Canadian Yachting December 2017 - 54

SOME TIPS ON KEEPING
YOUR NETWORK HEALTHY.
Probably the most overlooked practice is that all networks
require downtime. Clearing out any electrostatic build up,
killing undetected loops, clearing cache's, etc., is always important when it comes to network health. This rule holds true even
for your home networks. How many times have you just
unplugged your router at home and plugged it back in, and
whatever problem there was, clears itself up. This is important
on a boat to obtain the best and consistent connection.
Also remember that absorption/water kills radio waves
and therefore, rain greatly impacts it. Even high humidity has
an effect.
Reflection is an issue. Materials like smooth dense metals,
reflect signals. This means that when the signal hits the
smooth dense object, it bounces off cleanly. Also hindering signals is when the signal collides with a textured surface that
breaks the signal apart. This is referred to as scattering. Also,
the signal can bend around objects. This is how you're able to
get a signal through large buildings, and narrow streets. It's
called "refraction".
Refraction is when the signal penetrates an object and is still
usable on the other side. Every signal works with some refraction and it is even utilized into antenna designs themselves. As

Jet Thruster Compact
Small size Thruster System
Old JT30 / JT50

New JT30 / JT50 Compact

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the antenna propagates its signal, it penetrates its fiberglass,
rubber, or plastic shell.
All these impedances are not exclusive. Nearly everything in
this world will interact with these signals in multiple ways. Glass
for instance has a heavy reflection quality, and refraction rate.
Meaning that the signal not only bounces off it, but what does
penetrate also will break apart, and refract.
The best signal is always a direct line of sight with no impediments.
The optimum connection is through open air. Even then,
open air has impedances due to humidity (water particles), wave
action, and air debris such as dirt, pollen and metal particles
which all scatter a signal. The little antenna in your tablet or
wireless device has a tough time competing with all the fibreglass, masts, and stainless surrounding you at the marina.
After my research, I concluded that I was unable to upgrade
the marina's signal, so the next best plan was to increase my
reception of that signal, so I sought out a wi-fi booster that
amplifies the signal at the maximum legal output, that could
provide large coverage for the areas where I keep my boat
moored and on the water where I cruise.
After looking at many products on the market, I chose the
Wirie Pro from Island Consulting Inc., a company founded in
2003 and located in Newbury, Massachusetts USA. The owners
of the company, after spending years cruising the seas, learned
a lot through their experience and personal relationships with
cruisers they met on the way. This experience along with their
background knowledge of computer software and hardware
resulted in the Wirie. The two-in-one Wirie Pro device allows
users to connect using either a shore-based Wi-Fi network or
cellular service.
The Wirie was simple to install right from the box. The
antenna, radio device, local router and cellular data system are
all one connected unit. I mounted the yellow box and omnidirectional antenna on the support rod for my bimini top, drilled
a hole through the deck coaming and ran the line to the panel
box. I'm not the most knowledgeable electrical guy in the world
and I chose to wire it into a 12 V cigarette lighter which preserves polarity and had it working right away. The instructions
that came with the Wi-Fi booster were simple to follow and with
a few passwords, my computer could lock onto a seamless
strong signal and I was back in business. It was amazing that
right after the installation, I went from not getting any Wi-Fi at
my dock to being able to watch movies... oh, and to keep in contact with my business associates.
If I can do it, you can do it. More boat time and less office
time is possible! *

A big thank you to Jeff Graham from Wave WIFI in Oakland Park Florida
who gave a very informative presentation at the 2017 International Boat
Builders Exposition on Networking and Wireless Connectivity Overview for
Today's Vessels, and Marinas.

DeceMber 2017

http://www.swansyachtsales.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting December 2017