Instant Communication Mode

Instant Communication Mode is a feature introduced in Dualog Connection Suite version 5 that enables real-time email, file transfers, and configuration updates for vessels. By maintaining a continuous online connection, it ensures that communications are sent and received immediately when an internet connection is available. This mode differs from the traditional Least Cost Routing (LCR) mode, which connects at scheduled intervals (typically every 5 to 20 minutes).

Benefits

• Real-Time Communication: Allows immediate sending and receiving of emails and files without waiting for scheduled connection intervals.
• Simplified User Interface: Provides clear indicators of online and offline status, enhancing usability for crew members.
• Low Data Usage: Consumes approximately 50kB per hour, similar to an LCR connection every 2 minutes, helping to manage data costs.

Prerequisites

Before enabling Instant Communication Mode, ensure the following:

1. Firewall Configuration:
   • Allow access to apps.dualog.com on port 443 through your firewall for all internet gateways you intend to use.
2. Software Update:
   • Vessels must be running Dualog Connection Suite version 5 or later.
3. Network Infrastructure:
   • Your ship’s firewall or router must handle failovers between primary and backup internet connections.
   • Note: If you are using Dualog Network Control, it will manage internet gateway failovers as usual.

Important Considerations

• Internet Gateway Management:

  • Instant Communication Mode does not internally manage multiple internet gateways.

  • Failovers between gateways must be handled by your external network equipment or by Dualog Network Control.

• AT Command Support:

  • AT commands for equipment like Fleet Broadband or Iridium modems are not supported in this mode.

  • If your setup relies on these commands (e.g., for forcing connections or checking statuses), you may need to continue using Least Cost Routing for those functions.

• Size Restrictions:

  • The mode inherits size limits from the selected internet gateway but does not differentiate between multiple gateways for size restrictions.

    • Note: If you are using Dualog Network Control, the size restrictions for different gateways will still apply as normal.

• User Interface Changes:

  • The onboard user interface will change (e.g., the "Manual Connect" button will be removed due to continuous communication).
    
    

  • The Dualog Portal’s Cloud Connection Panel will change to show an online/offline status, rather than the last connections.

    Disabled	Enabled

  • Recommendation: Inform your crew about the Ship UI changes to prevent confusion. A PDF guide, which can be found at the bottom of this article, is available to assist in communicating these updates to your crew. 

How to Enable Instant Communication Mode

You can enable Instant Communication Mode either via the Dualog Portal or from directly onboard the vessel.

How to enable on shore

1. Login to apps.dualog.com with an account with appropriate permissions.
2. Click on the menu located in the top-left corner > Select CS Ship Setup, and click on the vessel you want to configure for.
3. Click on the “Communication” tab, and enable Instant Communication Mode.
4. The vessel will receive the updated configuration upon its next synchronisation

How to enable on ship

In Connection Suite 5.0, the Captain can enable instant communication. 

1. Login to the ship Dualog Connection Suite onboard the vessel
2. Click on the menu located on the top-left corner > Select Admin Panel under the Technical menu.
3. Select the default carrier for email transmission, and click on “Enable” and “Save”.

FAQs

1. Will enabling Instant Communication Mode increase our data costs?
   No significant increase is expected. Instant Communication Mode uses approximately 50kB per hour, which is comparable to an LCR connection every 2 minutes. If you rely on backup equipment with very low data packages, consider continuing with Least Cost Routing.
   
   
2. How does the mode handle internet connectivity loss?
   If the vessel goes offline, the system will automatically resume sending and receiving communications once connectivity is restored. The crew can monitor online/offline status through the interface.
   
   
3. Can we switch back to Least Cost Routing if needed?
   Yes, you can revert to Least Cost Routing at any time via the Dualog Portal or the vessel's Admin Panel by selecting the desired communication mode.
   
   
4. What about size restrictions for different internet gateways?
   Instant Communication Mode inherits size limits from the selected internet gateway but does not differentiate between multiple gateways. If Dualog Network Control is enabled on the ship, it will continue differentiating between gateways like before. If you require detailed size restrictions per gateway and do not use Dualog Network Control, consider continuing with Least Cost Routing.
   
   
5. How are failovers between internet connections managed?
   Instant Communication Mode relies on your external firewall or router to manage failovers. If you're using Dualog Network Control, it will handle gateway management as usual.

Changes for crew onboard

Here is a PDF guide that explains the changes in the user interface onboard.