YachtCloud has announced the launch of Echo providing managed network access for client and guest Devices. This latest addition to their technology and media-hosting product portfolio is a must-have tool for ETOs and engineers looking to manage onboard networks.
Echo is a user-friendly and secure management solution allowing authorised crew to be able to set permissions, register users and enable access to specific network devices. It safeguards privacy and optimizes user access by ensuring network users only ever see those devices, such as Apple TVs, Chromecast or Miracast etc, that have been allocated to them.
Owner specified devices can be allocated for the Owner’s use only and as such, remain hidden from view to guests and other network registered users. This means that Guests cannot, for example, accidentally select the Owner’s personal Apple TV. Personal devices can be made available on the network but still remain private as they will only appear to those with permission. System managers can quickly and easily set and amend permission rights.
Management of Echo takes place via the web portal where access and permissions can be assigned. Guest access is provided via the captive portal and users can simply register on the network with an assigned PIN code. This portal can be fully customized with the yacht’s name, logo and images.
Echo features several management tools including a clear overview of all registered users and devices on the network and per VLAN. ETOs and engineers can search by user and/or device for quick access and implementation of permissions. Any void or expired registered users can be quickly and easily removed and furthermore, unreported and / or unregistered devices are unable to gain access to the network. The Airplay / Chromecast gateway is within the same portal meaning specific rooms can also be allocated to specific user devices. The control gateway is also within the same portal so that user devices are able to control specific rooms.
“There is an increasing demand to be able to easily, effectively and efficiently manage onboard networks and the client and guest devices on there. Echo provides system managers with all the tools they need to achieve this. It is a complete network management and authorization solution. From a user perspective, access to the network is straight forward and yet managed and once on the network they only ever see those devices that have been made available to them. It results in an optimized user experience and allows personal devices to remain private”. Andre Klepper, YachtCloud Founder.
