What is a Network Router, and why do i need one?

⭐ What Does a Network Router Do, and Why Is It Necessary?

A basic network router is a “black box” that supplies each device on your vessel network with its own IP address and directs data traffic among the different onboard devices and to the internet, ensuring that information sent from one device reaches the correct destination, either another onboard device, or the internet. In simpler terms, it’s like a traffic manager for your vessel network, making sure data flows smoothly between your devices and the wider internet.
On a mobile platform (Yacht) a router is necessary to connect multiple devices to each other, and/or the internet—such as Crestron audio video systems, onboard computers, vessel monitoring and observation systems, smartphones, and tablets—to a single onboard network and internet source. Without a network router supplying IP addresses to all of the onboard devices on your vessel network, your vessel network WILL NOT work. By using a router, all onboard devices can “see” each other and share a single internet connection, facilitating efficient communication among your onboard network devices and allowing access to online services.

⭐ What Is a Wireless Network Router, and Why Is It Needed?

A wireless router performs the same basic functions as the basic router described above but adds the capability to transmit data wirelessly using Wi-Fi technology. This means all vessel devices can connect to the vessel network without the need for physical cables, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
On a vessel, a wireless router is particularly beneficial because it allows crew members, owners and guests to move freely with their devices while maintaining the vessel network connection and vessel internet connection. Whether accessing navigation apps on a tablet at the helm or streaming entertainment in the cabin, a wireless router ensures continuous connectivity throughout the boat. The Starlink Gen 3 Router is a great example of a wireless router that is used extensively on yachts and smaller boats.

⭐ Combination Routers: Starlink Gen 3 Router and Peplink 5G Router

Combination routers integrate multiple functionalities into a single device, often combining the above described routing capabilities with modem functions and support for various internet sources. Two notable examples in the maritime wireless router context are the Starlink Gen 3 Router and the Peplink 5G Router.

Starlink Gen 3 Router: Starlink Gen 3 Router enhances onboard network performance. The Starlink Gen 3 Router is designed to work seamlessly with Starlink Flat High Performance Antenna, distributing high-speed internet wirelessly throughout the vessel. The Starlink Gen 3 Router has built in Wifi capability that will entirely cover most 50ft vessels, with Starlink published capacity for up to 235 devices on the vessel network.
Peplink Pepwave Max BR1 Router: Peplink Pepwave specializes in providing robust networking solutions, and their routers are equipped to utilize the latest 5G cellular technology. The Peplink 5G Router can connect to 5G networks, offering high-speed internet access where 5G coverage is available. Additionally, Peplink routers often feature multiple SIM slots and the ability to connect to various WAN sources. Peplink Pepwave Max BR1 Routers have built in WiFi capability that will cover most 50ft vessels, and the published maximum network size for Peplink Pepwave Max BR1 Router is a maximum of 150 onboard network devices
For Boats and Yachts over 50ft: The Starlink Gen 3 router, and the Peplink Pepwave Max BR1 will work, but wireless access points will need to be installed to expand the vessel wireless network, to cover all areas.

⭐ Appropriate Router Types for Different Vessel Sizes and Network Demands

The size of the vessel and the number of devices requiring internet access significantly influence the choice of router.

Small to Medium-Sized Vessels, up to 50ft: For boats with a moderate number of devices (e.g., personal devices, basic navigation systems), a standard wireless router or a combination router like the Peplink 5G Router or the Starlink Gen 3 router may suffice. These routers can handle a small simple network and provide adequate coverage for smaller areas.
Large Vessels: Yachts and larger boats with numerous network devices — including advanced audio video systems, control systems with Crestron Touchpanels, vessel monitoring systems, and IoT equipment—require more robust network management solutions. In these cases, network routers that support high bandwidth, multiple WAN inputs, and advanced network management features are necessary to ensure seamless connectivity for all onboard systems.

⭐ When Do Vessels Require a More Robust Router than the Starlink Gen 3 Router or the Peplink Pepwave Max BR1 router?

As the number of devices and the complexity of onboard networks increase, the need for a more advanced router becomes apparent. Indicators that a vessel requires a robust router include:

More than 125 Connected Devices on vessel network: When multiple users and complex entertainment systems need simultaneous network and internet access, a dedicated router with higher capacity and efficient traffic management is essential. Any onboard network with more than 125 devices should upgrade to a more robust dedicated network router.
Need for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks): VLANs allow the segmentation of a network into distinct virtual networks, enhancing security and performance. This is particularly useful on vessels where different systems (e.g., guest Wi-Fi, navigation, crew communications) should operate separately.
Remote Access for Troubleshooting: Advanced routers enable remote monitoring and management, allowing technicians to diagnose and resolve network issues without being physically present. This capability is invaluable for maintaining system integrity while at sea.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) Support: VPNs provide secure connections to remote networks, which is crucial for accessing sensitive information or company intranets from the vessel. Routers with built-in VPN support ensure that data transmitted over the internet is encrypted and secure.

⭐ How the MDS Blender Addresses Advanced Network Requirements

The MDS Blender by Marine Data Solutions is specifically engineered to meet the sophisticated networking needs of modern connected vessels. The MDS Blender combines up to 4 internet sources—such as Starlink satellite internet, LTE/5G networks, and traditional dockside broadband—into a single, high-speed, and reliable internet connection.
Key features of the MDS Blender:

500 onboard network device capacity
Unlimited Vlan capability
USA or UK IP address for entire vessel network
Worldwide IP Location with dedicated server in vessel supplied location (Owner home or office)
Full remote access for remote troubleshooting and repair of any device on the vessel network
High-Speed Bonding: Aggregates bandwidth from up to four different internet sources, achieving download speeds up to 1 Gbps. This ensures that high-demand applications, such as video conferencing and streaming, operate smoothly. Unlimited monthly bonding is included.
Seamless Failover: Automatically switches between internet sources if one connection becomes unstable, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity. Perfect for vessels that need lots of Video Conferencing, remote desktops and gaming.
Customized IP Settings: Offers flexible IP configurations, including options for USA, UK, or local IP addresses, which is beneficial for accessing region-specific content and services.
Enhanced Security: Incorporates advanced cybersecurity measures to protect the vessel’s network from unauthorized access and potential threats.
User and Device Management: Allows for the allocation of specific data limits and access controls to individual devices or users, ensuring fair usage and preventing network congestion.

As with all network equipment, there are always many ways to accomplish the same tasks. However the MDS Blender accomplishes many of the required complex vessel network managements tasks, faster and more cost effectively than many other network management devices that cost more. Not all marine networks will need the MDS Blender, many smaller vessel networks and their user demands are not sophisticated enough to require a high level network management tool capable of unlimited speed bonding, true instant failover, and sophisticated data limitations by user or device.

At Marine Data Solutions we can help you build or upgrade your vessel network. We can design the system to perform as you need, without excessive “overkill” in the system components.

We are standing by to answer any of your marine network questions at +1 954 859 7092, or send us a web message on our support page: https://marinedatasolutions.com/contact/