WIFI Access

As a former professional computer guy, I get asked all the time about what type of system people should use to get wifi from their boats, so I have included this page in our website. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and I am not getting kick backs from the vendors I list below.

WIFI is short hand notation for wireless fidelity. Basically WIFI is a protocol, or language if you will that allows computers and devices to transfer information via air waves. In short, it lets you gain access to a network (typically the internet) without having any wires attached to your computer.

All laptops made in the last 4 years have an internal WIFI adapter. Those that are older can be retro fitted with an adapter that either slides into the PCMCIA slot or an USB port. Unless you are taking your laptop to the area that has the WIFI connection (i.e. a coffee shop), your internal adapter is going to be too weak to connect to the signal.

The entire setup mentioned below can be bought and installed for less than $150. We regularly conect to networks that are 2 and 3 miles away and on our best days we've been able to use networks that are 6 miles distant. Remember, there are lots of possible ways to extend your range and this just happens to be the one we use.

First, start with the EnGenius USB adapter which retails for $50. This little black box works well due to it's 200 milliwatt power output (compared to a laptop internal device which only transmitts in the 35-50 milliwatt range). The Engenius hooks in to your USB port with the supplied USB cable and a small rubber duck style antenna threads on to the adapter.

While this device by itself may allow you to connect to a near by signal, but I also recommend getting an external antenna to mount somewhere outside on your boat. Our's is mounted on the stern arch near our solar panels and wind generator.

Having tried multiple antennas, I think I would recommend something in the 8 to 10 decibel range. The db rating of the antenna describes the manner in which the antenna broadcasts its signal and at an 8 to 10 db rating, you are just about middle of the road.

Here is a link to the type antenna I am talking about.

The higher you mount you antenna, the better signal strength you will get, but for practical purposes, just mounting it outside at deck level is usually sufficient.

To connect the antenna to the USB adapter, you will need an antenna cable. These are custom made to the length you specify. The longer the cable, the less power you will have transmitting. Runs over about 40 feet are on the edge of requiring signal amplification or regeneration, so keep your cable length as short as possible.

Also, make sure you have the proper ends on your cable. For the above setup, you need a male N type on one end and a RP-SMA fitting on the other. Talk to your dealer to ensure you get the right ends!

Finally there is the installation. The adapter comes with a CD that is used to install the proper driver on your computer. As for the antenna and cable, hopefully common sense will prevail here and you will not mount your antenna inside the swing radius of your wind generator or something else equally unadvisable.

Goodluck and happy surfing.