Ubiquity Bullet M2 vs PepLink Max BR1 Mini. Wan WiFi

[bajturner]

You can get InControl 2 as well, that will allow you to manage the PL remotely. It's free for the first year of registration and ~$30/yr after that. Works really well.

Yep...I use it (but it's powered off now). The GPS tracker is pretty cool. Shows you your track and also color-codes it based on the speed you were going.

Might be handy if the boat ever takes an unauthorized voyage!

 

[dtfeld]

I have InControl2 , its been a big time saver as a lot of issues can be researched/diagnosed before heading to the boat.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Well, we're at a marina.

Despite some changing of settings, clicked the box for HTTP/HTTPS and ADDED DNS CATCHING, and changing ADMIN and the ADMIN password, the iphones still show "weak security"

I don't want to do anything that will disrupt the system (AGAIN)

Is there a setting I can easily change to increase network security?

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

Well, we're at a marina.

Despite some changing of settings, clicked the box for HTTP/HTTPS and ADDED DNS CATCHING, and changing ADMIN and the ADMIN password, the iphones still show "weak security"

I don't want to do anything that will disrupt the system (AGAIN)

Is there a setting I can easily change to increase network security?

BEST !

RWS

The "Weak security" is the SSID password, the password used to join your boat's network. It has nothing to do with what you changed already. It should also still work just fine with a weak password.

 

[dtfeld]

Use a strong password generator, here's an example..."2EXfG&csQ6Wb8wQ*nMPngCA"

Good luck remembering that!!

 

[bajturner]

Use a strong password generator, here's an example..."2EXfG&csQ6Wb8wQ*nMPngCA"

Good luck remembering that!!

I always question the "strong password" that has to be written down somewhere in order to be recalled. Two key authentication factors are "something you have", like a rotating code, and "something you know", like a memorized password. As soon as you write it down, which you absolutely have to do to recall it, and likely in a digital format for such a complicated password, it loses much of its security properties and becomes something that can be obtained via a breach.

 

[Skybolt]

Well, we're at a marina.

Despite some changing of settings, clicked the box for HTTP/HTTPS and ADDED DNS CATCHING, and changing ADMIN and the ADMIN password, the iphones still show "weak security"

I don't want to do anything that will disrupt the system (AGAIN)

Is there a setting I can easily change to increase network security?

BEST !

RWS

So something like this is also a strong password - "M@yb3AD@nc3r" - something that can be remembered and not written down. Although this a boat we're talking about and not personal banking. I would just dismiss the password message and continue on. I don't have strong passwords on my boat, no real reason for it, and I just dismiss that message.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Will strengthen password after we get home. Don't want to disturb the connection at this time.

Just received this e-mail from NOREPLY@PEPLINK:

===============================================================
Dear (my first name),

Your InControl organization "My Company Name" is due to expire in 14 days. Please note that organizations containing no devices are deleted after 14 days.

You can prevent your organization from expiring by adding a device to it.

If you no longer need your organization, you may simply allow it to expire.

Thanks,
The Peplink Team
============================================================

Is this legit?

If so, suggested next steps?

BEST,

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

Will strengthen password after we get home. Don't want to disturb the connection at this time.

Just received this e-mail from NOREPLY@PEPLINK:

===============================================================
Dear (my first name),

Your InControl organization "My Company Name" is due to expire in 14 days. Please note that organizations containing no devices are deleted after 14 days.

You can prevent your organization from expiring by adding a device to it.

If you no longer need your organization, you may simply allow it to expire.

Thanks,
The Peplink Team
============================================================

Is this legit?

If so, suggested next steps?

BEST,

RWS

Have never seen this in almost three years of having the Max BR1 Peplink.

 

[dtfeld]

Will strengthen password after we get home. Don't want to disturb the connection at this time.

Just received this e-mail from NOREPLY@PEPLINK:

Go to your Peplink account and add you device. Peplink is legit, and will not blow up your email with spam.

===============================================================
Dear (my first name),

Your InControl organization "My Company Name" is due to expire in 14 days. Please note that organizations containing no devices are deleted after 14 days.

You can prevent your organization from expiring by adding a device to it.

If you no longer need your organization, you may simply allow it to expire.

Thanks,
The Peplink Team
============================================================

Is this legit?

If so, suggested next steps?

BEST,

RWS

 

[unsalted]

Not sure this is your password. Caveat: I work on cloud computing systems but I do not have one of these units. I would suspect you are using a protocol that is no longer considered secure. Maybe you have WEP or the older WPA authentication protocol when you should have WPA2 enabled.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

New question.......

We've set up and fine tuned the system, everything is working well and no more "WEAK SECURITY" messages.

Computer/printer/TV Simplisafe all hooked up and working - sound system is next

Here's the question:

When using the PEPLINK at a marina, even with all the security set up, what's to prevent someone from hacking into the signal between the Pepwave and the marina?

I know if I am NOT on WIFI I can do banking on my phone and be secure.

How vulnerable am I when doing banking through the PEPWAVE at a marina?

THANKS TO ALL FOR THE TREMENDOUS GUIDANCE ON ALL OF THIS !!!

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

New question.......
...
I know if I am NOT on WIFI I can do banking on my phone and be secure.

How vulnerable am I when doing banking through the PEPWAVE at a marina? ...

What ever tech is used to access the banking website is just as safe as the other, for the most part. It's not how you access the site, meaning cell network/wifi network whether at the marine or your house. The site itself is being accessed by protocols the use SSL and kerbose encryption and the like. The only thing that is something I wouldn't do is access your info via a public computer. But your cell and tablet etc, is fine if on public wifi.

Google SSL and Kerbose encryption, too much to explain in this thread.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

So the cell phone (or) laptop accessing through the Pepwave - linking through the marina (or any other public access) is safer than, say sitting at a coffee house with the laptop?

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

So the cell phone (or) laptop accessing through the Pepwave - linking through the marina (or any other public access) is safer than, say sitting at a coffee house with the laptop?

BEST !

RWS

Public wifi is still public wifi, meaning it's still less safe then your home network or possibly better. It all depends on what you are doing and how it is being done. SSL and using Kerbose encryption, which is what most Https uses, is an encrypted connection between you and the https site. It imposes many layers of encrypted data packets and is either 128 bit or 256 bit encrypted. So basically the only thing to worry about is if your device is infected with a virus that either looks at the screen or saves keystrokes. But that doesn't have anything to do with how you are connected to the inet.

 

[Skybolt]

So given my status with Starlink and the issue(s) I am having I upgraded to the newer Peplink, Max BR1 Pro 5G. I also decided to upgrade my antenna as well to the new Peplink Maritime 40g. An expensive upgrade but one I am hoping will last for a while. As crazy as this my sound, with the new 5G and only connected to the marina wifi via my older 2.4ghz TP-Link antenna I am getting these speeds consistently:

I can believe what a difference the new Pro 5G makes, it is also much faster in the screen loads etc. new faster processor really makes a difference, it boot's in seconds opposed to minutes now. Can't wait to install the new antenna and see what that will bring.

 

[b_arrington]

So given my status with Starlink and the issue(s) I am having I upgraded to the newer Peplink, Max BR1 Pro 5G. I also decided to upgrade my antenna as well to the new Peplink Maritime 40g. An expensive upgrade but one I am hoping will last for a while. As crazy as this my sound, with the new 5G and only connected to the marina wifi via my older 2.4ghz TP-Link antenna I am getting these speeds consistently:

View attachment 142837

I can believe what a difference the new Pro 5G makes, it is also much faster in the screen loads etc. new faster processor really makes a difference, it boot's in seconds opposed to minutes now. Can't wait to install the new antenna and see what that will bring.

5G speeds are nuts. I recently switched my cell plan from Verizon with iPhone 11 (4G phone) to T-Mobile with an iPhone 14 Prop (5G phone). Cell speed on Verizon 4G was maybe 10 mbps, but often much lower, like 2-4 mbps. WIth T-Mobile 5G I'm regularly hitting 180 mbps - faster than my fixed cable speed. I ran a speed test at a different location and got 680 mbps on my 5G plan. I ran it 2 more times to make sure it wasn't a mistake. Now I'm thinking of getting T-mobile home internet because it's only $30.

I have a 4G Peplink Max BR1 Mk2 on the boat. It would be nice to upgrade to a 5G model but it's just 2 years old and I really don't feel like shelling out a grand for a new router.

I also just finalized my permanent install of the router. Yes, after 2 years. I switched from an AC plug on the counter to DC power in a cabinet. I went with a direct wire to the battery so it could be on all the time and not worry about hitting the wrong switch and having my cameras not work. But I also wanted a switch to a) turn of the router easily and b) know if its on or off at a glance. I used a light-up push-button switch on the face of the cabinet so it is easily accessed, easy to see, easy to install, and won't get accidently toggled. I also put in a quick-open hatch for easy access to replace a screw down starboard panel. I'm not currently using an external antenna, but this location will let me connect the one I have (when I get time to run a fairly complicated wire pull and install).

 

[Blueone]

So given my status with Starlink and the issue(s) I am having I upgraded to the newer Peplink, Max BR1 Pro 5G. I also decided to upgrade my antenna as well to the new Peplink Maritime 40g. An expensive upgrade but one I am hoping will last for a while. As crazy as this my sound, with the new 5G and only connected to the marina wifi via my older 2.4ghz TP-Link antenna I am getting these speeds consistently:

View attachment 142837

I can believe what a difference the new Pro 5G makes, it is also much faster in the screen loads etc. new faster processor really makes a difference, it boot's in seconds opposed to minutes now. Can't wait to install the new antenna and see what that will bring.

That download speed isn’t as fast as I would think….. is it your marina. This isn’t a fair comparison because I’m in my office with a cell phone but I would expect 50-60 mbps

 

[Skybolt]

That download speed isn’t as fast as I would think….. is it your marina. This isn’t a fair comparison because I’m in my office with a cell phone but I would expect 50-60 mbps

View attachment 142840

Agreed, but my point was/is my marina's speeds were almost unusable and now they are because of the 5G connection. That also wasn't available with the BR1 Mini, which is only 2.4Ghz. The change is the new Pro 5G.

 

[Skybolt]

5G speeds are nuts. I recently switched my cell plan from Verizon with iPhone 11 (4G phone) to T-Mobile with an iPhone 14 Prop (5G phone). Cell speed on Verizon 4G was maybe 10 mbps, but often much lower, like 2-4 mbps. WIth T-Mobile 5G I'm regularly hitting 180 mbps - faster than my fixed cable speed. I ran a speed test at a different location and got 680 mbps on my 5G plan. I ran it 2 more times to make sure it wasn't a mistake. Now I'm thinking of getting T-mobile home internet because it's only $30.

I have a 4G Peplink Max BR1 Mk2 on the boat. It would be nice to upgrade to a 5G model but it's just 2 years old and I really don't feel like shelling out a grand for a new router.

I also just finalized my permanent install of the router. Yes, after 2 years. I switched from an AC plug on the counter to DC power in a cabinet. I went with a direct wire to the battery so it could be on all the time and not worry about hitting the wrong switch and having my cameras not work. But I also wanted a switch to a) turn of the router easily and b) know if its on or off at a glance. I used a light-up push-button switch on the face of the cabinet so it is easily accessed, easy to see, easy to install, and won't get accidently toggled. I also put in a quick-open hatch for easy access to replace a screw down starboard panel. I'm not currently using an external antenna, but this location will let me connect the one I have (when I get time to run a fairly complicated wire pull and install).

That is a very nice install. I like the lit push button as well. I have mine connected to a breaker that is labeled "WiFi", so the same thing.

I have a 4G Peplink Max BR1 Mk2 on the boat. It would be nice to upgrade to a 5G model but it's just 2 years old and I really don't feel like shelling out a grand for a new router.

I also didn't want to go this route either, especially spend ~2K on all of this. But I am tired of dealing with this stuff. SL changing their policies and accounts was the last straw.

That said, switching to the 5G is something you will notice a huge performance gain with. I haven't finished my install and I can't believe the difference.