Mobilisa successfully demonstrated the new Washington State Ferries' Wireless Connection Project. Mobilisa's system is currently in-use on the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry route onboard the M/V Klickitat.

Mobilisa was chosen by the Washington State Ferries and the Federal Department of Transportation to install wireless internet onboard three major ferry routes -- Seattle-Bainbridge Island, Edmonds-Kingston and Seattle-Bremerton. Recently, the system went live on the Port Townsend- Keystone route to test its capabilities.

Challenges to the project include maintaining wireless connections for several miles over water with a moving vessel while using equipment that would work for any ship or route in the ferry fleet and, at the same time, making it easy for passengers to use without additional software.

"Making wireless work for moving platforms involves an advanced network that requires several complex switching algorithms to allow the passengers to stay connected while they move through the boat as the ferry travels between docks," said Dr. Nelson Ludlow, CEO of Mobilisa. "Mobilisa's Wireless Over Water (WOW) technology makes this possible."

Mobilisa is testing two forms of ship-to-shore wireless communications to determine the best format for the wireless internet service. Regardless of the mode chosen, both will allow users to surf the internet, check their email or check the current ferry schedule, all at speeds many times faster than a dial up connection.

"Our goal is to improve the ridership experience," stated Jim Long, Washington State Ferry System's Technology Director. Commenting on the live test, Long said "it was great and I am quite impressed with the progress so far."

Mobilisa provides complete mobile and wireless services including mobile software applications, wireless infrastructure installation, wireless LAN security evaluation, cell phone applications, smart card systems, advanced research and development, and large system integration of wireless computer systems.