Sikuliaq Internet and Accounts

What to expect at sea

Sikuliaq's internet at sea is primarily provided by satellite based services. Satellite bandwidth is a limited resource and Sikuliaq currently has a fraction of the capacity you might expect to have from a shore based connection. While on board it is not possible for everyone to have all devices connected all the time. The marine techs and IT staff may set device limits on a per-cruise basis.

To manage Sikuliaq's limited internet capacity, a combination of dedicated kiosk computers and a captive portal firewall are used. The captive portal can be used with any Wi-Fi enabled device but requires users to login with their Sikuliaq account when they need internet access and logoff when they are done.

You can expect:

• to be able to check and send emails.

• to be able to do some light web browsing.

• to experience intermittent internet outages.

• not to be connected to the Internet 24/7.

• not to be able to stream video, audio or other media.

• not to be able to upload or download large files such as pictures or videos.

IMAP and POP Email Clients

IMAP and POP email clients such as Thunderbird or Mac Mail can be problematic on Sikuliaq's network.

• Neither IMAP or POP clients will work on the SHIPWIDE network unless you have been set up for privileged access.

• The IMAP protocol is very inefficient over high latency satellite networks because it sends too many packet requests.

• POP is more efficient than IMAP but is typically limited to just a users Inbox, and does not sync folders by default.

• Both IMAP and POP clients have numerous configuration options that make them next to impossible to standardize across all email accounts for all users.

Assistance with POP or IMAP configurations will be provided on a best effort basis. Sikuliaq technical staff do not have the significant time resources necessary to assist all persons with custom email client settings.

We recommend that you do the following before traveling to the ship:

• Download large files (manuals, software, drivers), including drivers for any printers you may bring.

• Install and test critical software on the computers you're bringing to the ship.

• Ensure that your applications do not require a persistent Internet connection (Office 365, some MatLab licenses).

• Sync your email archives to your local device, and limit the size of messages to download.

• Install software such as Trip Mode, Little Snitch, ZoneAlarm, Radio Silence, etc to block programs/apps on your laptop or phone from accessing the internet. These programs will help prevent you from exceeding your daily internet data quota.

You can also find Tips and Tricks at the UNOLS Satnag website to help with conserving your internet data quota. Sikuliaq has adopted the UNOLS Internet use policy. Please take 5 minutes to read this important policy as it covers additional details. Failure to follow this policy may result in the loss of internet privileges.

When you're aboard the ship:

• Ensure that you have disabled on your phone, laptop and tablets; system/software updates, backups, or file syncs to the cloud services like Dropbox, iCloud, etc.

• Please disable “Private WiFi Address”

  • iPhone:

    • Open the Settings app, then tap Wi-Fi.

    • Tap the information button next to ShipWide network > Tap to turn Private Address off.

    • When you get off the ship you may want to turn Private Address back on.

  • Android:

    • Go to the Settings app on your Android device.

    • Tap on Connections > Wi-Fi > Tap the gear icon next to the ShipWide network > Tap on View more.

    • Tap on MAC address type > Select Phone MAC to change the MAC address type from Randomized MAC to Phone MAC.

    • When you get off the ship you may want to change back to Randomized MAC address.

  • Turn OFF your device's WiFi and then turn it ON again.

  • This procedure can be found on the Ship's Website as well.

• When possible, use low-bandwidth mobile websites instead of the full sites.

• Sikuliaq's firewall dynamically blocks high bandwidth use traffic. If you suspect a site you are trying to access is accidentally being blocked please contact uaf-skq-it-support@alaska.edu with specific details of the site you are trying to connect to.

Your Sikuliaq Account

Shortly before your cruise, a Sikuliaq account will be generated for you, based on the information entered into MFP. Please ensure you have the correct name and email address information entered in MFP, and check your email prior to sailing for a message from the Sikuliaq IT staff.

Support

If you have any problems or questions please email: uaf-skq-it-support@alaska.edu