5G: Why you need 4 modems
With recent cellular network improvements, 4G has become the primary source of internet onboard superyachts.
That means that now cellular routers have to handle virtually all the bandwidth requirements a superyacht has. And superyachts need a lot of bandwidth!
That means that 1 modem or 2 modem routers can no longer do the job without imposing significant limitations.
Here is why: Think about it like traffic on a highway. If you try to move a lot of traffic on one lane (1 modem) you will end up with congestion and slower speed. The more lanes you can add the faster you can move the same amount of traffic.
Antennas dilemma: Historically, each modem required 1 antenna. Then modems evolved and could benefit from using signal of 2 antennas.
Nowadays, each modem can use 4 antennas like your iPhone’s modem does. Ever wondered why your iPhone is faster than your router?
It is faster because 1) it has 4 antennas inside, 2) it does not have coax cables – more than 80% of the signal from the antenna is lost in the coax cable.
So to achieve speed similar to your iPhone, have good offshore coverage and accommodate high bandwidth requirements of a superyacht you need 16 antennas installed above deck with 4 modems attached.
That is technically quite complicated to install onboard a boat and protect from heat and salt water.
Solution: That is why Meridian 5G came out with a specialized router that has 16 antennas inside a very small dome (32cm tall) that also has 4 modems inside. Because it is installed above deck and doesn’t require coax cables it also benefits from extended coverage offshore (up to 60 miles).
