending texts, and making an occasional phone call; and there are two people or less aboard—you’re likely a “normal” user. Normal users have a lot more flexibility in what they can choose because their requirements demand less capacity and the system will most likely be less expensive. If you have more than two people aboard, are watching videos online, streaming Netflix, doing Zoom calls, and have a lot of devices—then you’re considered a “high-end” user. High48º NORTH
end users will need to invest in a better system to handle the traffic and the number of people using it. Many people try the smaller or cheaper options, and end up being frustrated or having a system that won’t handle the activity or number of users. A family of four can have significant requirements—two devices for each person and perhaps a TV with streaming capabilities can be a demanding setup. CHOOSING A SYSTEM The two most common internet systems to choose from are a hotspot device or a dedicated cellular router. Hotspot devices are small, about the size of a stack of credit cards, and have a cellular connection and WiFi router all built in a compact package. Cellular routers are purpose-built devices that usually are much larger, can run directly off of DC battery power, have a bunch of antennas, and are meant for more devices and traffic. If you are a “normal” user with only a couple of people and pretty simple needs, a hotspot device will likely work fine for you. Combine this with a cellular booster (see my article in the March 2020 issue of 48° North for details on boosters) if you go to remote locations, and you have a flexible system that can be easily upgraded. Hotspots are usually only a couple hundred dollars at most, and are easy to replace when technology is updated. Phones also have hotspots, but they are far more limited in range and capability than a dedicated device, although they may work for simple use cases. Hotspots usually have small screens
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Netgear Nighthawk M1 Hotspot device. that allow you to see connection information, battery level, and other useful details. They have a simple web interface or app you can use from your phone to control them, and usually only work well with one cellular provider. The downside of a hotspot is that cell phone providers limit the number of devices that can connect to a hotspot, and the range of the WiFi network the hotspot creates is limited. Sometimes these limits can be very low, so carefully check the device and plan to make sure there are enough even for simple use cases. Hotspots also do not typically have physical ethernet ports, if you have devices that require that. If you are a “high-end” user with multiple people aboard streaming videos and need excellent connectivity, you’ll likely need a cellular router. Cellular routers are more specialized than your average home router and cost quite a bit more, but they have the benefit of being able to connect to the internet and create a local WiFi network that is very powerful. They also typically have a wealth of tools J U LY 2 0 2 0
