Internet on board: Out of the dead zone: LTE Wi-Fi router from Digital Yacht

A reliable and fast internet connection is on the wish list of many sailors - be it to check the medium-term weather forecast, to inspect a potential anchorage via satellite image or to work in the boat office. The LTE mobile phone network is currently the first choice for this. Unfortunately, reception conditions in harbours and anchorages are not always ideal. The 4G Connect series routers from Digital Yacht are designed to provide a remedy. The standard model has two internal mobile phone antennas and a Wi-Fi router so that several users can use the Internet connection at the same time. Wired Wi-Fi devices or satellite modems can also be connected via LAN and WAN.

If you want to exploit the maximum range of the LTE network or sail an aluminium, steel or carbon yacht, it is better to opt for the Pro version. This is equipped with two separate antennas for mounting on the mast or a device carrier. 4G-Connect is simlock-free, so users have a free choice of provider. For European waters, the manufacturer recommends SIM cards from Vodafone, as these are said to provide excellent reception performance in the marine sector. It is claimed that ranges of up to 40 kilometres from the coast are possible.

By default, the 4G Connect router creates a password-protected Wi-Fi and can be conveniently configured via the browser of a connected device. As can be seen in the manufacturer's videos, installing the SIM card is not quite as convenient, as the housing of the 4G Connect has to be unscrewed. Fortunately, the elimination of roaming charges means that changing cards is rarely necessary.

A little awkward: Manufacturer video on inserting the SIM card

The router can also be connected to the WL510-W WLAN system from Digital Yacht via the WAN interface. The device can then also be connected to any existing Wi-Fi hotspots in the harbour and use the better Internet connection in each case. The Pro version comes with seven metres of coaxial cable for installing the external LTE antenna, with an optional cable length of up to 20 metres. The standard version costs 566 euros, while the Pro model is available for around 1,000 euros.

Further information on www.bukh-bremen.de

The manufacturer's presentation of the 4G Connect Pro