Run Virtual Private Network on Mobile Satellite Systems without Compromising Performance

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an encrypted connection that enables remote clients or mobile workers to securely connect with a private network over the public Internet. VPN connection gives employees secured access to their company networks. The use of VPN connections can increase safety and security in the maritime industry. These connections can allow maritime administrators to send mission-critical information from their land-based shore locations to ships docked in other part of the world.

Use of VPN over Satellite Internet connections
Previously, satellite Internet services offered less bandwidth that was required for VPN connection. Geosynchronous satellites used to take long time to transmit data between the satellite and ground stations, which is called high latency. With the invention of mobile satellite services such as maritime VSAT systems, VPN can now function properly over broadband satellite used by ships.

• The low latency of VSAT networks makes it practical to implement VPN connections across the shipping industry.

• Satellite Internet interacts with many elements of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) such as congestion avoidance algorithms and data acknowledgment mechanism. These limitations can be overcome by using TCP Acceleration process with indoor units (IDU) or VSAT equipment designed for satellite.

• VSAT Systems offers two 3-Key Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (3DES) alternatives that encrypt the data that you want to send, leaving the Internet Protocol (IP) and TCP headers accessible. Since the headers are now available, the encrypted packets are compatible with all types of satellite modems or broadband satellite services used by ships.

VSAT mobile satellite services are friendly with many VPN solutions. No need to make a trade-off between functionality and security of your secured networks. You can use your current VPN solution with mobile broadband satellite services and VSAT equipment to increased latency of the network and VPN performance. Ship operators in remote locations require access to their business critical applications and industrial grade security while communicating over satellite Internet. Everything becomes possible when you merge VPN solutions with VSAT mobile satellite service for your maritime operations.

Smart Ways to optimize your Vessel’s Maritime Internet Connection

Maritime VSAT is a leap forward in technology that brings Internet to you at sea. Today, reliable high-speed maritime internet supports secure and reliable satellite voice and data services on marine vessels. However, there is a difference in connectivity speed at sea and land. There are some smart and unique ways that marine vessel operators can use to improve vessel Internet connection's performance.

#1 Traffic Shaping
Traffic Shaping refers to controlling various Internet activities on marine vessel, such as email, website browsing and voice calls. You can use three types of traffic shaping methods – URL Shaping, Application Shaping and Policy-based Shaping – to set priorities between Internet users and traffic types allowed on the communication network. With URL Shaping, you can limit bandwidth distribution to different websites.  Use Application Shaping method to allocate bandwidth depending upon different protocols used by users. Policy-based Shaping helps you to define your rules and regulations to specify maximum bandwidth and Internet usage rate.

#2 Use Bandwidth Monitoring System
Some maritime VSAT service providers offer bandwidth monitoring system along with high throughput satellite (HTS) technology in Ku and Ka-bands. Such monitoring systems can help in real-time monitoring of Internet usage by crew, operators and vessel systems. You can set parameters that will alert you when the Internet is down, when usage is exceeding limit and more. Bandwidth monitoring systems can also help vessel managers to couple maritime VSAT system with a shore-side high-speed Internet connection.

Maritime Internet connection helps your customers and crew to keep in touch with family, friends and businesses back home, managers to carry out vessel operations and operators to communicate with shore-side bases. With high-throughput maritime VSAT services, you get high bandwidth speeds on vessel, but you are also required to control usage to save money. These smart ways will let you use maritime Internet in a more efficient and effective way. However, care must be taken while selecting services and equipment to get the best pricing and experience. Consult with an experienced maritime satellite communications specialist today!