If you're looking for some great photos for Insta, a houseboat is the right place to take them. But how do you upload these pics? Do houseboats have Wi-Fi?
The good news is that houseboats do, in fact, have Wi-Fi. You basically attach an external antenna to the outside of your boat and link it to a router inside your boat via Ethernet cable to amplify the Wi-Fi signal. Alternatively, you can even use your phone to provide data for other devices.
However, just because you can get Wi-Fi on a houseboat does not mean all houseboats have it. This is why it is important for those who want to enjoy living on a houseboat and stay connected with friends and family to make sure that the houseboat they are investing in comes with a solid Wi-Fi connection.
Being on the water is great and all, but sometimes, you just need to scroll through memes to pass the time. As houseboat owners for many years, we know just how difficult it is if you don't have a strong Wi-Fi connection. This is why we've written this article that talks all about Wi-Fi on a houseboat.
Wi-Fi on Houseboats
In houseboats, Wi-Fi works in pretty much the same way as it does in regular homes. So, how does Wi-Fi work on a houseboat? The whole system is basically an external antenna that you put outside your boat and link to a router inside your boat via an Ethernet cable to amplify the Wi-Fi signal and create your own password-protected 'network' from it. However, with this option, you are limited by the quality of Wi-Fi being broadcast around you with this option.
The good news for current and future houseboat owners is that you may be able to connect to Wi-Fi at marinas and harbors so that you can access the internet and other Wi-Fi-enabled services. Additionally, even if there is currently no Wi-Fi service provided by the marina, you can also ask your boat neighbors who have Wi-Fi access.
The great thing about having your houseboat docked at a marina with other houseboat owners is that everyone is friendly and helpful, so they will be happy to hook you up to their Wi-Fi if you ask nicely. Also, investing in a good quality Wi-Fi range extender might provide an unexpected benefit when it comes to connecting over greater distances or getting a strong signal from within the cabin.
There are three options for connecting to the internet aboard your houseboat. The second alternative is to use your phone as a hotspot and connect to the internet via mobile service. You may also utilize a dedicated hotspot, a marine-based system like a Glomex WebBoat or WiriePro, or a cellular carrier-provided hotspot like MiFi.
Alternatives
The dreaded padlock symbol is a major drawback of Wi-Fi. More Wi-Fi hotspots have opened up over the years, but it appears that most places now demand a passcode.
Luckily, there are also plenty of alternatives if you're looking to connect to the internet but don't want to have to buy something first before you can send that snap to your friend or post something on your Facebook or Instagram.
Satellite Internet
In the satellite internet market, there are now two significant participants. Viasat and HughesNet are the companies in question. Satellite internet is frequently more costly than landline choices. Viasat, for example, presently offers 50mbps internet for $100 for the first three months and $140 thereafter. That's around 3 times what you'd pay for a Centurylink hardwired service.
HughesNet's plan provides a 25mbps speed option, but it also comes with a data restriction. You may pick between 10 and 50 gigabytes of data each month, but once you reach that limit, your speeds will plummet to 1-4 megabits per second. Their 12GB plan costs $50 per month, while their 45GB plan costs $120. Of course, these packages will vary greatly depending on where you're living.
Cellphone Internet
If you own a cellphone, you can also access your cellphone's internet connection. Cell phone networks have evolved in tandem with technological advancements. What used to be a sluggish, clumsy means to send a photo message now allows us to access the internet from nearly anywhere using the technology we carry in our pockets.
Many mobile phones now have internet hotspots, and if you have cell service where you're sailing, this is a fantastic way to get on your computer or tablet and check emails, surf the web, and so on.
When it comes to streaming TV episodes or movies, utilizing your phone as a hotspot is definitely not the greatest option. You'll need a mobile hotspot if you plan on doing a lot of browsing. A mobile hotspot allows you to use your cell phone carrier to connect to the internet on your houseboat, and they frequently have strong, stable connections.
However, mobile hotspots have two major drawbacks. They have data constraints, for starters. There are monthly data restrictions on each hotspot, regardless of whatever company you pick. Some companies slow down your internet when you approach that limit, while others fully shut you down.
In today's fast-paced world in which we live, one needs access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection, even if you are living on a houseboat. Since many folks call houseboats their home, it is common to find houseboat owners who get to enjoy nature without having to be completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Having Wi-Fi access on a houseboat also means that you can watch your favorite TV shows and sports events, or play your favorite games all from the comfort of your home.
Importance of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a type of wireless technology that transmits data using radio waves. Wi-Fi opened up a new dimension in internet access when compared to traditional Ethernet connections. Wi-Fi networks are unquestionably simple to set up and utilize. Even before selling wireless LAN cards to their clients, most businesses install them on their computers.
Smartphone users may access information in real-time over wireless networks, allowing them to wander around without being disconnected from the network. This gives them more mobility than the old-fashioned networking approach. But, there are also many other benefits of having Wi-Fi access, particularly on a houseboat.
It's all about getting access to the internet without having to bother about cables and wires. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to work from anywhere and collaborate with people all over the world. Because the data is accessed over the internet, the cloud helps you properly archive your data so that you may access it from anywhere, independent of connectivity constraints.
Monitor your vessel's vital signs in real-time, set up alerts for odd behavior, keep track of how many hours your engines have run since your last planned maintenance, or rest easy knowing your boat is secure at home. The ability to monitor your boat from afar is a key benefit of having Wi-Fi onboard.
