Hybrid Connectivity

Building Blocks

The most common building blocks for maritime data connections are VSAT, L-Band (Iridium, Fleetbroadband) and 3G/4G/5G. Those adventurous enough could add some more exotic Point-to-Point radio links and whatnots but the first three are the most common.

Depending on your application and sailing area the above can be combined. Some combination examples are:

For Coastal mostly within national cellular range:
4G and local SIM as primary
VSAT with low bandwidth as backup

For International Coastal mostly within cellular reach:
4G and international SIM as primary
VSAT with low bandwidth as backup

For Global Sommercial Shipping:
Primary VSAT with sufficient bandwidth (see Calculator)
4G and international SIM when near coast or port for additional services
L-Band Iridium Certus for operational Backup and GMDSS

For Technical Vessels requiring high throughput:
The largest VSAT you can install (the larger the antenna the lower the OpEx)
A performant global 4G router with external antennas and non-steered SIMS
In Port Wireless for Large data offload

For Inland Cruise:
Powerful multiple 4G/5G router with high volume SIMs
Optional VSAT Backup.

For Larger Cruise Liners:
Extra large C-Band and Ku-Band VSAT combinations
Redundant teleports
High throughput (upload and download) 4G/5G international SIMs
In port Wireless for additional Guest services and Operations.

and for all the above 
+ a (redundant-High Availability) Multi WAN router.

Making the Choice

Making the right combination of sufficient bandwidth and capable hardware can be a challenge as many factors come into play. For more information on how to get started you can check out The 4 steps to a better communication system which will guide you in the initial steps towards the right choice.

4 steps to a better communication system

If you do not have sufficient information to make an informed decision then we are here to help you with that, from advice to actual implementation, pro-active support and maintenance.