Seamless Communication Management from AST Networks for Luxury Cruise Vessels.

With a commitment to excellence, the client needed to secure seamless and reliable internet access for both passengers and crew, whilst optimising bandwidth allocation across various onboard systems.

The Challenge

Luxury cruise vessels operate in dynamic environments, where the expectation of high-quality connectivity solutions is crucial. The client was facing difficulties in integrating multiple communication services, including Starlink, 4G/5G, and VSAT into a network solution balancing the bandwidth requirements of passengers, crew, entertainment systems and business critical operations.

The Solution

AST Networks, a leading provider of innovative connectivity solutions, were contacted to engineer a seamless, reliable, and robust communication management system, tailored specifically to the needs of the client and luxury cruise vessels.

- Communication Bearer Management: AST Networks implemented a sophisticated solution, leveraging their LinkBox+ Hybrid Connectivity system to ensure seamless and constant connectivity by automatically switching networks based on availability and cost. By connecting the networks through a single point of access, LinkBox can switch from Starlink to 4G or VSAT, ensuring dependable uninterrupted and high-quality connections for passengers, crew, and business critical operations.

- Enhanced Connectivity: Utilising Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) technology to combine networks into one single link enhances connection performance and reliability, ensuring seamless connectivity across the luxury cruise liner, even in remote locations or challenging environments.

- Wireless Network Upgrade: Recognising the importance of comprehensive connectivity, AST Networks upgraded the vessel’s wireless network using LinkBox devices strategically positioned within the ship, enhancing overall guest and crew experience.

**- Bandwidth Control & Traffic Shaping:**AST Networks implemented traffic shaping mechanisms to control bandwidth allocation and monitor traffic. Specific policies were applied, such as limiting entertainment system updates to times of low usage, optimising bandwidth utilisation and prioritising critical operations.

The Results

The implementation of AST Networks innovative communication management solution yielded several key benefits for the luxury cruise vessel operator:

- High Availability & Reliability: The client gained access to a high availability, guaranteed service, that met the elevated expectation of their passengers. Seamless connectivity ensured uninterrupted access to communication services throughout their voyages.

- Granular Bandwidth Control: With AST Networks solution, the client obtained granular control over bandwidth allocation and internet access, enabling efficient resource management, and ensuring optimal performance for both passengers and onboard systems.

- 24/7 Support & Monitoring: The client benefits from 24/7 support, 365 days a year from AST Networks experienced customer services team, meaning they can boast continuous operation and swift resolutions to any concerns or issues. Monthly usage reports provide insights into usage patterns, enabling proactive management and resource optimisation.

Conclusion

AST Networks strategic planning and innovative engineering successfully identified the complex communication challenges faced by the client, delivering seamless integration of multiple communication networks, coupled with enhanced connectivity and bandwidth management, via one straightforward and easy to apply LinkBox solution.