- Jun 5, 2016
- 5,569
- Boat Info
- 410 Sundancer
2001
12" Axiom and 9" Axiom+ MFD
- Engines
- Cat 3126 V-Drives
Been watching the Starlink thread with a tinge of jealousy. Network speeds are amazing. But for me, not being under a clear sky very much (covered slip, deep coves on a lake, and always close to a great cellular connections), the Starlink option doesn't offer too much for me as an inland boater (yet!). However, Peplink has been releasing several updated cellular modem/routers that might be a great option for those that need connectivity, but are not venturing far from land.
A lot us us started out with a Peplink MAX BR1 series modem, the two popular options were the MAX BR1 Mini and the MAX BR1 MK2. Both while cutting edge in the day, are getting out dated from a modem and router standpoint. Neither supports the newer low frequency bands B66 and B71. and as such, are pretty limited. I decided to try a MAX BR1 Pro 5G ("used" of course) to replace my Max BR1 MK2.
Initial testing was conducted on my desk at my house in ATL with a Verizon 5G Data plan and I was immediately impressed. Powering it up, I was able to connect to a 5G cell signal, and was getting 140-200 Mbps down loads and 25-40 Mbps uploads. This was with the stock paddle antennas.
The other interesting details are the router with 1Gbps throughput (as opposed to 100 Mbps on the older models) 2x GbE LAN connections and a WAN connection at 2.5 GbE (for that future Starlink connection!). The whole family will be streaming 4K video!
Next, I'll swap the modems on the boat and see where I'm at. I have a Peplink PUMA antenna installed for the Mk2, but its only 2x2 MIMO. I ordered the Mobility 42G with 4 cellular antennas, 2 WiFi and a GPS. Supposedly very good as its much larger than the PUMA with the correct number of antenna for the router.
A lot us us started out with a Peplink MAX BR1 series modem, the two popular options were the MAX BR1 Mini and the MAX BR1 MK2. Both while cutting edge in the day, are getting out dated from a modem and router standpoint. Neither supports the newer low frequency bands B66 and B71. and as such, are pretty limited. I decided to try a MAX BR1 Pro 5G ("used" of course) to replace my Max BR1 MK2.
Initial testing was conducted on my desk at my house in ATL with a Verizon 5G Data plan and I was immediately impressed. Powering it up, I was able to connect to a 5G cell signal, and was getting 140-200 Mbps down loads and 25-40 Mbps uploads. This was with the stock paddle antennas.
The other interesting details are the router with 1Gbps throughput (as opposed to 100 Mbps on the older models) 2x GbE LAN connections and a WAN connection at 2.5 GbE (for that future Starlink connection!). The whole family will be streaming 4K video!
Next, I'll swap the modems on the boat and see where I'm at. I have a Peplink PUMA antenna installed for the Mk2, but its only 2x2 MIMO. I ordered the Mobility 42G with 4 cellular antennas, 2 WiFi and a GPS. Supposedly very good as its much larger than the PUMA with the correct number of antenna for the router.
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