Marine network router questions... Lost in translation

Pyrojodge

Pyrojodge

Well-Known Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
May 1, 2011
4,248
Lake Erie Ohio
Boat Info
1989 Sea Ray 340 DA
Engines
twin 454 Mercs
Greetings all,

So I'm not a networking expert but I've been looking and looking for a solution for a few weeks to my problem.

1st a little background...

I have a Cradlepoint MBR95 router that runs the network on the boat. It's set up to use Wifi as WAN so that I can use any device attached to the network to run my Fusion stereo and can get WIFI when away from the boat. The issue that I have is the range is only about 30 feet at best. It has internal antennas and just doesn't have the best range... The router is set to have two access available. One side that is private that only I can use and one open so that my neighbors can get WIFI if they need it when I'm there.

What I'm trying to do... Where it gets confusing from the norm...
So unlike many I am not trying to reach out and grab a WFI signal from another source. I have my phone tethered and classic Verizon unlimited hotspot tethering. Internet is not the problem for me. I want to be able to push that signal out to a farther distance so I can be away from the boat and still have strong enough signal to control the stereo and other items on the network

SO what the hell am I doing here...

I have been reading all kinds of stuff about network extenders and access points and so on...

What is the best option for me given my situation.
  1. From what I'm reading the extenders make a secondary network but I'm not sure if they will do the duel signal that I have now?
  2. If I log into the new network can I still control items attached to my old network?
  3. Do I need to do a secondary access point?
  4. I do have an Ethernet cable from the router to the area I would install the new device if a wired connection is needed.

I have purchased a Nighthawk nighthawk extender AC1900 to tie into the system but I'm not sure if this will even do what I want and transmit both sides of the network?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R92CLD6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have also purchased a High gain access point repeater... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076WVRRQN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Again I don't know if this is the best solution or not

Ok, network guys what's the best plan of attack here? Which of the two above is the better option or do I need to consider something else? deal with the network name change?

I appreciate any help in figuring out this mess...
 
Sounds like you just may need a range extender for your wifi router. A good one will allow you to do the things you mention
 
Get a Ubiquity bullet dual band, and mount it on top of the arch. Set it up as an access point and you will have access for several hundred feet.

You will need a 12 v PoE injector and a couple Ethernet cables, but performance is awesome. PoE injectors are about $15. An antenna is another $20 both on eBay. The dual band bullet is $99 at b&h photo with free shipping.

I have one and I love it, the only downside it it’s not easily mounted to a marine 1”-14 antenna mount. I’m thinking about mounting mine in a stainless tube to make it lookmarine grade.
 
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SKybolt said:
The AC600 is the better choice of those two, but I would use something like this mounted under the arch or hardtop.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Net...0044951&sr=8-13&keywords=outdoor+access+point


I have to ask, why are you worried about extended coverage off of the boat? What range are you looking for? Usually it's the reverse, getting signals to the boat.
Click to expand...

It's just how we use the boat... when we are in our dock we congregate in front of the boat and have cookouts and such and the current router doesn't go that far. I know that it's the opposite from the norm but it's my situation.
 
Pyrojodge said:
Anyone have any experience with the Nighthawk extender?
Click to expand...

I have looked at those for the house, but I finally decided to run multiple AP’s through a wired backbone to a central router. Same can be done on the boat.

The biggest issue is where you mount these things. Down below hidden is about the worst option available for good speed and distance. That will affect the range extender as well.

The best solution is to have the antennas up so the can “hear” that on these boats likely means the radar arch. Most of these units can have external antennas installed or mounted remotely, so maybe mount the unit in the arch, and add a WiFi antenna(s) on the arch. Run a Ethernet cable back to the main router for most robust and interference free install.

That’s what made the bullet so attractive...it’s all mounted up top and high.
 
I envy you techie types. My eyes cross just reading this stuff.
 
dtfeld said:
Get a Ubiquity bullet dual band, and mount it on top of the arch. Set it up as an access point and you will have access for several hundred feet.

You will need a 12 v PoE injector and a couple Ethernet cables, but performance is awesome. PoE injectors are about $15. An antenna is another $20 both on eBay. The dual band bullet is $99 at b&h photo with free shipping.

I have one and I love it, the only downside it it’s not easily mounted to a marine 1”-14 antenna mount. I’m thinking about mounting mine in a stainless tube to make it lookmarine grade.
Click to expand...

Totally agree, that is the setup I have. I also used the EA4500 Linksys router. Great setup, great range.

As too the mounting, I put the bullet in the cabin and only mounted the antenna to the 1" antenna mount and ran a cable from the antenna to the bullet. Works like a charm.
 
SKybolt said:
Totally agree, that is the setup I have. I also used the EA4500 Linksys router. Great setup, great range.

As too the mounting, I put the bullet in the cabin and only mounted the antenna to the 1" antenna mount and ran a cable from the antenna to the bullet. Works like a charm.
Click to expand...

What antenna did you use? Got a link?
 
Sorry - out for the weekend.

Yes it is mounted to a 1" mount, I had to add an extension because the antenna wire needs to go through the mount. The N-Type end is smaller then the 1" mount. So a small crome pipe extension is needed. Then I used an N-Type to SMA pig-tail then an SMA to Type-N adapter. I ran a 30' SMA cable through the arch and down into the cabin. Then used PVC pipe clamps to mount the bullet.

EDIT: Notice the wire feed through.
https://store.rokland.com/collectio...-stainless-steel-marine-mount-for-tube-series
 
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