INTERNET ON BOARD

More and more boaters want access to internet afloat. Marinas and ports as well as a large number of cafes, hotels, restaurants and service providers offer WiFi connectivity but you may just miss that vital connection if you’re moored or anchored away from the dock. Internet access afloat really adds to boating.
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Why have internet on board?

More and more boaters want access to internet afloat. Marinas and ports as well as a large number of cafes, hotels, restaurants and service providers offer WiFi connectivity but you may just miss that vital connection if you’re moored or anchored away from the dock. Internet access afloat really adds to boating.

Not only can you keep abreast of news and email, but it’s a great source of entertainment, TV and media when allowing you take advantage of the latest entertainment services such as Netflix and Spotify. It can also be used to download the latest weather information. Free GRIB files are available to integrate with PC navigation programs to provide animated weather forecasts with wind, swell, pressure and temperature information.

On board internet connectivity can also help to entertain children and family when undertaking long passages. The ability to stream their favourite movies or TV shows through numerous entertainment platforms can make those long journeys that little more entertaining.

Which solution to get internet on board?

Whilst on board, you can access the internet through Satellite, 4G systems and WiFi booster. Satellite provides a trans-ocean solution but at a high price and substantial running cost. Digital Yacht has a range of 4G Booster and WiFi Booster :

 

4G/5G Router

Nexux Connect, 4G Xtream and 5G Xtream offer internet connectivity up to 25NM from the coast through 4G/LTE connectivity which fulfils 99% of the recreational boating industry’s requirement. Simply insert a SIM card and you have your own independent internet network without hunting for WiFi access points and passwords.

The 4G Xtream offers an ultra fast CAT6 modem with dual SIM card readers, built-in GPS as well as an NMEA 2000 interface for navigation app connectivity.

They create a local WiFi (or wired) network on board for other devices to connect and they can also connect to another internet source and switch between the connections.

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Long Range WiFi

Digital Yacht make a range of high power WiFi antenna which offer easy and cheap data access with ranges of up to 5NM. WiFi is cheap, global and fast and for many coastal sailors, it’s ideal.

Wi-Fi range depends on many local factors, but Digital Yacht has seen ranges of up to 4-6 miles with this low cost system. In general, using an internal Wi-Fi adaptor typically found on a laptop/smartphone, you’ll be lucky to find the signal at the end of the dock, so if you plan to access the internet whilst on board, a long range WiFi antenna could be the solution for you.

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    4G/5G vs Starlink: The best internet solution afloat

    Staying connected at sea has never been easier, but the right solution depends on how and where you use your boat. 4G/5G mobile internet is ideal for coastal navigation, marina stays and everyday onboard connectivity, offering fast speeds, lower power consumption and reliable coverage wherever mobile networks are available.

    Starlink brings high-speed satellite internet to areas beyond traditional mobile coverage, making it a game changer for offshore navigation, remote locations and vessels that need constant connectivity. However, it comes with higher power requirements and operating costs, making it less practical as the only solution for many boats.

    For the ultimate onboard internet experience, many boat owners combine both technologies. A Digital Yacht 4G/5G router can work alongside Starlink to create a flexible hybrid system, giving you affordable Internet connectivity near shore and reliable high-speed internet where satellite coverage is required.

    How to integrate our products together?

    A long range WiFi antenna can be connected to the 4G Xtream. This allows the 4G Xtream built-in WiFi router to share an internet connectivity from both LTE (4G) and WiFi hotspot.

    4G Xtream has an NMEA 2000 interface. This allows all NMEA 2000 data as well as internet data to be sent to popular iOS and Android apps and navigation software such as Navionics, iSailor, Weather4D, SailGrib, iNavX, TimeZero, OpenCPN and more.

    You can also connect NavAlert to the 4G Xtream via NMEA 2000.  NavAlert allows an alarm to be set for any parameter that’s available on the boat’s NMEA 2000 network. That could be navigation data such as depth, heading or speed, electrical data such as voltage and engine/generator data including temperature, pressure, tank levels, fuel flow etc.

    When connected to a 4G Xtream (which features a NMEA 2000 interface), alerts can also be sent via SMS to a remote phone.  Simply select alert by SMS as an option on the NavAlert alarm set up menu and the integrated solution can be used for easy remote monitoring.

    Geofence your boat at anchor or set an alert for high wind speed etc. Great for feeling secure that the anchor is holding well when enjoying a lunch ashore It’s super flexible and easy remote monitoring for your boat without the expense of an expensive, dedicated tracking and monitoring system.

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    Internet Discover

    How to remote monitor my boat?

    A reliable internet connection onboard opens up new possibilities for staying connected to your boat, even when you are away. With NjordLINK+, your boat can be connected to the cloud, allowing you to access important information remotely from anywhere in the world.

    Whether you are checking your boat’s GPS position, keeping an eye on your electrical system or staying informed while ashore, NjordLINK+ works with your onboard Internet connection to provide secure remote access through a dedicated app.

    NjordLINK+ is designed to work alongside all modern marine connectivity solutions such as WiFi, 4G/5G Xtream and satellite internet. We want to create a smarter, cost-effective and more connected boating experience, giving you greater visibility and confidence wherever you are.

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    Discover our products

    4G/5G Internet

    Our 4G/5G internet access solutions.

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    Hi Power Long Range WiFi

    All our marine WiFi extender antennas to get internet on board.

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    Remote Monitoring

    All our boat remote monitoring solutions and accessories.

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