The following description is a high-level overview of a marina Hotspot operation.

Client (Boater) Side Technology

Air2Access uses IEEE 802.11 standards based, or Wi-Fi, technology to connect Boaters to the Internet. This technology is becoming a standard feature on all new portable equipment such as laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and tablet PCs.

For instance, Intel has launched a new platform for mobile devices called Centrino, which fully integrates 802.11b connectivity hardware. By the end of next year, 95% of all new laptops will have this, or similar, technology built in. Older laptops can use a Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g or USB client device to get access. These devices are available at local retailers such as Best Buy, CompUSA, or from Air2Access. To purchase equipment, please click here.

Marina Side Technology

Deploying a Hotspot requires several components coming together to provide a connection to the Internet including:

We will work with the various hardware vendors, other services providers and integrate these components to work seamlessly.

Network Operations Center

Our Network Operations Center communicates through the service provider and connects to our state-of-the-art, open-standards back-office application suite. The center provides the tasks and activities necessary to operate and manage the Hotspot, including user authentication, subscriber management, billing, transaction processing, and network management.

Boater/Marina Customer Service

To service Boaters, we offer several options including web based, e-mail and a dedicated 250-seat, US-based carrier class call center that can answer most Boaters' sign-up, billing, and technical issues.

To service Marinas, we are trained to handle a comprehensive range of technical and operating issues to keep the Hotspot operational twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We are constantly monitoring the network at our control center and use alerts to head off any issues before they become problems.