New Gear: Web Connectivity Made Easy with the WeBBoat Link

Jan 11, 2022

The need for onboard web connectivity has become commonplace—for both vessel systems and passengers and crew. The Glomex weBBoat® Link IT1304 series of Internet devices from GA Communications offers scalable solutions to receive satellite, Wi-Fi and North American 3G/4G cellular signals up to 20 miles offshore. Simple to install and configure, it’s the ideal way to add a hotspot—from recreational on up to commercial boats.

Designed to accommodate virtually any connectivity need, the weBBoat Link is offered in four configurations. The base IT1304/US model has a single SIM card slot while the PRO version has two for signal continuity, both offer a range of 10 miles. To reach up to 20 miles offshore, Glomex has standard and PRO extended range versions that come with dual external 4G antennas.

Both of the single SIM card models have one WAN and one LAN Ethernet port. The PRO weBBoat Link versions feature one WAN and three LAN ports. All four are scalable and can be expanded with additional external antennas and/or attaching devices to the built-in router. Plus, the entire system can be removed and installed in another vessel, or even on land, without programming and updating.

The Glomex weBBoat Link series features advanced technology; an automatic APN instantly switches among the correct cellular carrier, V-SAT/SAT signals and registered Wi-Fi networks, such as in a harbor, for a seamless user experience. It also boasts a priority function enabling the owner to choose which connections are made, in and which order, to reduce paid data usage expenses. Beyond Internet, the devices can send and receive SMS messages. A video is at www.bit.ly/WeBBoatLink.

Exceptionally powerful, the weBBoat Link from GA Communications downloads up to 100 Mbps from an LTE 4G signal and up to 42 Mbps while in dual carrier DC-HSPA mode. The series complies with IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11b wireless standards.

Simple to set up, the weBBoat Link uses the free Glomex Android or iOS companion app or web user interface for easy configuration. With encrypted peer-to-peer connections, Glomex technicians can assist in installation and troubleshooting.

Built for a marine environment, weBBoat Link devices are rated IP56 but are mainly used indoors for smaller vessels that usually cannot accommodate a larger external dome antenna. They require a simple 12/24VDC power supply.

Available in Canada from Steveston Marine & Hardware, Brewers’ Marine Supply, The Binnacle or info@glomex.us , the Glomex weBBoat Link IT1304/US base model costs US$849; the IT1304EXT/US extended version is US$1,320. The IT1304PRO/US professional model is US$1,415; the IT1304PROEXT/US extended variant costs $1,880. Extended Range models include two 23′ coax cables. The devices come with a two-year warranty.