Got lower cabin for a trip in Raja Ampat. Help! How do I get connected?

[manxcat]

Hello. i have been to Raja Ampat a few times in the last 10 years. I know that connectivity has improved a lot. FRom not being connected on most days, you can actually get connected for at leas 1/2 the trip.

But connectivity in the lower cabins is still impossible. Unless you are in an area of super reception, like near the marina of a major city like Sorong, and your lower cabin is near the dining room where the modem is.

As a result, i hate the lower cabins. I need to stay connected during the trip and i don't like hanging around the main common areas.

But on an upcoming trip, I got a lower cabin. I am prepared to rent or even buy if it means I can get wifi reception in my lower deck cabin.

Can someone advise on what I can do? Is there a solution? Is there a router strong enough for this purpose?

Oh in case, anyonme is wondering, I need to work. I don't want to sit in the dining room where there is connectiion because I like silence and privacy when I work.

Thank you.

 

[Mike_4635]

I am assuming you are using cell data. If so you might look into a cell signal/service booster. Set the booster in the main floor where you get normal cell coverage. That might extend the service to below deck. If the structure between the main deck and your cabin is metal might be a limiting factor. Never tried this but might be a solution. If you are using wifi, there are wifi extenders that may work.

 

[manxcat]

Thanks for your response. I am going to get a SIM card. The boat has Starlink.. which means they have a modem? So i should get both a cell signal/service booster and a wifi extender? The boat is a phinisi, so its made of wood. I have looked into the cell signal booster. It seems that some are specific to networks. Does it mean that a cell signal booster i buy in my country might not work in Indonesia?

 

[lowwall]

Thanks for your response. I am going to get a SIM card. The boat has Starlink.. which means they have a modem? So i should get both a cell signal/service booster and a wifi extender? The boat is a phinisi, so its made of wood. I have looked into the cell signal booster. It seems that some are specific to networks. Does it mean that a cell signal booster i buy in my country might not work in Indonesia?

You should be asking the boat. If they really have Starlink, then they will be providing data over a wifi router. If you can't get a good connection and the boost says it is OK, you could plug in a wifi repeater between the router and your cabin.

Amazon: TP Link AC1200.

A better solution would be to ask them to install 2-4 wifi mesh devices throughout the boat so everyone gets a good connection. Decent ones are under $100 each.

Cell signal boosters can only do so much. Here's a recent roundup.

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-cell-phone-signal-boosters?test_uuid=06VbILP0gGfqWI6STznyr7F&test_variant=B

 

[manxcat]

Wow! Thanks! I am a techphobe.. All these gadget names sound like Dutch to me. Should I get a mesh router instead of a wifi repeater? I saw this gadget - TP Link One Mesh. It sounds like it is more efficient than a wifi repeater?

Re asking the boat, not for me to ask at this point in time. Moreover the trip is happening next weekend. Most guests aren't that bothered as they are on holiday. They are fine with intermittent wifi for messaging and spcial media. It's just poor me who works 24/7. The ones on the main deck, especially, will have the best reception.

I hate lower deck cabins but everything has been taken up.

Can I password protect my mesh router?

I just looked up the Starlink system for boats. Seems like it's the Starlink maritime. ( can't ask anyone now because they are out at sea and not everyone understands my pain.. as most people are on holiday when they get on a boat). Which means I need to get a Starlink ethernet to link up with my mesh or extender?

 

[manxcat]

So i got an update. The boat is using the Starlink Maritime which is a dish. It seems I could get a Starlink ethernet cable and a mesh router or an extender and connect the latter to the Starlink dish using the ethernet cable. Give permission on the Starlink app etc. Et Voila.. However, i heard from the boat people that they had previously allowed a guest to twiddle with their Starlink and he messed up everything and no one could use the wifi anymore for the rest of the trip.. and it was complicated to undo this mess. So they will not allow anyone to touch their Starlink anymore.

Is it possible for me to link my mesh router or wifi extender to the Starlink dish without a physical connection?

 

[lowwall]

Is it possible for me to link my mesh router or wifi extender to the Starlink dish without a physical connection?

Yes. As long as you have the login to access the Wi-Fi provided by the Starlink, you can use an extender. You just need a place with a power outlet to put it between the wifi router and your room. The one I linked to above runs on 110 or 220, so you can bring a simple adapter if the boat doesn't have US style plugs.

It's possible that it will work in your room because it should have better antennas than a typical cell phone, but there's no way to be sure until you try it.

I think you need to be prepared for this not to work though. Maybe bring some noise cancelling headphones so you can work in the common areas if you have to.

 

[manxcat]

Yes. As long as you have the login to access the Wi-Fi provided by the Starlink, you can use an extender. You just need a place with a power outlet to put it between the wifi router and your room. The one I linked to above runs on 110 or 220, so you can bring a simple adapter if the boat doesn't have US style plugs.

It's possible that it will work in your room because it should have better antennas than a typical cell phone, but there's no way to be sure until you try it.

I think you need to be prepared for this not to work though. Maybe bring some noise cancelling headphones so you can work in the common areas if you have to.

Hello, thanks for your advice. If I were to use an extender, others will also benefit from the boosted coverage right? Can I password protect it such that it works only for me? I know this sounds selfish, but no one else is paying for it, because everyone got a main deck and upper deck room (i am lucky enough to end up with a lower deck cabin because this is my replacement trip - i was booked in for a main deck cabin two weeks ago but thanks to the wonderful Garurda Airlines, I didn't make it to Sorong even after 2.5 days of flying and being in transit). So everyone else will benefit from this boosted coverage, and compromising my connectivity even further, as if it is already not bad enough as I am in a lower cabin.

 

[lowwall]

I only have a general understanding of how these things work. You'll need to check the manual or do further research to find one with that feature.

 

[manxcat]

I only have a general understanding of how these things work. You'll need to check the manual or do further research to find one with that feature.

Okies, thanks, looks like I have to look for something which i can return in case it doesn't work.