Nerd Alert: Starlink on the Cloud ​ 😁

[rclarky]

Change channels now if tech talk offends.

 

FYI - As the internet on the Cloud (Red Sea) seemed nice and fast, and WhatsApp calls seemed to have a lot less 'delay', I decided to confirm if the Cloud was using Elon Musk's Starlink.

 

Yep! (Apologies if this is 'old news')

 

Geostationary satellite links have ping times around 700ms (varies). See below. I was getting 96ms.

 

And the traceroute confimed packets flowing through a router with starlink in its DNS name.

 

[Host Jazzbeau]

Yes, and as Starlink keeps launching new satellites with laser-interface capability Starlink speeds should become more uniform in most parts of the globe.  [Let's just hope that Elon keeps his focus on Starlink and doesn't go off chasing the next squirrel in his peripheral vision...]

[canderson]

57 minutes ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Yes, and as Starlink keeps launching new satellites with laser-interface capability Starlink speeds should become more uniform in most parts of the globe.

That would certainly be nice.  A TA (our next voyage) is kind of a 'dark' experience right now when it comes to Starlink.  Hard to find those ground stations in the middle of the Atlantic. 😉

[Host Jazzbeau]

1 hour ago, canderson said:

That would certainly be nice.  A TA (our next voyage) is kind of a 'dark' experience right now when it comes to Starlink.  Hard to find those ground stations in the middle of the Atlantic. 😉

Right – that's what the laser links on the new generation of Starlink satellites are for.  Kind of like a 'mesh network,' only scaled up from your home to the Atlantic Ocean [or so I'm told]

[les37b]

Current times of a test in the North Pacific on way to Kodiak Island.

 

 

What I have noticed, is getting on cc is nigh impossible to log in without using a VPN. It’s noticeable other apps are the same.

 

As this is titled a nerdy thread, anyone able to recommend an eSim that will work in Kodiak and mainland Alaska?

 

With Alaskas remoteness I’m unsure if it will be of benefit to buy a 5 day sim or not. No point if the network isn’t included and I’ve no idea what it might be. The one I got for Japan for $25 for 12 days unlimited data was well worth it.

 

[Fletcher]

I'm on the Cloud right now.  The wifi was very iffy when we joined in Muscat.  Cruise Critic was so tricky to access I thought they had blocked it.  But it cleared up and for two weeks now it has been excellent, perhaps the best we have experienced. My only niggle is that I cannot access the photo site Flickr which is for some reason blocked.  

[rclarky]

Fletcher:

 

I am uploading photos @ 2~3Mbps to my Flickr acct from my phone as we speak.

 

Checked from laptop/chrome. Also can login to my Flickr.

 

Rob

 

 

[canderson]

7 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Right – that's what the laser links on the new generation of Starlink satellites are for.  Kind of like a 'mesh network,' only scaled up from your home to the Atlantic Ocean [or so I'm told]

You're told correctly.  Problem is that it's going to be a while before the first generation that didn't incorporate that feature aren't leaving the odd holes in coverage, though that shouldn't be too bad of a hit.  They maintain a usable orbit for ~5 years.

 

Came out of retirement 2-1/2 years ago in part to support the upgrade of our GEODSS network - the optical side of US space situational awareness.  Might prove to be an interesting Google for the 'nerdy' types here.  This gives a good overview of the larger system:

 

https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3103121/15th-space-surveillance-squadron/

 

Take the "Deep Space" part of the GEODSS acronym with a grain of salt.  If an object is not within an Earth or cislunar orbit, it's not on the menu.

[Fletcher]

6 hours ago, rclarky said:

Fletcher:

 

I am uploading photos @ 2~3Mbps to my Flickr acct from my phone as we speak.

 

Checked from laptop/chrome. Also can login to my Flickr.

 

Rob

 

 

I think I'll stay Locked out of Flickr as my photos are all RAW and very 'heavy.'  Enjoy the canal tomorrow!