Marina Wi-Fi Designed for Today’s Boater
Wi-Fi is no longer just for checking email. Boats now arrive with phones, tablets, laptops, Smart TVs, streaming devices, cameras and connected equipment.
Better Dock Coverage
Commercial outdoor access points are positioned around the property to bring Wi-Fi closer to docks and slips.
Multiple Devices
Plans can allow customers to register several personal devices instead of repeatedly logging in one device at a time.
Smart TV Friendly
Supported configurations can let guests register Smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV and other devices that cannot use a normal login screen.
Stay Connected
Registered devices can reconnect automatically instead of forcing customers through a captive portal every time they return. Once a device is registered, the network can recognize it the next time the customer visits and reconnect it automatically. That means less frustration for repeat guests and fewer Wi-Fi login questions for marina staff.
Getting Online Should Be Easy
Guests connect using their phone, tablet or laptop. No special app is required.
Connect
Select the marina’s guest Wi-Fi network.
Create an Account
Sign in or create a customer account from a phone, tablet or laptop.
Choose Access
Select the complimentary or premium service offered by the marina.
Get Online
Browse, work, stream and stay connected.
A Better Way to Connect the Whole Boat
The first connection may happen on a phone or laptop, but that should not prevent customers from getting the rest of their equipment online.
Your Marina. Your Wi-Fi. Your Business Model.
Every marina is different. GNS Connect gives you multiple ways to own, operate and provide Wi-Fi without forcing your business into a one-size-fits-all program.
Choose How Involved You Want to Be
From complete ownership to a more hands-off managed solution, we can structure GNS Connect around your operation.
Marina Owned
Purchase and own your Wi-Fi infrastructure while maintaining control over the network and customer experience.
GNS Managed
Let GNS handle more of the technology so your staff can focus on operating the marina instead of troubleshooting guest Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi, Premium Wi-Fi — or Both
Build the service around your customers and the way your marina operates.
Free Guest Wi-Fi
Include Wi-Fi as an amenity while using bandwidth controls to help keep service fair for everyone.
Free + Premium
Offer basic access at no charge with an optional faster plan for streaming, remote work and multiple devices.
Premium Paid Wi-Fi
Offer daily, weekly, monthly or seasonal internet plans with online customer payment.
Included With Slip Rental
Provide registered Wi-Fi access to transient or seasonal customers as part of their marina package.
Better Wi-Fi Starts With a Better Network
GNS Connect is more than a login page. The wireless infrastructure behind it is what determines whether your customers actually get a good connection.
Coverage Planning
AP placement is planned around docks, slips, buildings, boat sizes and physical obstructions.
Dedicated Backhaul
Point-to-point wireless links can carry network capacity to remote areas without relying heavily on repeaters.
Bandwidth Management
Control customer speeds and device usage so a handful of heavy users do not consume the entire internet connection.
Remote Management
Monitor network equipment and troubleshoot many issues remotely instead of sending someone down the dock.
Guest & Staff Networks
Keep guest traffic separated from marina operations, office devices and other private network resources.
Real Technical Support
Work with U.S.-based networking professionals familiar with outdoor Wi-Fi and marina environments.
Big Boats Can Be Tough on Wi-Fi
Getting a strong signal to the dock is only part of the challenge. Large vessels can contain fiberglass, metal, tinted glass, bulkheads, appliances and other materials that weaken Wi-Fi as the signal travels below deck.
That is why GNS designs coverage to bring the outdoor Wi-Fi signal as close to the boats as practical instead of expecting one access point at the marina office to cover the entire property.
For especially large or difficult vessels, onboard Wi-Fi equipment may also be used to receive the marina connection and redistribute it throughout the boat.
GNS Connect Works With Your Internet Connection
GNS Wireless does not replace your Internet Service Provider. We design the network that distributes your existing fiber, cable, fixed wireless or Starlink connection throughout the marina.
GNS Connect FAQs
Does the marina have to charge for Wi-Fi?
No. You can offer free guest Wi-Fi, premium paid service, include Wi-Fi with slip rental, or use a combination of service levels.
Can customers connect Smart TVs and Roku devices?
Yes. Depending on the guest-access platform, browserless devices can be registered to a customer’s account without requiring the TV or streaming device to display the captive portal.
Can the marina own the Wi-Fi equipment?
Yes. Marina ownership is one of the available models. Managed and revenue-sharing arrangements can also be considered depending on the project.
Can we use our existing fiber or cable internet?
Yes. In most cases, keeping a good existing broadband connection is preferable. GNS Connect is designed to distribute that connection throughout the property.
Can we use Starlink?
Yes. Starlink can be used as the internet source where appropriate. Available bandwidth, customer count and expected usage should be considered when designing the network.
Will marina Wi-Fi work below deck?
It depends on the vessel. Large boats and certain construction materials can significantly reduce Wi-Fi signal. Proper dockside AP placement helps, while some vessels may benefit from dedicated onboard equipment.
Ready for Better Marina Wi-Fi?
Tell us about your marina, current internet connection, dock layout and what you want to accomplish. We’ll help determine the coverage, equipment and GNS Connect service model that makes the most sense.