Install Access Point on boat or ferry

[Allan-ZG]

Hello! I would like to know if there is any documentation or success stories about installing Meraki access points on boats or ferries.

[alemabrahao]

There is no official documentation for this type of location, so in this case it would be interesting to consult a Cisco partner.

[Mloraditch]

There is no reason this wouldn't work as long as you have generally good internet on your regular trips. Depending on the type of ship and whether its open to the elements, you may need to use the outdoor models for all installs.

If you are traveling internationally things could get interesting because of different rules on spectrum. I'd definitely involve a partner and meraki rep if that's the case.

[Ryan_Miles]

I've seen Meraki APs on a few ferries over the years.

I also helped support an exec's yacht that was full Meraki MX, MS, lots of MRs. 

Today, I support a customer that operates large vessels and they use Meraki as well. I can't give any specifics about them or their deployment. But they've been using it for years very successfully. 

[PhilipDAth]

I have been involved in installing them inside vessels above the waterline.  I used "ordinary" APs like the MR36.

Things to consider:

* What the vessel is made from (metal, wood, fibreglass, etc.).  Water will completely absorb the signal.

* There are high RF devices, like RADAR - stay well away from them.

* Some areas may contain dangerous chemicals or high levels of heat or cold.

* You will need considerable protection if operated where salt air can get in.  I would put the APs into marine grade rated enclosures.

You may need to implement a "safe to operate" style system.  This may mean you have to provide a way to "lock out" the power to the system to allow maintenance of the vessel.

[Allan-ZG]

Thank you very much. As you mentioned, a Meraki specialist also confirmed that the access point will function without any issues. However, considering long-term concerns related to salinity and marine environments, IP67 may not be sufficient. Therefore, it would be advisable to evaluate Cisco IW solutions as a more robust alternative.