[Nereus32]

Anyone have any experience with CradlePoint routers?

I'd like to set up a Wifi as WAN (WAW) network onboard, so I can maintain my own personal WIFI network regardless of location for onboard navigation across multiple devices - Mac Mini, iPad, iPhone, etc. - and be able to connect the whole thing to the internet via WAW through cellular service or other wifi network when available.

Would love to use all the Apple gear I currently have (Time Capsules, Airport Express, etc.) but don't see how those can be configured to work for WAW as that capability to bridge seems to require special gear.

[Nereus32]

I'll answer my own post here:

I have my network set up on my Westsail. Mac Mini is installed and my NMEA0183 network is connected to it via USB. The Mini is connected to my old Time Capsule. Using NMEA over TCP/IP, I'm able to get my data on any device: MacBook Pro, iPad & iPhone (using NMEA Remote). Plus, with my Actisense Multiplexer, I can send that data back out to my older devices, such as my VHF, my old chart plotter, etc.

My issue has always been how to connect my network to the outside world (either through cellular or wifi) while keeping my local/boat network secure and separate. I have done extensive research on wifi as wan (WAW) and finally decided to purchase a Pepwave Surf-on-the-Go wireless router. I ordered it last week and am awaiting delivery.

However, I had an idea last night - it's so simple really - and I'm quite excited. I have an extra Airport Express I'm not using. I've experimented with putting it in "Join another wireless network" mode to connect to outside wifi routers and to my iPhone in "Personal Hotspot" mode and it works!

So here's my idea of how the set up will go:

NMEA network connects to Mini through multiplexor via USB. The Mini, iPad, my MacBook Pro, my kid's MacBook Air all connect to a Time Capsule (router for my LAN) all sharing TCP NMEA data served by the Mini. The uplink from the TC connects to the AE that is either joining another network or connecting to a personal hotspot (in my case my iPhone) on an "as needed" basis, bringing the internet into the LAN when necessary w/o disrupting the LAN itself. Have to test it at the boat, but so far it works at home just fine.

I may be returning the Pepwave, depending on set up and performance. The AE admin is through the Airport Utility app, which isn't all that intuitive. But, I didn't need to spend the $99, so who cares!