Last week, we discussed “What to look for in a 4G router” and the first question we asked ourselves was related to the “use-cases”. This week we will dive deeper into the various use cases of LTE or 5G routers and LTE or 5G modems.
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LTE modems and LTE routers (sometimes known as “MiFi“ for some of the lower-end personal LTE routers), and the upcoming 5G versions, are an evolution of the cellular connectivity that normally provides Internet access to your mobile phone. So, historically, LTE routers and also 2G and 3G modems have a use case for individual connectivity needs. The specific use cases can be vast and since these applications usually do not require the performance and feature set of advanced LTE routers, we will leave that set of personal use cases for later.
LTE connection speeds with the new category versions rapidly being deployed, have come a long way and are now capable of providing connectivity speeds that are impressive. Because of that, they are becoming a connectivity option for enterprise branch offices. Whether in the retail, healthcare, food or financial sectors, the LTE router is used as the edge WAN device for the enterprise branch. There might be various reasons for using an LTE or 5G router as the permanent and primary Internet connectivity for a small or mid-sized branch, although lack of wired connectivity options is the most common.
For scenarios where the LTE router will be used as a temporary Internet connectivity solutions, the use-case might be related to the time sensitivity of the network activation. It is fairly, common to have install lead times as high as several months (compared to the same day for an LTE or 5G router) and in the fast-paced business world we live in, those types of high lead times are not acceptable. An advanced LTE router with built-in firewall, QoS and traffic management capabilities will provide the much needed connectivity to the cloud for a new pop-up retail store.
Similarly, kiosks can be connected to the cloud and the backend systems of the business via LTE routers. Kiosks by definition will be portable or in locations where wired Internet connectivity might be problematic to provision.
The ultimate mobility of course is with vehicles, where Internet connectivity can easily be provided by LTE routers. The vehicles may be part of a specialty vehicle fleet where the internet is needed for various systems or applications running the vehicle, such as security cameras or telemetry data. Or perhaps the vehicles are part of a mass transportation system, such as buses or trains. For these vehicles, LTE routers can provide Internet connectivity for the passengers in the form of WiFi. Some other vehicular use cases include mobile clinics, bus libraries, first responders, law enforcement and others.
We are about to unleash the real power of connected machines. Sometimes called IoT (Internet of Things) or Machine to Machine (M2M), with the reduction of connectivity cost, virtually any thing can afford to be connected to the cloud. The application can vary from tracking parts, to monitoring crops to managing your home electronics remotely over the Internet. In any of these applications, either for the “thing” itself, or as a gateway for the collection of “things”, LTE routers can be a good and sometimes the only alternative.
Of course, we assumed in all of the use cases described so far, that the LTE router is providing the primary connectivity. In some scenarios, however, the LTE modem may provide a failover network, instead of a primary network. The advanced LTE routers are capable of having wired WAN, as well as two or more LTE connections and intelligently combining them to create networks with 4G automated failover. Check out, for example, the Broadband Bonding LTE routers here.
In some cases, the deployment requires a physically segregated network from the primary network and therefore a separate router may work better, which we call the secondary network use case.
Whatever your use case might be, we recommend broadband bonding LTE routers with advanced routing, firewalling, traffic shaping, layer 7 filtering, quality of service and bandwidth reservations.
Cahit Akin, CEO, Mushroom Networks, Inc.
Mushroom Networks is the provider of SD-WAN (Software Defined WAN) and NFV solutions capable of Broadband Bonding that enables self-healing WAN networks that route around network problems such as latency, jitter and packet loss.
https://www.mushroomnetworks.com
From a standard home internet connection to 5G to public WiFi, Internet users have many different ways of accessing the web available to them. Each of these options has pros and cons.
Cellular routers are a smart option for people who want to access high-speed Internet without needing to connect to a wall outlet or public WiFi network. This can be helpful for traveling, working remotely, using the Internet outside, or as a backup option for unreliable WiFi networks.
A portable cellular router is a device that provides internet access to multiple devices in a network. It usually looks similar to a standard WiFi router, but doesn’t need to plug into a wall outlet or stay in one physical place. It may also have a screen to display information such as how much cellular data it has used. You can take a cellular router with you anywhere.
An integrated cellular router includes both a cellular modem and a router. The modem creates an Internet connection that the router then transmits to a network of devices. A cellular router provides an initial connection and corresponding WiFi network using cellular internet — the same kind used by smartphones and tablets.
Typical routers plug into a modem, which is in turn plugged in to a special outlet in the wall that leads to a network of underground cables. The Internet can also be accessed wirelessly through signals from cellular towers. This is how smartphones and other devices get internet service without needing WiFi.
Cellular routers allow multiple devices in a WiFi network to access the internet by connecting to cell towers instead of underground cables. This allows easy internet access on-the-go or in areas without accessible or reliable WiFi. This also makes it easier to sign many devices into the same WiFi while traveling without needing to sign in each device every time you connect to a new WiFi network. Some cellular routers can also be plugged into a wall outlet like a standard router, and only use cellular internet when cable internet is weak.
A router is a machine that allows a group of devices — like phones, computers, tablets, and more — to access the Internet through a single connection from the modem. It groups multiple devices into a single WiFi network with one internet connection, instead of needing a separate connection for each device.
As a rule, routers perform two distinct functions regarding IP addresses. An IP address is an identification number necessary for any device using the internet.
This function gives each device in the router’s network its own unique IP address.
This function groups all devices and their individual IP addresses into a group IP address.
Standard routers connect to modems. A modem is the device that creates the initial Internet connection. Most modems are plugged into a wall outlet connected through a network of underground cables to large physical servers and data centers that manage much of the information on the Internet. The modem of a cellular router, in contrast, accesses the Internet by wirelessly connecting to cell towers, just like smart phones and tablets. Then, the router turns that wireless cellular connection into its own WiFi network.
Integrated cellular routers include a built-in modem that connects to a nearby cell tower to get Internet. Other cellular routers connect to an external modem or 4/5G-enabled device to provide Internet access.
The setup process for a cellular router will be different depending on its make and model. For most products, a data plan is necessary — just like purchasing a phone plan or Internet access for your home.
Many cellular routers automatically perform different parts of the setup process, like software operations. Some routers may require users to manually set up APN. This involves typing an IP address (which should be given by your internet service provider) into a browser window. Users may also need to create a new username and password to log into the router’s network.
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With most cellular routers, you will need to point the antennas upward, insert a SIM card, and plug it into a source of electricity for it to work. Check an individual device’s setup instructions for more information.
WiFi and cellular networks both provide internet access for computers, phones, and other devices.
WiFi creates a network out of several devices all using the same individual Internet connection, either from cellular data or a cable source. These networks can be public or private. Schools, restaurants, and other public places use public WiFi so that anyone can connect to the internet at those locations. However, they are easier to hack and riskier to use when handling important information online. Private WiFi networks are popular for use in homes, libraries, hotels, and other places where people want to keep their digital information private and protected.
WiFi is ideal when users need a high-speed Internet connection, are in a different country where they can’t use cellular data, or are streaming video and other high-bandwidth activities. WiFi can often be less expensive than cellular data.
Cellular networks allow anyone to access the internet without being part of a WiFi network. Most phones and tablets can access the internet with 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE. Cellular internet is ideal when someone isn’t near an accessible WiFi network, especially if they’re traveling, and/or if they want to keep their information more secure.
Cell routers come in many different kinds, each with its own features and intended applications.
Radios, TVs, old phones, and other devices have external antennas that convert radio waves into electrical signals. Cellular routers like this model often have antennas for the same reason.
A router communicates with devices in a WiFi network through radio waves, too. The more antennas a router has, and the bigger they are, the faster and more reliable Internet it can provide, and the larger the area it can cover. Cellular routers can come with up to 4 antennas. While antennas increase connectivity, they also decrease portability and convenience.
You can also buy external antennas for a cellular router.
Many routers provide internet wirelessly to all devices on their WiFi networks. Other times, you may need to directly connect your device to the router with an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet cable is a specialized cable that gives a hardwired internet connection. Before WiFi, all internet connections required an Ethernet cable plugged into a wall.
Ethernet cables usually provide a faster and more stable Internet connection than WiFi. However, they aren’t convenient when the user has to physically move around with the device. Most phones and other mobile devices don’t have ports for an Ethernet cable, so you will need to buy a separate adapter to connect them.
Many cellular routers have single or multiple Ethernet ports to plug in computers and other devices to get internet access. If you need more devices to be connected to the Internet, or need a slightly speedier connection, choose a cellular router with multiple Ethernet ports.
Most smartphones have SIM cards. A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is a tiny removable computer chip inside a cell phone. It contains most of your phone’s information, such as your carrier (like Verizon or AT&T), text messages, and data usage rates. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use the Internet from a phone.
Many cellular routers include SIM card slots to access the Internet in the same way. They can include slots to insert a SIM card. You technically could insert your phone’s SIM card to your router. However, this isn’t ideal if you don’t have a phone data plan large enough to handle the typical traffic managed by the router.
Many phone carriers sell their own routers and SIM cards that only work with their networks For example, if you have an AT&T cellular router it will only work with an AT&T SIM card, and you can only get Internet service where AT&T service is available. Other cellular routers and SIM cards may be able to get service from multiple carriers depending on which is stronger in your particular geographical area. These multiple-carrier routers are often described as “unlocked.”
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a system that helps you protect your digital information while you’re using the internet. VPNs shield your individual IP address with another randomly-generated address, making it seem like you’re using the internet from the random IP address’s physical location. This makes it harder for other people using the same public or private WiFi network to find you and access your data. This data can include your web search history, physical location, the devices you’re using, emails and documents, and other sensitive information.
Many cellular routers have built-in VPN capability. You can also buy external software and hardware that enables VPN access on your cellular router’s WiFi network. Even if your cellular router’s WiFi network is already private, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection in the event that an unauthorized user hacks into your network.
If any device has Power Over Ethernet (PoE), the same plug and cord provide both an internet connection and a power connection to that device. Otherwise, you would need to plug it in to both a router and a power source. For example, many closed-circuit security cameras have PoE to save energy costs and allow for easy movement.
Certain cellular routers have PoE in their Ethernet ports. You can also purchase external PoE adapters to plug devices into the router. PoE can be a helpful feature for smart home devices like lights and cameras, especially when those items aren’t near a power outlet. PoE capability can also help save power costs for using those devices. They would only need one cord for both power and WiFi connection to the cellular router, instead of using a separate cord for each.
Cellular routers can provide Internet access and help solve many technical problems.
Cellular routers are helpful to have at home. They usually require less work and money to install than standard WiFi routers. They can also be handy as a backup if your usual WiFi network stops working properly. If your internet is down and you're working from home, a cellular router for home can be a real life-saver.
Some rural places don't have the necessary infrastructure to access high-speed internet. Cellular routers can be a viable alternative to dial-up or satellite internet for people living in these remote areas.
Cellular routers are one of the best ways to access the Internet while traveling. This is true for both personal and professional use.
Using the Internet on long trips, especially in a car, boat, RV, or while camping, can be much easier and more reliable with a cellular router. Many people in the same area, like a campground or on a boat, can use the cellular router’s WiFi network with more flexibility and speed than with a phone hotspot or cellular data. If you’re camping with many people, a cellular router ensures that everyone will have WiFi.
Cellular routers are helpful for professional work, too. If you are somewhere with public WiFi but want to protect your emails and other documents, a cellular router is a crucial tool to work securely from anywhere. If you’re using the internet in an area without public WiFi, a cellular router can establish the stable private connection you need.
Cellular routers are crucial tools for emergency medical technicians and medical care teams who are constantly traveling on ambulances or other vehicles.Cellular routers can also be a good fit for jobs such as construction, mining, food truck management, and other outdoor, remote, or on-the-go work. Some cellular routers are also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
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