Overview
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
Mobile Network
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.
In case of low connection quality the connection is automatically handed over to 3G (UMTS) or even 2G (GPRS).
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 highly dependent on satellite's elevation (perfect > 10°), ship's position and weather conditions.
Iridium Certus
Iridium internet connection is available after consultation of the ship's command beyond the European coverage zone.
The maximum throughput is 700 kbps while highly dependent on satellite's elevation, ship's position and weather conditions.
Bandwidth management
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: PCs of the chief scientist, ship's command and captain
- Prio 2: Wired networks such as in the labs and cabins
- Prio 3: Wifi network
- Blocking: Some services such as private VPN and security-related protocols are blocked.
Email and messengers
You may use your existing email accounts using your own mail clients or webmail on your devices or on one of the public PCs.
Messengers are generally allowed but classified to Prio 3 of the bandwidth management.