There are many varieties of commercial routers made for many different uses. While commercial-grade network hardware is built to handle the rigours of many business applications, it still isn’t enough to cover all bases. That’s where an industrial cellular router comes in.
Industrial Cellular Routers Defined
An industrial LTE router is a communications device built with industrial-grade components and designed to withstand harsh conditions in the field. Both its internal components and enclosure can weather extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and even electronic interference while providing reliable and secure connectivity.
Industrial 4G routers (or 5G) can further be described as either rugged or military-grade routers. Sometimes, as is the case with the XR80 from Sierra Wireless these devices are referred to as a Gateway.
Rugged Industrial Cellular Routers
These are commercial routers fitted with components that meet more rugged specifications with improved cellular connectivity. From the power supply to the Ethernet port or serial interfaces and circuitry, rugged routers are built and tested to make sure the industrial design can hold its own even in extreme environments.
Military-grade Routers
Military-grade routers are a step ahead of rugged routers — they are designed and tested to ensure high performance in military applications. One such test is the U.S. Department of Defense’s MIL-STD-810. This standard ensures manufacturers construct and test their designs in the conditions the router will experience in its service. Although the standard was made for military applications, it is also used for many commercial products.
Characteristics of Industrial Cellular Routers
While industrial cellular routers share similar functions with conventional routers, a few characteristics set them apart.
Handles Harsh Environments
Commercial or home routers often never leave indoors, but industrial cellular routers deal with harsh environments daily and need more rugged components to optimize performance. For example, industrial routers are built to adapt to and maintain efficiency in either very high, very low, or highly fluctuating temperatures.
Some rugged routers are also built to withstand unstable power sources and have inbuilt systems to protect from power surges that may otherwise destroy commercial-grade devices. They may also have shock and vibration mitigation features and external electromagnetic and radio frequency interference protection.
Eliminates Moisture and Dust
Industrial cellular routers come fitted with rugged housing to keep out the moisture and dust that's common in industrial environments. The housing is often completely sealed to protect the sensitive router core from corrosion and fluid contamination. Some industrial routers are designed to function up to the IP68 water immersion rating, meaning they can survive in up to 4.9 feet of water for 30 minutes. Some routers like the Teltonika RUT950 are RS 232 compliant as well.
Provides Reliable Connection and Security
Unlike traditional routers built to access the internet via cable or fiber optic lines, industrial internet routers take advantage of mobile communications. Since they can quickly connect to the internet via cellular networks, they can provide reliable connectivity and even remote management. This is essential in areas where these connections are not available or in applications that require remote access, such as fleet management.
Mobile network routers also have various industrial network security features, such as industrial VPN routers and firewalls, that keep your data secure as it moves within your network. In addition, Wi-Fi supports data encryption techniques such as Wireless Encryption Protocol and Wi-Fi Protected Access to ensure secure connectivity to and from connected devices.
Includes a Way To Mount the Industrial Cellular Router
A mount provides stability, ensures good ventilation, and discourages theft. It can also help you avoid the cost of building your own enclosure to secure the router. Industrial Wi-Fi routers come with a variety of mounting options for different applications. Since they can be installed indoors and outdoors, most routers have wall and pole mounting kits as an option. For indoor installation, a DIN mounting kit is often included in the package, while a waterproof enclosure and either a wall or pole mount kit are supplied for outdoor installation.
Enables Wireless Access for Seamless Connectivity
Industrial cellular routers allow multiple devices in the network to easily access the internet when connected to the router. Wireless devices can seamlessly connect through Wi-Fi as with a standard router, enabling communication within the network and over the internet. Rugged routers also typically come with good coverage to provide seamless connectivity even with obstacles such as metal and concrete.
Common Uses Cases for an Industrial Cellular Router
The flexibility and portability of an industrial internet router make it ideal for mobile data access operations such as fleet management and asset tracking. Industrial routers also power remote monitoring and industrial automation via a host of sensors, transmitters, and Internet of Things devices connected to the network, such as smart grids, street lighting, and more.
They are used in many industrial applications such as mining, water, power, construction, gas, and oil. They are also handy in operations that require reliable communications on the go, such as emergency medical care teams.
Find the Router That Fits Your Needs
When shopping for a cellular router, you may find that a commercial product is insufficient for your application. There are plenty of things to consider, such as the environment you’ll use them in, the antennas you may need, and their portability. If you’re working in harsh environmental conditions such as in extreme temperatures, dusty and humid places, or are constantly on the move, an industrial router may be the perfect pick for you.
Novotech offers industrial Wi-Fi routers and a wide range of IoT hardware, such as modules, antennas, switches, and signal boosters. Check out our catalog of cellular routers and find one that is perfect for your needs. You can also contact us today to learn more about our other products and services, and we’ll be happy to help you find what you need.