With WiFi available in marinas all over the world, it’s never been easier to get online from your boat. Picking up an internet connection at a favorite marina or anchorage is one of those things that really tickles me. Thanks to the Wireless Wiki—an excellent guide to everything wireless—I’ve learned of a new type of fixed antenna system since I last wrote about the subject.

As you may know, getting a good WiFi antenna up at a reasonable height can really help with getting some good range. The big issue, however, is that there are serious signal losses with long runs of antenna cable. By using a device that bridges Wifi and Ethernet, the WiFi radio and antenna can be together and up out of the boat where signals are best, and a light and flexible ethernet cable brings the network connection to your nav station. Have a look at Wireless Wiki for lots more useful details.