Need advice to set up a boat WAN (or LAN)

[Tafa]

Hello everyone,
I am planning (more like dreaming yet) to put together a network to integrate chartplotter, radar, instruments, computers/tablets/phones, a 24” LED monitor with wifi connectivity.

My goals are to use data interchangeably in all (applicable) devices for redundancy + ability to cast on big screen.

Device inventory will be as follows;
- Raymarine C80 w RD218 2KW Radar
- Raymarine i50 instrument set (Depth/Speed/Wind)
- Raymarine SmartPilot X5 Wheel Pilot (integration would be nice but not crucial)
- Rapsberry Pi 3 (dedicated navigation & monitoring computer via Open_CPN with stand-alone gps)
- AIS Transponder Matsutec or Vesper or Digital Yacht (still researching- suggestions most welcome)
- Bitstorm BadBoy w Unleashed N
- 2x Windows 10 notebooks (one will have same Open_CPN setup as backup)
- 2x Android tablets
- 3x Android smartphones
- 24” LED Screen + Google Chromecast for wifi connectivity (any other suggestions most welcome)

My questions are
- Does it practical and/or efficient to try to integrate all. ANd is this the best way to do it.
- Do I need to set up a WAN for interconnecting all (via a wireless router I guess) or wired network is a better idea
- Would system operate properly without internet connection
- Do I need and NMEA 2000 to WiFi (or LAN) converter? (Follow up q – what would be the most cost-efficient device... I prefer NOT to buy $500 DY server)
- Can I feed AIS Data to C80 as well… In other words... How I can feed AIS data to both the computer and C80 simultaneously.

Many thanks in advance to all.

Considerations:
- Raymarine C80+Instruments+AP are installed in the cockpit – Radar Antenna is on the mast. Computer, AIS and Screen will be on the nav station.
- I consider myself as a savvy user but not an IT Pro. I can understand concepts, can make proper installations and type in previously written code. Cannot write nor alter the code.
- I wouldn’t mind running wires if necessary (and/or more reliable and efficient)

[Stu Jackson]

Why would you put the AIS downstairs? Will you have a repeater up at the helm or in the cockpit?

[Tafa]

idea is to feed AIS data to both C80 (in the cockpit) and the computer.

I can easily make the antenna connections from nav station at the mast tabernacle.

[MrMotofy]

WAN is the internet, LAN is your local network. Generally, yes wired is always faster more secure and efficient. Wifi is a wireless connection, and will work independently of an internet connection. You can use long range wifi devices like Wifi ranger and Ubiquiti products to extend your range miles allowing you to be offshore or anchored. Obviously you may still need password info. And you should courteously patronize the establishment.

Many network devices are also 12v and can be run straight off the battery. I recommend if running straight off battery use a DC step down converter to limit the voltage to like 13v so if charging or equalizing batteries the voltage doesn't get too high and damage the electronics. It's a possibility.

I just use a shallow blue plastic electrical box with holes in each end for wiring. Screws holding board in bottom and a blank cover plate with a few holes drilled in it for cooling. It keeps it nice and protected.

An adjustable step down dc converter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1