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A reliable and constantly available internet service onboard relies on a well-designed and managed IT infrastructure. In this occasional series of dispatches from industry contributors, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YOT Store (Company)">YOT Ltd</a> technical director Kris Cardona offers his views on how new tech is transforming the maritime industry.The recent technology shift has been facilitated by the emergence of new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based technologies, such as Starlink and OneWeb, each offering their own advantages. The vast increase in bandwidth capabilities in the maritime industry parallels the shift in the early 2000s in the traditional home/office setting, where slower ADSL lines and server rooms were eventually replaced by faster fibre broadband connections and cloud-based services, maximising continuous server power. This transformation is paving the way for a new era of connectivity in the maritime industry, allowing for more efficient operations and improved communication between vessels and the shore.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294155/image/large-f83af7aa0698afd50e576c3c0d780e25.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294155">In recent times, IT and comms have undergone rapid evolution, transforming the maritime industry by offering more than just basic email and fax services onboard. Thanks to the introduction of LEO technologies, vessels now feature advanced systems that provide always-on, high-speed internet similar to that of a well-equipped office. As a result, this has unlocked a world of opportunities, such as the emergence of automated navigational functions and even unmanned autonomous vessels that were once deemed impossible.The need for speedThe increasing demand for high-speed internet at sea has brought added pressure to improve onboard bandwidth, manage the QoS and improve SD-WAN capabilities. However, rather than simply flooding the network with bandwidth, we're exploring using SD-WAN technologies to enhance the efficiency of these connectivity sources, particularly by leveraging cloud solutions in a secure manner. Better to focus on embracing the future of IT and developing a hybrid onboard/cloud-based service that integrates seamlessly and securely to enjoy the benefits of the cloud without entirely relying upon it.Almost every intelligent system onboard now needs to talk to the IT network. These smart systems are increasingly complex and designed for office/home-based environments that simply connect to the cloud services. Work areas on modern yachts now resemble floating offices, with systems and servers integrated into a network that allows for the broadcast of AV streams and the interaction of various devices. In the past, network engineers had to ensure that all systems would continue functioning even if the internet connection was down. However, the current onboard IT systems are much more advanced and require cloud-based services and even more bandwidth to function efficiently.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294156/image/large-868fe3d7fd6227cd790b80b13c86fe57.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294156">&nbsp;As the maritime industry continues to embrace cloud-based services like Microsoft 365, onboard email servers are becoming less common, with users opting to access their messages from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This shift to cloud-based services is not limited to email. Other onboard services, such as the AV systems, are also transitioning now that they have stable WAN infrastructures, which before LEO technologies were considered unreliable. Nowadays, multiple high-speed internet connections are available and it doesn't have to come at a high cost, especially compared to traditional systems.Cyber-crimeThe evolution of technology in the maritime industry has led to the development of more intelligent onboard solutions, including high-quality 4K video streaming and cloud-based services. However, this new landscape brings with it the heightened threat of cyber-crime. As IT networks become more complex, it is vital to ensure these solutions are implemented securely, with backups in the cloud and the appropriate technology to encompass all cloud bubbles into a single, secure environment.&nbsp;This requires carefully managing the expansion of the IT perimeter from a single onboard ‘shell’ or network to multiple online services in the cloud to prevent cyber-crimes. If skilled hackers are determined to damage your IT infrastructure, they can. For every service you sign up for, from Microsoft 365 to Netflix, a piece of information is shared with the service provider, whether large or small. Every service is a way in or out – a doorway that a hacker or virus can penetrate. And a yacht can have hundreds of user accounts with brands like Cisco, HP, DELL, Kerio, Sophos, Acronis, Veeam, Zinwave, Peplink, Poynting, QNAP, Axis, and many more. By adding security layers to your IT infrastructure, you put in place more obstacles that need to be overcome, but also give yourself more time to react and mitigate any damage as much as possible. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294157/image/large-2a6519edd96c8ccac5e33a2245994ef8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294157">There are many IT problems to juggle on board, and now in the cloud, in order to keep the vessel, crew, guests and owner safe from any threat. As yachting has evolved, so has the need for shoreside IT support with remote service providers and remote monitoring solutions. These providers have the resources to help owners, captains, crew and guests resolve any hardware or software problems that may arise quickly and with minimal interruption. What might have taken ETOs and AV/IT officers weeks to sort out a few years ago, can now be resolved in just a few hours by an experienced shoreside integrator and service company.This article was originally published in Issue 3 of How To Build It, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-3" target="_blank">download the magazine for free here</a>.

Kris Cardona and superyacht connectivity 

YOT Ltd technical director Kris Cardona offers his views on how new tech is transforming the maritime industry.

Staying connected: Kris Cardona on how tech is transforming the maritime industry

Below,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6269" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YOT Store (Company)">YOT store</a>&nbsp;and former superyacht ETO Director Ryan Porter, writes about the common mistakes many are making on their technology upgrades:From brand selection to embracing a flexible approach, there are five crucial points to consider when it comes to choosing the best possible yacht AV/IT upgrade. If you manage to get this right, you will have an AV/IT system that is long-term, cost-effective and ready for future technologies.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/189589/image/large-6690e469d84789216d1de50bd70e38cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/189589">1. Select a trustworthy brandSelecting the right equipment is critical to any AV/IT system. If you take a chance on bespoke equipment and magic boxes, you have to ask yourself — who will support it? And what updates are there? We've found that alternative solutions usually turn out to be troublesome, lack documentation, and have poor aftercare. Nine times out of 10, it's better to opt for the devil you know and stick with proven technologies. &nbsp;The obvious go-to companies are Cisco and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3897" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crestron (Company)">Crestron</a>; these two big players dominate the AV/IT space in the yachting world. However, you will also come across the likes of HP, Rukus, Netgear, Peplink, Ubiquiti, Control 4 and Savant AV/IT solutions too, as these offer good alternatives. Complementary to the selection of equipment, you also need to consider how it's designed, configured and installed. Always make sure you're working with certified and reputable companies when selecting your supplier and integrator, as this has a significant impact on the result.2. Think about security&nbsp;Security should be at the forefront of your mind when designing any IT system. In an increasingly connected environment, information is exposed to a growing number (and therefore a wider variety) of risks. A worrying 2.7 cybercrimes take place every minute, that's 166 per hour!&nbsp;Threats such as malicious code, computer hacking and denial-of-service attacks are becoming more common. These attacks can be ambitious and sophisticated, and that's why maintaining and updating your IT security onboard is more of a challenge than ever.&nbsp;The IMO has taken this seriously, enforcing Maritime Cyber Risk Management. Safety Management System Resolution is mandatory for commercially registered vessels over 500 GT. A lack of implementation of the SMS cyber risk controls could result in the ship being fined or detained, with deficiencies needing to be rectified before release.&nbsp;The best approach is to install a next-generation firewall and have a cybersecurity management plan in place. Make sure you receive this part of your installation, in order to protect your vessel for its entire lifespan.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/189592/image/large-68bec1aecc4e0ac73844d8d1bed75e58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/189592">3. Connectivity is keyI think every sailor has experienced terrible internet connectivity onboard. In 2021, it doesn't have to be that way! There are gigabit cellular routers available, and the demand for a reliable internet connection isn't a luxury, it's a normal way of life. In today's digital age, a reliable internet connection is one of the most essential things onboard.&nbsp;However, 90% of yachts today still haven't got this right. Quite simply, the more reliable and robust the WAN (4G, VSAT, Shore internet) connections are, the better the Wi-Fi experience will be. This means better streaming for your AV system, happy guests and a happy crew. A fast performing 4G/5G system should be your primary WAN on board when in range (that is up to 30-40 km off the coast). It will blow away any traditional VSAT technology with a fraction of the cost, providing a snappier experience due to the low latency links to the nearest cellular network tower. Still, the conventional VSAT technology is still around for a few more years until LEO technology (from Elon Musks' Starlink and other competitors), take over satellite connectivity. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/189593/image/large-38ff9af131f653da275791431d05a821.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/189593">4. Find a flexible approach&nbsp;I can speak first hand about how crucial flexibility is when working as a yacht’s electronic engineer. An essential component for satisfaction onboard are the central sources for audio and video media, which need to distribute to every audio/video area. Having a reliable bit of kit not only makes life easier, but it also caters to the most demanding guests. AV room controllers are handy to allow phones and tablets to control any room you wish.&nbsp;As the electronic front of house, the AV and IT systems always have to perform, but with rigid systems, the entire system typically fails if one component fails. Plan for redundancy options and be prepared because, the likeliness is, the system will fail at some point.&nbsp;You can buy the correct spare parts in advance or have high availability options installed and fail-safe systems in place to protect the uptime of your system. You never know when something is going to break, and the more options and flexibility you have, the better.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/90582/image/large-3925c58b63c1842e65c7d9bc53d5ca3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/90582">5. Keep IT Simple&nbsp;You need to trust your design engineers, but you also need to keep things simple. Sometimes techy people like to over-engineer and overcomplicate systems that have a simple objective. I recommend using the least amount of hardware from point A to B. By doing this, there will be fewer things to break, less cabling, less spare parts, less equipment, fewer manuals to read, the list goes on and on.&nbsp;I suggest you create a set design of the equipment for each AV/IT Zone, made up of the key components you wish to use and replicate the same equipment across every zone with tweaks to suit. The system will become easier to manage by doing this, and the crew can become familiar with the system quickly. You can also carry fewer spares as one component can fit in multiple locations.&nbsp;Before diving into a new upgrade, you must do your homework. Be cautious and make sure your due diligence is done on the equipment and the AV/IT designer/integrator. Follow the above steps, and you are guaranteed to have an effective upgrade that lasts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How to upgrade your yacht AV/IT technology 

YOT Director, Ryan Porter, reveals the yacht AV/IT upgrade mistakes many owners are making.