Can DataHub Pro manage my onboard connections?
The DataHub Pro combines internet routing and sharing with GPS Tracking, AI Polars, NMEA 2000 instrument telemetry, Over the Horizon AIS and connections to the Anchor Alert and MOB apps.
For many boats, its default configuration or built-in System Profiles provide the networking setup you need. A separate router becomes worth considering when your requirements extend to more complex network segmentation, multicast management or cellular connectivity.
What networking use cases do the built-in Profiles support?
System Profiles provide predefined configurations for common onboard setups. Examples include:
TwoAP: makes both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi radios access points for onboard devices. This is useful when your internet connection uses Ethernet and you have devices requiring either Wi-Fi band.
SwapWiFi: swaps the Wi-Fi radio roles, making 2.4 GHz available for onboard devices. This can help with equipment that only supports 2.4 GHz e.g. a chartplotter or printer.
Starlink and Iridium GO! or Iridium GO exec: The DataHub Pro prioritises Starlink connected by Ethernet or Wi-Fi, with fallover first to a USB-tethered phone before activating an Iridium GO! or GO exec connected through DataHub Pro’s Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
Other profiles adjust connection priorities or change the roles of Ethernet ports.
Needing both Wi-Fi bands for onboard devices, or Starlink-to-Iridium failover, does not by itself mean you need a separate router. Check the System Profiles guide for the supported arrangements and setup instructions.
Does DataHub Pro support VLANs and IGMP snooping?
DataHub Pro is based on OpenWrt, which supports advanced networking capabilities, including 802.1Q VLAN tagging and IGMP snooping. You can access some advanced settings through the superadmin interface.
However, custom configurations involving the following requirements fall outside PredictWind’s supported use cases:
VLAN trunks to managed switches.
Multiple Wi-Fi networks assigned to separate VLANs or subnets.
Separate DHCP ranges for each VLAN.
Inter-VLAN routing and firewall rules.
Custom IGMP snooping and multicast management.
This doesn't mean those functions are impossible. The distinction is between the underlying platform’s capabilities and a configuration that PredictWind documents and supports.
If these features are essential to your purchase decision, choose equipment designed for them, with suitable documentation and technical support. PredictWind does not provide configuration or troubleshooting support for these custom networking arrangements.
When should I use a separate router?
Consider a dedicated router when you want separate networks for crew, guests, cameras, entertainment, instruments or management devices, with individual access rules.
A suitably specified Peplink or another dedicated networking solution may be appropriate. Confirm your requirements against the particular router, managed switch and access points you choose.
For this type of installation, a typical arrangement is:
Connect your Starlink connections and any dedicated cellular backup to the main router.
Let that router manage multi-WAN failover and network segmentation.
Connect a LAN port on the main router to the DataHub Pro’s WAN Ethernet port.
The DataHub Pro then receives an upstream internet connection while providing its marine tracking, instrument data and monitoring functions.
Can devices on the other router’s Wi-Fi receive instrument data?
Yes. DataHub Pro shares NMEA 2000 instrument data as NMEA 0183 over Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Devices on the other router’s Wi-Fi can access the feed using the DataHub Pro’s WAN IP address. Your VLAN and firewall settings must allow the connection; broadcasts should not be assumed to cross between VLANs automatically.
Devices using Anchor Alert or MOB functions should connect directly to DataHub Pro Wi-Fi.
Should I use the built-in LTE as my main cellular backup?
The supplied T-Mobile SIM and activated PredictWind connectivity plan are primarily intended to keep essential PredictWind services connected within cellular coverage. They do not provide general internet access for crew devices.
The DataHub Pro also accepts a third-party data SIM and includes an APN setup wizard. It has one SIM slot and a Quectel EG25-GL LTE Cat 4 modem. Its theoretical maximum speeds of 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload are not guaranteed real-world speeds and will depend on your carrier, the coverage available and cell tower the DataHub Pro is connected to.
For multi-SIM cost optimisation or the goal a sustained 100 Mbps-plus cellular backup, choose a dedicated cellular router and antenna system suited to that requirement.
See DataHub Pro LTE and Starlink Direct to Cell plans for supported services, coverage and antenna requirements.