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Connection to the internet is available from all Heincke networks. Depending on region, availability and actual throughput the ship's command can select one of several mobile or satellite based internet links.
A bandwidth measurement prioritizes traffic for essential services.
Internet links
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A mobile router and a maritime long-range mobile antenna system (http://www.sputnik24.de) provide LTE network connection in port and close-shore regions.
The maximum throughput is 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload while highly dependent on ship's position, course and weather conditions. 20-40 Mbps are realistic values.
In case of low connection quality the connection is automatically handed over to 3G (UMTS) or even 2G (GPRS).
Approx. speed:
- 100 Mbps downstream
- 50 Mbps upstream
Mobile network coverage in German Bay (https://breitband-monitorgigabitgrundbuch.bund.de/funkloch/karte)
Mobile network coverage in German Bay (https://breitband-monitor.de/funkloch/karte)GIGA/DE/MobilfunkMonitoring/Vollbild/start.html)
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks Oneweb and Starlink
Low earth orbit satellite communication networks allow high bandwidths at much lower latency than VSAT.
Currently antennas and data volume packages for Eutelsat Oneweb and Starlink are available on board.
Due to the quick consumation of the data volumes certain limits on bandwidth and priotization of services are applied by the bandwidth management system.
Leased Line (VSAT)
The transmission service is enabled via the geostationary satellite Telstar 12 in KU-band. Its orbit position is 15° west. It operates within the European coverage zone (see figure).
Two antennas are installed to guarantee all time connection with no shadowing by ship's mast. Only one of both antennas is activly transmitting at a time.
The maximum throughput is 3 Mbps download and 1.5 Mbps upload while is highly dependent on satellite's elevation (perfect > 10°), ship's position and weather conditions.
Approx. speed:
- 3 Mbps downstream guaranteed (maximum 10 Mbps)
- 1 Mbps upstream guaranteed (maximum 2 Mbps )
Leased Line (VSAT) coverage
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The throughput of maritime satellite systems is still much lower than what we are used to by land based connections such as LTE or DSL.
Therefore a bandwidth measurement prioritizes traffic for essential services, networks and computers.
The following prioritization classes are defined
- Prio 1: A few very important PCs and telemedicine system
- Prio 2: Science critical applications such as email and web browsing (for research)
- Prio 3: Low prio applications such as streaming, social media, messengers.
- Blocking: Some services such as Android/Apple app upgrades , private VPN and security-related protocols are blocked.
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