Sponsored By

KNL Networks working towards a hybrid communications futureKNL Networks working towards a hybrid communications future

The name KNL Networks is a relatively new one in the maritime communications sphere having launched around nine months ago.

Marcus Hand, Editor

April 28, 2017

1 Min Read
Kalyakan - stock.adobe.com

In a crowded market place the Finnish company is offering something different relying on terrestrial based communications to provide connectivity to shipping. The idea of using shortwave radio may sound old-fashioned, but it has been used to develop what KNL ceo and founder Toni Linden sees as part of a hybrid communications future.

“We took only the physics of shortwave radio and built a totally new kind of digital radio system utilising the latest software. Basically what that allows us to do is to provide truly global communications that are very reliable and secure,” Linden told Sea Asia Today.

Each user of the system also acts as a base station providing a global mesh network. Linden says the range of each base station is such that the company only required a handful users to have full global coverage, which it has had for some time. With each user acting as a base station when in port or close to the shore, the addition of new users does not mean greater competition for bandwidth as new users also add bandwidth to the network.

Currently KNL is offering two services, one-based on shortwave radio for global communication of business critical data using limited bandwidth, and a global broadband offering for near shore and in port.

In 2018 the company is planning to roll out an LTE type of connectivity that covers 50% of main shipping routes.

“What we are doing now is working more and more towards hybrid communications because we believe this is where the future is,” Linden said.

Just last week KNL partnered with Jason Electronics as a distributor in Singapore.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like