Ships in Amsterdam can get wi-fi 
http://www.portofamsterdam.com

PICTURES - Hollandti 12, Hollandi13
Caption: Wireless data access points in the Port of Amsterdam

The Port of Amsterdam now has wi-fi radio data communications, so that ships anywhere in the harbour and up to 2km from shore can access the internet.

Currently the network is private, available to port authority vessels only, but it is possible that it will shortly be extended so that all ships can use it. 

The first stage of providing public access to the network may be to make it an extension of another wi-fi system already being provided for river boats in the Port of Rotterdam, where users pay a subscription fee.

"Our management will decide later this year if we are willing to open up our access points to those subscribers," says Fons Maartens, technical manager with the Port of Amsterdam. 

"Our first priority is a reliable and secure wifi infrastructure for our patrol vessels."

To access the system, ships need to have computers with a standard wi-fi data access card.

The system is provided by Radionet, a supplier of wi-fi "hot zone" technology, and Baas WDS (wireless data systems), a system integrator. It was installed in June 2004. The network is owned and operated by Amsterdam Port Authority.

The system uses the 2.4 GHz WLAN spectrum and 802.11 wi-fi protocol.

The wi-fi access points, located around the port, also communicate with the data backbone system by radio, at up to 10 Mbps; the backbone itself can carry 34 Mbps.

The shipboard computers have a remote database system, which can be used to report any stray inland waterway ships, making sure they pay their harbour tax. The ships can also send e-mail.

"To replace our previous generation narrow-band wireless network, we needed a reliable network that could withstand demanding harbour conditions and provide high speed connections to a wide variety of applications," says Fons Maartens, System manager, Amsterdam Port Authority.

"Wi-Fi technology was an obvious choice for replacement as it supports a multitude of access devices and is cost-effective to deploy." 

"However, the challenges of comprehensive coverage and suitability for outdoor-use needed to be resolved. 

"After looking into the competing alternatives, the Baas WDS / Radionet solution proved to be best choice as it offers seamless mobility, high reliability, secured coverage and the ability to use all standard Wi-Fi clients without any special software."

Amsterdam Port Authority already reports a reduced use of VHF radio and decrease in phone bills from the scheme.

One of the trickiest elements in the system has been getting the handover right, for ships which move from one access point to another. Vessels keep the same IP address but automatically hand over from one access point to another.

The systems are also designed to withstand salt from seawater, high winds, moisture and freezing temperatures. 

Radionet is a specialist in development, design and sales of large outdoor broadband networks, conforming to IEEE 802.11. 
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In the fourth quarter this year, the port will launch its own Harbour Management System, where patrol vessels will report ocean vessels.