Shipyard 5G Connectivity Use Case: Reliable Industrial Networking with Peplink Solutions
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Shipyard 5G Connectivity Use Case: Reliable Industrial Networking with Peplink Solutions
How a Singapore shipyard improved cellular signal, enabled remote inspections, and deployed industrial 5G routers for stable connectivity.
Project Background
A Singapore-headquartered engineering powerhouse whose operates in the offshore, marine time and energy industries,
To support complex shipbuilding and repair projects, the company provides on-site facilities and digital office environments for project owners and their representatives. These environments allow stakeholders to stay closely involved throughout long construction and maintenance cycles. In addition to physical workspaces, the organization also offers virtual office capabilities for customers who cannot be present on-site daily.
These digital services rely heavily on reliable and high-speed connectivity, including:
- Stable daily internet access for project teams
- Remote inspection using cameras and Augmented Reality (AR)
- Real-time dashboards for project status and operational monitoring
- A digital control tower functioning as a remote project management office
To enable flexible deployment across the shipyard environment, the organization adopted 5G cellular networking as the primary connectivity solution.
The Challenge
Deploying stable connectivity in a large industrial shipyard environment presented several key challenges:
- Weak cellular signal inside shipyard structures
Large steel structures, machinery, and factory environments significantly reduce cellular signal strength. - Indoor-focused networking equipment
Existing cellular CPE devices were mainly designed for indoor usage and could not perform well outdoors. - Limited power availability across deployment areas
Certain installation points had limited access to power, making PoE-powered deployment essential. - GPS tracking requirements
The organization required routers with built-in GPS capabilities for fleet monitoring and asset tracking. - Integration with industrial platforms
The networking solution needed to integrate smoothly with existing operational and industrial systems. - Flexible mobile operator support
Support for different operators and SIM formats, including eSIM, was required. - Mobility between projects
Networking equipment needed to be redeployed easily across different shipyard projects. - Centralized cloud management
IT teams needed a solution that allows remote monitoring and configuration of multiple project locations.
The Turning Point
To address these challenges, the engineering team evaluated industrial-grade networking platforms capable of delivering strong outdoor cellular connectivity, flexible installation, and centralized management.
After careful evaluation, the team selected solutions from Peplink, known for reliable industrial connectivity, SD-WAN technology, and advanced cellular networking capabilities.
By combining outdoor high-gain antennas, industrial 5G routers, and PoE-powered deployment, the organization was able to significantly improve connectivity performance across the shipyard facility.
Starview’s Solution
Starview Technologies designed and deployed a high-performance industrial networking solution using Peplink Antenna MAX, Splitter MAX, and MAX BR1 Pro 5G to ensure stable connectivity throughout the shipyard.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Outdoor high-gain antenna deployment
The Antenna MAX features powerful cellular antennas along with integrated GPS and WiFi antennas. - Stronger signal reception in industrial environments
With an IP68-rated enclosure, the Antenna MAX can be installed outdoors to capture stronger cellular signals. - Minimized signal loss
The router can be securely mounted within the antenna housing, reducing RF cable loss and improving signal efficiency. - Flexible PoE deployment
The MAX BR1 Pro 5G can be powered using a PoE splitter connected to a PoE switch or PoE injector. - Centralized cloud management
Devices can be managed remotely using cloud-based monitoring and configuration tools. - SIM redundancy and operator flexibility
Support for redundant SIM slots and eSIM technology ensures reliable connectivity across different mobile operators.
Proposed Model – Antenna MAX
Antenna MAX is designed for outdoor industrial deployments requiring strong and stable cellular connectivity.
Key features include:
- 4 cellular channels with integrated WiFi (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and GPS
- Ultra-wide bandwidth within a single antenna housing
- UV-resistant enclosure designed for salt spray and corrosion environments
- Cellular frequency support from 600 MHz to 6000 MHz (up to 6.6 dBi)
- IP68-rated protection for harsh environments
- Near 0 dB cable loss by eliminating RF cables
Proposed Model – Splitter MAX
Splitter MAX provides flexible power options for networking deployments.
Key features include:
- Provides power for multiple Peplink devices
- Compatible with devices operating at 12V and under 48W
- Compact form factor
- Surge protection
- Integration with Antenna MAX housing
Proposed Model – MAX BR1 Pro 5G
The MAX BR1 Pro 5G is an industrial-grade 5G router designed for demanding environments.
Key features include:
- 5G cellular modem with redundant SIM slots
- Support for eSIM technology
- Power port with ignition sensing
- EN61373 shock and vibration resistance
- EN45545-2 fire protection compliance
- EN50155 railway certification
- Compact and rugged design
The Results
The deployment significantly improved connectivity reliability and operational efficiency across the shipyard facility.
Key outcomes include:
- Stronger cellular signal coverage
The Antenna MAX improved signal strength, enabling faster and more stable network connections. - Flexible installation across the facility
PoE deployment allowed installation without power infrastructure limitations. - Seamless integration with existing networks
The solution extended connectivity and supported the organization’s digital operations. - Simplified IT operations
Cloud-based management enabled easy configuration and monitoring of multiple sites. - Industrial-grade reliability
The rugged design allows the equipment to operate reliably in outdoor environments and high temperatures.
As a result, the organization successfully enhanced its digital shipyard infrastructure, supporting remote inspections, project monitoring, and real-time collaboration.
Contact Starview
As the authorized reseller of Peplink, Starview specializes in high-performance, redundant, and secure networking solutions.
Contact us today to learn how we can help optimize your connectivity infrastructure.