If you ask ten marina operators what wifi system they run, you’ll get ten different answers. Most of them are right as well. 

That’s because there’s no single best marina wifi setup. The correct answer actually depends on the marina itself. 

A 60-slip harbor in a city needs a much different wifi solution than a small, remote dock in the Caribbean. 

Therefore, if you’re planning wifi for your marina, it’s a good idea to understand the different types of systems and their advantages. 

The Four Key Marina Wifi Systems

There are four key types of marina wifi systems, including: 

• Access Points: An access point takes a wired Ethernet connection and broadcasts it across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 
• Mesh Systems: A mesh system uses access points, but only one is connected to Ethernet. The rest then broadcast wifi to one another over radio frequency. 
• Point-to-Point Links: Use two high-gain directional antennas aimed at each other, forming a bridge between two fixed endpoints. 
• Wired Distribution: Shielded Cat6A running from a PoE switch to each dock-head access point or fiber for runs beyond 100 meters. 

Each of the mentioned has its pros and cons. They are also great options for marinas, depending on their requirements, environment, and budget. 

What About Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet network created by a company called SpaceX. It uses thousands of small satellites and helps bring fast broadband to remote locations. 

For example, a marina in the Grenadines with no broadband available could benefit from Starlink. It enables them to get access to satellite-based internet. 

The only issue is that the Starlink nodes are for indoor consumer units, so they may not be strong enough for some marinas. 

What Wifi System Is Best for You?

The best marina wifi solution depends on your needs:

Why a Custom Wifi Solution Always Wins

Every option above is the right answer for some and the wrong answer for others. 

That’s why we recommend a custom wifi solution. This is a wifi network that’s built around your marina, its requirements, and its budget. 

A custom solution starts with a survey. From there, a network design is created, featuring coverage, existing cabling, guest controls, bandwidth requirements, and more. 

The goal is to create something specially for your marina, by considering its environments as well as its usage needs. 

Beacon, Your Marina Wifi Provider

At Beacon, we survey, design, and install marina wifi systems that are purposely built for the people using them. 

For more information about how we can help, book a free consultation today. Let us show you how we can design a network that works for you, your boaters, and your crew.