WAN Selection

With its hybrid network capability, the TracNet system automatically switches among available VSAT, cellular, and shore-based Wi-Fi networks for Internet connectivity. In addition, if another gateway is available on your vessel, it can be configured to allow the TracNet system to automatically switch to it as either an alternate or backup connection. The alternate connection will always take precedence when it's available; and the backup connection will only be used when no other connection is available.

You can also manually switch the antenna to use just one of the WAN connections.

To select an automatic or manual mode, go to the Home page of the web interface or KVH Manager. Then select your preference from the Network Selection drop-down menu:

Automatic (Recommended)
VSAT Only
Cell Only
Wi-Fi Only
Alternate Only
Backup Only

Note: Switching to Alternate Only or Backup Only can only be done through the web interface, not KVH Manager.

In automatic mode, an "AUTO" indicator appears at the top of the Home page.

In a manual mode, an "ONLY" indicator appears at the top of the Home page.

Cellular WAN connectivity requires activation of the KVH Global SIM card and a cellular service plan subscription. The SIM card also must be turned on (see Cellular WAN Settings) and cellular data usage must be enabled for the destination zone in which you are located (see Data Usage). As an alternative to using the KVH Global cellular service, you have the option to install your own cellular SIM card (see Using Your Own Cellular SIM Card).

Wi-Fi WAN connectivity requires set up of a shore-based Wi-Fi network that offers Internet access in your area (see Shore Wi-Fi WAN Settings).

Backup or alternate WAN connectivity requires an Ethernet connection and network modification to a third-party network device on the vessel that provides egress to the Internet (see Backup WAN Option and Alternate WAN Option).

Connecting to a Shore Wi-Fi Network that Requires a User Login

IMPORTANT! If the shore-based Wi-Fi network available in your area requires a user login (i.e., Internet access is gated by a captive portal), the TracNet system will NOT automatically switch to it until you have entered your login credentials.

To connect to the shore Wi-Fi network and enter your login credentials, follow these steps:

Make sure the shore Wi-Fi network you want to use is set up at the WAN Settings page of the web interface (see Shore Wi-Fi WAN Settings).
At the Home page of the web interface, select the Wi-Fi Only mode from the Network Selection menu. This will force the system to connect to the shore Wi-Fi network, despite being blocked from the Internet.
Open a web browser on any computer or mobile device connected to the network. The shore Wi-Fi network's login page should appear.
Enter your user name and password to sign in for Internet access. Contact the Wi-Fi network's service provider for access terms and conditions.
Once you are connected to the Internet, you may return the TracNet system to Automatic mode. The TracNet system will now be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network as long as the network's service provider retains your login credentials.

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