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Network Your Boat
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Topic starter
February 17, 2019 4:38 pm
I'm thinking of upgrading our wifi from an older USB WaveRV Marine to a Groove A 52 ac similar to this: https://sailbits.com/modular-cheaper-boat-internet-solution-via-netgear-and-mikrotik/
Initially i will have no LTE and a TP-Link router (one of three I currently own..).
One concern I have, which I suspect is nothing, is connecting to sites which have web authentication (like Starbucks etc) - Am I correct to understand that you associate with the wifi AP and then when you connect with your device (any of them) the first time you will get the login. This login would then be associated to the groove (as it's what the AP sees) and all devices are now good to access the internet?
thanks.
February 17, 2019 4:45 pm
Hi Geoff,
Depending on how you setup your Groove, it would work as you outlined. If you setup your Groove in router mode, which I recommend in my follow on article MikroTik Groove step-by-step setup guide, then it would be the device any portal would "see" and base its authentication off of.
I use mine that way with many APs I associate to which require a login or authentication in some way. The one I connect to the most is the open networks from Comcast that are automatically created on every Comcast-owned router. It requires that you login with your Comcast username/password before it will allow internet access, but it only sees the Groove MAC address in router mode, so it only prompts me once from the first device that connects through things.
Editor, SeaBits.com
Topic starter
February 17, 2019 5:15 pm
Steve,
Thanks - was hoping you'd answer 😀
How have you mounted your groove on your boat? (wondering what mount you've bought/used)
Steve Mitchell reacted
February 17, 2019 5:30 pm
I have never really found a perfect mount, but what I have been using on a few installs is a short antenna extension from Shakespeare. I can run the Ethernet cable out the upper or lower grommet (although the ones I have been using only have the lower grommet, couldn't find that on their site), cap off the top, and then clamp the Groove to the pole.
The picture above is my boat and a temp install while I was waiting for a proper plastic cap (not that horrible galvanized one) and steel clamps (instead of zip ties).
I already had the antenna mount on the arch of the boat, so adding the extension and then clamping the Groove was pretty quick. I also faced it backwards so when I am on the sun deck, I can see the LEDs if I am curious.
Editor, SeaBits.com
