Separate Networks: Enabling social sustainability on board
In today’s maritime environment, separate networks are essential, allowing crew members to enjoy leisure activities—like watching their favorite sports team—while the captain conducts important meetings via Teams with shore-based offices, and suppliers perform maintenance on the equipment without interference.
Life on board can be challenging, especially during prolonged service times caused by global events such as pandemics. Maintaining a connection with family and friends, accessing banking services, and enjoying entertainment are vital for crew morale. A reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for enhancing the quality of life at sea. However, without proper management, overlapping networks can lead to slowed data traffic and reduced efficiency.
One network for each function
Our innovative solution creates separate virtual networks for different functions on board. This separation ensures that crew members can browse the internet without hindering vital business operations, such as transmitting important data related to the ship, cargo, or control systems.
Dynamic bandwidth allocation
You have full control over bandwidth allocation between groups. For instance, dedicating 60% of the bandwidth to business operations and 40% to crew activities ensures that everyone has sufficient connectivity for calls and updates on global events. If one group doesn’t utilize its entire bandwidth, the excess is dynamically reallocated to the other group, optimizing overall performance.
This flexibility is especially useful during periods of increased demand, such as when the crew wants to participate in a live-streamed event or when numerous remote installations are needed within the business network.
A growing trend in maritime operations
The implementation of separate networks is becoming increasingly common in the maritime industry. As crew members expect reliable internet access for personal use, separate networks ensure that leisure activities do not interfere with critical business systems. This trend enhances operational efficiency, allows for prioritized bandwidth allocation, and improves overall crew satisfaction.
Additionally, separate networks bolster safety by isolating systems. Suppliers can perform updates without disrupting other networks, reducing the risk of spreading potentially harmful software. This approach not only enhances security but also facilitates compliance with industry regulations regarding IT safety.
Safety and security with separate networks
In addition to fostering social sustainability, separate networks provide significant safety advantages. Suppliers can perform updates without disrupting other networks, reducing the risk of spreading potentially harmful software across systems. This approach enhances the overall security of on-board operations, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
Take the next step towards enhanced quality of life at sea
Are you interested in learning more about how separate networks can improve crew quality of life on board?
Contact us today to discuss our solutions and how we can help you create a more sustainable and secure working environment on your vessels.
