Computers, Networking and Data

Introduction

There are numerous networking and data resources available on R/V Falkor (too).  Some customization may be possible with sufficient notice.  Please discuss all needs with  the Science Services Manager.

Computers and Networking

There are extensive networks and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) aboard Falkor (too). Science participants are able to connect to science VLANs via WiFi, copper or fiber. 

VPN tunnels are blocked and only open by SOI private certificates, however, if requested a VPN could be configured between ship and shore, to a university network for example, but again, sufficient prior notice is much appreciated.

More network information may be found on the Falkor Equipment and Facilities document.

Please discuss your needs with the Science Systems Senior Manager early in the planning process.

Internet and Bandwidth

Internet on Falkor (too) is typically very good though there can be variations depending on location and conditions.  Latency may also be a consideration for certain uses such as video/audio conferencing, ship/shore ROV collaborations, etc. though this is minimal when connected to the newer Low Earth Orbiting Satellites. Please discuss any special needs with the Science Systems Senior Manager early in the planning process.

All personnel have unrestricted access to the internet at all times and WiFi is available throughout the vessel.  Please refrain from using streaming services, online backup services, etc. but you may use other reasonable internet services as you normally would.  The IT technician will let you know if there are any issues.

Data

Data Feeds

Falkor (too) has a number of data sources such as GPS, attitude, meteorological data, seawater systems data, USBL feeds, etc. that are available for input to science party instruments or computers.  These feeds are available as UDP and/or serial feeds.  Please discuss your needs with the Science Systems Senior Manager.

Data Recording

It may be possible to use Falkor (too)'s data acquisition system to record data from science party instrumentation. Please discuss your needs with the Science Systems Senior Manager.

Data Flow

For an overview of the data flow on the ship and for additional information about the data pipeline, please refer to this documentation.

Data Distribution and Archiving

Schmidt Ocean Institute will transport a complete set of the cruise data to shore for deposit in cloud based servers and scientific data repositories. 

At the end of the cruise, the technicians will provide a single copy of all data to the Chief Scientist on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive that SOI will provide.

• If the science party would like additional data sets to walk off of the ship with, it is their responsibility to provide additional NAS drives.  Please factor in the cost of these units which can cost US$4,000-$5,000.  We are unable to support data distributions on USB drives.

• Typically a six bay NAS enclosure with six 18-22TB drives suffices.  The preferred unit is a Synology DS1621+ 6 bay NAS DiskStation with appropriate hard drives.

Data that is record and distributed to the Chief Scientist includes

• ROV video and instrumentation data

• Underway and meteorological data

• CTD data

• Multibeam and sonar data