SeaNet: Providing Internet Services for Shipboard Research

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

0083693 Maffei This award to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts provides technical personnel and hardware to support and extend the existing SeaNet program to provide Internet and other computer communications capabilities between vessels conducting oceanographic research at sea and facilities on shore. SeaNet is a development bringing enhanced communications protocols to research vessels of the U.S. academic research fleet. This capability substantially enhances efforts for outreach and K-12 educational activities, in particular, for researchers combining real-time research projects at sea with public and elementary education activities. SeaNet also offers vessel operators substantial benefits in managing shipboard communications, including both electronic mail and large data file transfers, on behalf of scientific users of the vessel, and it provides common protocols and high-speed access to satellite communications. Already implemented on six academic research vessels, the present award will provide for addition of four new systems as well as support of operations, maintenance of hardware and software, and some enhanced communications capabilities. ***