Alejandra is a stunning 134-foot aluminum ketch built in Spain in 1992 in the "Spirit of Tradition" class.
Our company was first contacted to replace the old, non-functioning CCTV cameras and overhaul the existing KVH satellite television system. Then, at the end of the summer season, to install a new communications and navigation system.
The current satellite TV system consists of a Navisystem 95 HT dual-LNB antenna capable of receiving satellite channels in both Europe and America.
Navigation is monitored and managed by Nobeltec's Admiral program, which, combined with the company's IR2 4 kW Open Array Radar, connected via Ethernet, allows the onboard computers to simultaneously display:

• Nautical cartography
• The radar screen, including overlay
• The vessel's position (via NMEA data reception from the Furuno GPS and Geonav plotter)
• Monitoring vessel traffic in the route area, via the AIS receiver

The onboard fixed network consists of two PCs connected via Ethernet via a Netgear Prosafe router. Their tasks:

• Manage navigation
• Manage vessel communications
• Manage email
• Manage fax
• Manage weather reports
• Manage the onboard hi-fi system

The Captain requested the second computer to ensure immediate control of the entire system in the event of a sudden malfunction of the first.
To manage the internet connection, we chose the Radiomarine Communicator, a computer with an Embedded Linux operating system, from which it is possible to select and manage:

• Cabled ADSL networks
• Wi-Fi networks
• HSDPA/UMTS networks
• Satellite networks

To optimize browsing speed and costs, software updates are installed automatically and free of charge via remote assistance.
Wireless reception in ports is provided by a Netgear Access Point, which operates in Client mode and uses an external high-gain omnidirectional antenna.
The UMTS/HSDPA connection is established via a Linksys 3G router.
A Thrane & Thrane Fleet Broadband 250 guarantees satellite internet and voice (with the supplied telephone), even simultaneously.
The antenna has a diameter of just 27 cm and a height of 33 cm.
The vessel features a secure wireless network, managed by three Netgear access points. This network is separate from the wired network for security reasons. Access is available to:

• Crew PCs
• Guest PCs
• Any other devices with a WiFi connection (PDAs, VoIP phones, cameras, camcorders, printers)

The configuration is further enhanced by the following features for the network server:

• A twin PC already installed and updated, ready to replace the first in case of problems
• An automatic and progressive backup program to an external disk for the network computers

Naturally, since system management is quite complex, a comprehensive use and maintenance manual was provided after sea trials and the introductory course.