Case Study: Maritime Connectivity with Dual WAN (VSAT & Starlink)
Case Study: Maritime Connectivity with Dual WAN (VSAT & Starlink)
Introduction
A modern maritime vessel requires reliable internet connectivity for navigation, crew welfare, remote operations, and real-time data transmission. In this case study, we explore the implementation of a dual WAN setup utilizing VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Starlink to enhance connectivity, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness.
Background
A mid-sized commercial shipping company operating a fleet of cargo vessels faced connectivity challenges in remote oceanic regions. Their existing VSAT-based communication system was reliable but suffered from high latency, limited bandwidth, and high operational costs. The company explored the integration of Starlink as a secondary WAN option to improve speed and redundancy.
Objectives
- Improve Internet Redundancy – Ensure seamless connectivity in case one network fails.
- Enhance Bandwidth – Combine the strengths of VSAT (coverage) and Starlink (speed).
- Optimize Costs – Reduce reliance on high-cost VSAT bandwidth.
- Enable Smart Traffic Routing – Prioritize critical operations over a stable connection.
Network Architecture & Implementation
1. Dual WAN Setup
WAN 1: VSAT Connection
- Coverage: Global, including remote areas.
- Speed: 1–10 Mbps (varies by provider).
- Latency: ~600 ms (geostationary satellites).
- Cost: High monthly fees.
- Strengths: Always-on, reliable in deep-sea areas.
WAN 2: Starlink Maritime
- Coverage: Expanding global coverage (best in coastal and open-sea areas).
- Speed: 50–250 Mbps.
- Latency: ~20–40 ms (low-Earth orbit satellites).
- Cost: Lower than VSAT per Mbps.
- Strengths: High-speed, low-latency communication.
2. Load Balancing & Failover Mechanism
Primary Usage:
- Starlink preferred for high-speed, low-latency tasks (crew internet, video calls, real-time telemetry).
- VSAT used for backup and mission-critical low-bandwidth tasks (navigation data, emergency communication).
Failover Strategy:
- If Starlink is unavailable due to coverage gaps or weather conditions, VSAT takes over seamlessly.
Load Balancing Approach:
- Implemented with a Peplink SD-WAN router.
- Traffic shaping allows essential ship operations (navigation, engine monitoring) to get priority over entertainment usage.
Performance Comparison (Pre & Post Implementation)
| Parameter | VSAT Only (Before) | VSAT + Starlink (After) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 2–10 Mbps | Up to 250 Mbps |
| Latency | ~600 ms | 20–40 ms (Starlink) |
| Reliability | 90% uptime | 99% uptime (redundancy) |
| Cost | High | Lower cost per Mbps |
| Crew Satisfaction | Poor internet access | Improved internet experience |
Challenges & Solutions
| Challenges | Solutions Implemented |
|---|---|
| Starlink coverage gaps in some remote ocean areas | Seamless VSAT fallback |
| Weather interference affecting both systems | Intelligent traffic routing & caching |
| Initial hardware cost | Long-term savings justify investment |
| Power consumption | Efficient power management with energy-saving modes |
Conclusion & Benefits
By integrating VSAT and Starlink into a dual WAN system, the shipping company achieved:
✅ Higher internet speeds & lower latency.
✅ Cost reduction by offloading traffic from VSAT to Starlink.
✅ Increased crew satisfaction & operational efficiency.
✅ Enhanced reliability through automatic failover & redundancy.
This hybrid approach provides a scalable and future-proof maritime connectivity solution for modern vessels. 🚢🌍