Collective use of Internet Wi-Fi when cruising with others

[baz]

There have been discussions on how to access the internet when cruising waters where Cell and/or Satellite coverage is available -- especially when cruising with other TugNuts such as the 2012 Desolation Sound cruise.

So, with this in mind I was wondering if a facility could be setup whereby ALL could access the internet using a single Wi-Fi port -- much like can be done in the home or office environment allowing multiple computers to access the internet wirelessly through a single router.

Of course, Wi-Fi has a limited range (50 to 100 feet) so this quite likely would only work when the boats are in close proximity such as docked in a Marina or on the hook etc. In my home I extend the 100' range with network extenders such as the Apple Airport Express box.

One boat would setup the network and others can join via knowing the Network name and Password.

Cost sharing would obviously mean less expense for all.

So, if I should be so bold.. I'd like to offer this as a suggestion for Ranger Tugs to consider for their 'devoted' customers for the annual Desolation Sound cruise. 😀

 

[knotflying]

We use the standard Verizon Wifi card that allows up to 5 users and is good for about 50 feet. Not sure how one would split the cost though. The basic service is $90.00 per month for 5 Gigs and $10.00 for each gig of overage. If you watch movies you eat through 5 gigs fast. You use like 1 gig per hour of video. So I can't see how you could manage usage etc. among a group over a short period of time. When in marinas we use their wifi for non-secure things and then our mifi for the items we want secure. We never go over our 5 gigs most of the time.

 

[baz]

Thanks....

Yes -- I understand the aggressive use of GBs when streaming movies and any other data intensive files. That was not on my mind with my post. Rather it was for less intensive data things such as Email and web browsing.

Cost/fee would be collected when handing out the Network name and password.

Marina Wi-Fi is a dead loss IMO as I find it close to useless and expensive.

Personally, I use an Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G model) with free Wi-Fi and will pay AT&T the odd fee for their 3G when Wi-Fi not available and within AT&T's cell coverage. Even in international waters the AT&T 3G (if available) fee is affordable and can be selected online and canceled with the monthly fee prorated for unused time when not needed anymore. We use the iPad for Email, Web browsing and Apple's iMessage for texting family and friends that have Apple's iOS devices for free.

Your $90/month for 5 GB is excessive IMO. That's $1,080 per year plus any burdened taxes presumably. However, if a business depends on internet access it may very well be worth it as a business expense.

My suggestion was simply one off the cuff so to speak, and I have little hope it could be implemented -- but thought I'd throw it out for discussion purposes.

 

[Zundels]

Barry,

Are you using the iPad for navigation too? As a back up to a Garmin system?

Don