The MBA’s IT department has significantly upgraded the data connectivity and computing facilities on the Sepia vessel, resulting in enhanced cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and resilience.
Internet connectivity
To fully leverage our MBA 365 ecosystem capabilities, we needed to enhance our data connectivity on the vessel to support frequent synchronisation. Therefore, we upgraded from a small mobile hotspot to a fully-fledged 5G data hub. This upgrade enables faster speeds and more frequent synchronisation of vessel data. Consequently, staff at our Citadel Hill site can seamlessly view data as it is created on the vessel. This fundamental improvement also facilitates other activities, including continuous cybersecurity monitoring on MBA vessel devices.
c. Marine Biological Association
Computing
We upgraded Sepia’s navigation and media computers to more suitable All-in-One (AIO) systems to support current and future operational activities. Additionally, we provisioned a dedicated rugged laptop, encased in drop and waterproof protection, designed for harsh environments.
The dedicated rugged laptop allows the crew to utilise navigation monitoring and research activities while on the open deck. All of these devices are securely encrypted and monitored by our device management and security systems.
Scott Middleton, IT Infrastructure & Systems Officer
Backup Battery
Onboard, we had an aging backup battery connected to the navigation computer that only lasted up to 15 minutes. We have now provisioned two superior battery backup units that last up to two hours. This upgrade ensures that not only the navigation computer but also the internet connectivity and media computer remains active during power loss from the onboard generator. This significantly improves the vessel’s resilience and communication abilities as Sepia embraces a new era of digital and non-invasive research techniques.
