Are you looking to purchase a cellular router and need to compare routers? Researching these devices can be overwhelming. A lot of complexity comes with trying to understand all the features you should look at. This article breaks them down into fundamental elements — security, speed, bandwidth, antennas, and frequency channels — so you can be an informed consumer when selecting the best cellular router for your needs.
Take the guesswork out of shopping with our simple-to-follow buyer’s guide on how to compare routers. Whether you're looking for added speed or improved security, read on to find out which model is perfect for your situation.
What Key Features Are Important to Check When You Compare Cellular Routers?
With the growing popularity of 5G networks, there are more options than ever when it comes to finding the right router. But with so many routers on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you? It’s essential to know how to compare wireless routers. There are several key factors to consider when you’re evaluating potential options. It will help if you look at the bandwidth the router provides, how secure your connection is, and what connectivity options are available.
Ethernet
One of the key ways to compare cellular routers is by looking at their Ethernet capabilities. Ethernet allows for a direct connection to a wired network, which is crucial for many industrial and commercial applications. Industrial cellular routers with Ethernet ports allow you to connect devices such as point-of-sale systems, closed-circuit television cameras, and printers.
When comparing cellular routers, look out for their Ethernet ports. Ensure the router you're looking at has enough ports to meet your needs. Also, check the types of ports the router offers. Some cellular routers offer both standard and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to decide which is more suitable for your setup. You should also ensure the router you're considering provides high-speed internet access and enough bandwidth for your application. Some routers offer different speeds for different connected devices.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi should be an essential consideration when you’re comparing cellular routers. The latest generation, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) — an improvement on Wi-Fi 5 — offers additional features that are crucial in many environments. For optimal performance, compare Wi-Fi router antennas. The number and type of antennas and their orientation determine the quality of the signal. Creating several data-sharing streams over radio frequency channels via multiple antennas increases the bandwidth available for your devices. Wi-Fi 6 routers like the TP-Link Archer support 160-megahertz channels, compared to the 80- and 40-megahertz channel widths on Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 routers, respectively. This improves data transmission, offering faster speeds.
GPS
When comparing routers, it's worth looking at their Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities. Some routers have built-in GPS connectivity, while others require an external receiver. For instance, LTE routers with GPS connectivity are helpful in remote locations or when you’re on the move. The routers can track and report positional information to ensure a reliable connection in areas with limited signal coverage.
GPS functionality is also essential for WAN failover routers to transition from cellular to wired networks. If the signal strength from one internet service provider (ISP) is unreliable in a particular area, a dual WAN router, or one of Cradlepoint's cellular-enabled branch routers, for instance, will recognize the lack of connectivity and switch to an alternative network.
Serial Ports
Modern routers have distinct features, one of the most important being serial ports. Serial ports allow you to connect modern cellular routers to several external devices, such as modems, computers, and other types of networking hardware, enabling a wide range of modern capabilities.
Serial ports also allow routers to be used as gateways, providing an additional layer of security when connecting different networks. Router manufacturers provide ports with various speeds to support the most modern data transfer requirements.
VPN Security
Regarding data security, cellular routers offer a robust option for remote workers. Virtual private networks (VPNs) protect data from being compromised when transmitted over the internet. However, there are differences in how VPNs work across cellular routers. Cellular routers provide VPN security through an IPsec protocol. This is a type of tunneling protocol that encrypts data packets and allows them to be securely transmitted. It also provides authentication to ensure all communications are kept between the sender and the receiver.
However, cellular routers have different VPN security capabilities. Some models may not support specific protocols, while others might provide limited encryption. It is vital to research specific cellular router models to ensure they meet your security needs. Generally, most expensive routers offer VPN security features.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing allows routers to adjust their traffic and optimize their actual speeds. On the other hand, static routing directs traffic through the same route regardless of the current conditions. Dynamic routing comes in handy for cellular routers with numerous users. It helps ensure that all users have the best experience possible and minimizes latency.
Remote Management Ability
Remote management allows users to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their network from any location. This is useful when you’re dealing with cellular routers because it eliminates the need to be physically present to manage the network. Many routers come with a web interface that’s accessible from any device with an internet connection. However, some of these routers have limited remote management capabilities.
Did you compare routers? Now Buy the Best Router for Your Business
There are many features to consider when you’re comparing cellular routers — from antennas and frequencies to VPN security and dynamic routing. Understanding each specification and how it relates to your application is essential. It will also help if you understand how to compare signal strength.
At Novotech, we provide the latest cellular routers, antennas, signal boosters, and modules to help you find the right equipment for your needs. Our network engineering expertise will help you find the perfect router for your environment. Contact us today to learn how to compare routers and select the best one for your business.