Comparison of communication systems for on-vessel communications

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

·         Supports Analogue and Digital VHF / UHF radios

·         Antennas max 50m apart (UHF) 100m (VHF)

·         Low-cost hardware

·         Can only link 2 or 3 blackspot areas together

·         Relays all simplex channels

·         Antennas and cables need installing

·         Can be installed in intrinsically safe areas

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

·         Supports Analogue and Digital VHF / UHF radios

·         Will only work where there is no overlap of coverage e.g. just between Bridge and Engine room.

·         No limitation on distance between Gateways

·         Requires Server so overall cost compared to a repeater system to be considered

·         No limitation on the number of Gateways (as long as no overlap of coverage)

·         Will require separate channel to one used in other areas and needs portable radio operator to manually change channel.

·         Connects to existing WiFi or Ethernet networks (low installation complexity / cost)

·         Cannot be installed in intrinsically safe areas

·         Provides a single channel per Gateway set

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

·         Supports Analogue and Digital VHF / UHF radios

·         Requires antenna / leaky feeder installation (moderate / high complexity / cost)

·         No distance limitation on location of repeater(s)

·         Provides a single channel per Repeater (Analogue) or two channels (DMR slot 1 & 2)

·         IP roaming supported by some repeaters

·         IP roaming requires more channels

·         Intrinsically safe and non-IS versions available

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

·         Supports SIP WiFi radios

·         Non I.S. not available until Q3 2024 (non-IS. IS versions to follow later)

·         Uses existing WiFi infrastructure (no repeaters or antennas to install)

·         I.S. versions not available until Q1 2025

·         Works wherever there is WiFi coverage

·         Only requires a low-cost server attaching to the network (over WiFi or Ethernet)

·         A single server supports multiple channels

·         Supports full duplex calls

·         Intrinsically safe and non-IS versions will be available