4G LTE networks have come a long way since the 3G days. It is not uncommon to have a 4G connection that can provide throughput of tens of Mbps (Megabits per second) downlink and several Mbps uplink. Even though these numbers are much lower than what theoretical 4G promised, it is still quite impressive, especially considering that you may not be able to get similar rates from a wired broadband connection depending on your location.
Click here to get more.
So, we will look into some of the use cases that 4G routers might be a good solution for. We will also highlight some of the potential shortcomings of a 4G router for certain applications. Overall, we would like to dive deep into the aspects that matter when choosing a 4G router. Let&#;s begin.
First, let&#;s start with some facts about 4G networks that may not be apparent immediately. Even though there has been dramatic improvements in the cost of bandwidth in 4G networks in recent years, you can still expect to pay $5 or more per GB of data with 4G LTE networks. There are some &#;unlimited&#; service options, but if you dig deeper into the fine print, in a majority of cases, they are not truly unlimited as they would throttle down your bandwidth after a certain amount of usage. With that in mind it is a good rule of thumb to plan between $5 to $10 per GB bandwidth cost.
4G networks are inherently unpredictable. This means that even though in ideal locations, times and environments, the performance of a 4G modem can be fantastic, there is no guarantee of achieving that result every single time. As a matter of fact, because of fast-fading, slow-fading, network congestion and many other factors, your performance may vary significantly within only a few milliseconds, or even millimeters. So, it is safe to assume that 4G networks are, and will remain unpredictable.
The carriers you use make a difference. Oddly enough, there is no clear winner among carriers, as they usually excel in different aspects. Some carriers have the largest coverage area, some carriers have the best urban performance, some are better in rural areas etc. So, you should usually expect performance variation based on carriers. It is not uncommon to see one carrier outperform another in a certain location at a certain time, while the following day the roles may reverse.
With all these base level factors in mind, let&#;s investigate what factors and features you should consider in a 4G router.
1) What is your use case?
This is perhaps the most important factor in determining the features you need to look for in a 4G router: how will you be using the 4G router? Is this for a retail store as a back up on an existing primary wired connection (imagine the back up Internet for a POS register)? Is the 4G router going to be used in a specialty vehicle (imagine a police car with surveillance cameras)? Or will you be using the 4G router as an alternative residential Internet access?
If you are considering using a 4G router as a primary Internet connection for everyday use in a residential environment, you are probably still a year or two early. This is because the cost of the data has still not gotten to levels where you can replace your wired Internet line with a 4G router. A 4G router should be considered only when you have no other wired Internet options in your house. Having said that, a 4G as a failover for the wired Internet at your house is a very smart move. For this type of simple setup, a 4G router that can accommodate a single wired WAN and a single 4G connection will be a good choice. We recommend 4G routers with built-in modems so that you can use an external antenna for best coverage.
2) Do you have an industrial use case for the 4G router?
In case your goal is to leverage a 4G router in an industrial application, such as a backup connectivity for a branch office, or as a primary connectivity for a mobile or temporary office, then your 4G router needs to support some advanced features including firewall, broadband bonding and application centric optimizations. Ideally, you would like to have the 4G router capability within your primary router, such as an SD-WAN router with Broadband Bonding capabilities. In this setup your wired line can failover on to a bonded set of 4G connections. Bonding two or more 4G wireless connections will provide not only a wider bandwidth and higher throughput but will also provide self-healing capabilities for the traffic going over the 4G network. Think of it as adding another lane onto your Internet highway. Compared to a single-lane highway, a two-lane highway will always outperform. Broadband Bonding features will allow the cars driving on that highway to dynamically switch lanes, so to speak, and therefore shield network problems, fluctuations and outages from your applications. This naturally brings up our next aspect to consider.
3) Will your 4G router be your primary or failover connectivity
If your 4G router is going to be carrying your traffic all the time, i.e. will be your primary means of Internet connectivity for your office, specialty vehicle or similar, then we highly recommend 4G routers with more than two cellular 4G connections. Going back to our highway analogy, this will mean a larger capacity highway to carry more cars with ease. For failover-only scenarios, where the 4G connections need to keep the connectivity alive for only a limited time, having only two connections might be enough. We still caution against a single 4G failover for the following reason.
4) Will you benefit from carrier diversity?
In cases where you have a single 4G connection in your 4G router, you are essentially putting all your eggs into a single bandwidth basket. If that basket (i.e. carrier) exhibits degraded performance, and that is almost unavoidable in wireless environments, then your failover insurance failed you. For these reasons we suggest using at least two cellular connections at a bare minimum. Increase that number of cellular connections as a function of the mission criticality of your Internet connection, as needed.
5) Do you use special applications that need special care?
Another important consideration is your traffic profile. If you are relying on IP traffic that has high SLA requirements, typically real-time applications such as VOIP, video conferencing or chatty applications such as cloud services, then your 4G router needs to have application aware flow management capabilities. These can be as advanced as &#;VOIP Armor&#; where the voice packets are sent over the network in such a way that any loss of packets or late arrivals can be shielded from the end user, by leveraging error-correction and network coding techniques. Essentially, the 4G connections are intelligently used to create an optimized tunnel for the application type at hand. Different types of flows demand different types of network characteristics and it is your 4G router&#;s job to utilize the best tunnel that is optimized for that specific type of flow in order to provide the best end-user experience.
6) What type of environment will the 4G router be used in?
It is important to have ruggedized 4G routers in cases where you will be using the device in harsh environments. Certain environments may even require specific certifications, such as installation in trains. In this case, it is critical for the 4G router to be ruggedized according to spec, to allow for optimal performance against temperature extremes, excessive vibration etc., as well as for safety reasons.
7) What are some other good-to-have features?
The 4G router can also have some additional features such as firewall, layer 7 filters, DHCP server, advanced QoS and others. It is important to match these additional features with your requirement list to make sure you are getting the best matching 4G router for the job at hand.
8) What is the return on your investment on your 4G router?
Last but not least, you should look at the investment recovery time by looking at the savings that the 4G router will provide. These savings may be realized by eliminating downtime for your business, by providing higher quality VoIP calls or other services, or by increasing efficiency in file and data uploads and downloads. Depending on the cloud services that your business depends on for business-critical applications, in most cases, a 4G router will pay for itself within weeks if not sooner. Nonetheless, it makes sense to go over that calculation to make sure your investment is a wise one.
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
Functions of a Wi-Fi router
External network (WAN), Internal IP sharing (LAN), Provision of network(Wi-Fi)
In a modern office or home, we are used to connecting various devices like laptops, smartphones, and smart appliances to the internet through Wi-Fi. The most common method used is a Wi-Fi router which converts the fixed-line signal into one that can be broadcast by a wireless network.
Key points when selecting a Wi-Fi router:
&#;stability&#;&#;transmission speed&#; &#;signal coverage&#;information security&#;
In this article, we will provide several suggestions on how to select a Wi-Fi router.
Firstly, select a device that meets your demand as well as provides the corresponding port types, like Ethernet ports for connection to a modem and other devices, an RJ11 xDSL port for xDSL connection to the fixed-line, RJ45 ports for Ethernet, and an RJ11 FXS port for the built-in VoIP.
Common Ethernet ports
WAN port : connected to a modem
LAN port : connection to a local network
The indicator LED lights on a Wi-Fi router to allow the user to check the connection status of devices. The power LED, usually indicating the system status, turns red when the system fails for any reason. LAN1~LAN4 monitors the status of Ethernet LAN and Wireless LAN (WLAN). Refer to your Router Manual for more details.
&#;External network WAN&#;Broadband network&#;
&#; Check the current network rate plan with your carrier
&#; Check the type of internet connection (Ethernet WAN, 5G/LTE, xDSL, or Fiber)
When connecting to an external network, you can use either Ethernet WAN or xDSL and the speed is based on the current network rate plan. In addition, the router should be equipped with a WAN port that matches the
download/upload bandwidth to get the optimal internet speed.
For example, if the carrier provides a fiber internet of
100M (download)/40M (upload), then you should use a router with a Gigabit WAN port.
&#;Internal network LAN&#;Local area network&#;
&#; Confirm your wireless router specifications
There are two interfaces for LAN: Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The speed depends upon the Wi-Fi router used.
Wired speed (RJ45): 10/100/(Gigabits)
Wireless speed (Wi-Fi): WiFi4,WiFi5,WiFi6
Ethernet (RJ45)
The internet speed provided by the carrier is usually measured in units of Mbps (Megabits per second) and the data transfer rate in MB (Megabyte) or GB (GigaByte). One byte equals 8bits and 1GB is equivalent to 1,000MB.
For example, fiber network specifications of 100M/40M mean that download speed will be 100Mbps and upload speed will be 40Mbps. So, if a file is downloaded at a full speed of 100Mbps in 10 minutes, the total data transfer will be 7.5GB (100Mbps x 10min x 60sec / 8bits = 7,500MB).
Another point to check is the network speed of the Wi-Fi router and connected device. The speed of the slowest device determines the network speed. For instance, if a 1Gbps device is connected to a 100Mbps Ethernet Wi-Fi router the speed will be limited to 100Mbps.
For more information, please visit jija.
Featured content:Questions You Should Know about liebert aps battery moduleWhy is Voice Verification Code used?How to Receive the Verification SMS?Understanding the Significance of Rectifier Modules in Backup Power SystemsAdvantages of vertiv Emerson UPS: Reliability for Data CentersWhich Structure Type is Best for Self-Supporting Towers?Understanding the Essence of Voice Verification CodeSelecting an Ethernet cable
Category
Max transmission speed
Transmission distance
Max bandwidth
Cat 5
10/100Mbps
100m
100MHz
Cat 5e
1Gbps
100m
100MHz
Cat 6
1Gbps
37-55m
> 250MHz
Cat 6a
10Gbps
100m
500MHz
Cat 7
10Gbps
100m
600MHz
UTP = Unshielded Twisted Pair
STP = Shielded Twisted Pair
FTP = Foiled Twisted Pair
&#;Wi-Fi&#;
&#; 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) / 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) / 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
&#; 802.11ax =300Mbps (2.4GHz) +Mbps(5GHz)
Current Wi-Fi market standards include the earlier Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) operating on 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is the most popular now, operating on the 5GHz channel, and the latest generation, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) operating on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels.
Each generation is backward compatible with previous standards and offers new features like faster speed and better user experience. The user selects the standard suited to their demand and budget. The speed obtained is limited by the slowest device in the chain between the Wi-Fi router and the connected device. When connecting to a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) communication device, a Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) smartphone can only establish a connection using Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
In addition to the speed of the wireless device, the user also needs to consider the WAN speed. Again, the speed of the slowest device in the chain will determine the overall speed.
If the home wireless speed is 1.7Gbps Wi-Fi 5, but the WAN is 10Mbps, the limit will be 10Mbps.
If you use a rate plan of 100M/40M at home and your Wi-Fi 4 router has only single-channel Wi-Fi 4, this will slow the overall speed.
Wi-Fi standards
Wi-Fi 4
Wi-Fi 5
Wi-Fi 6
Standard type
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11ac
IEEE 802.11ax
Frequency band
2.4GHz & 5GHz
5GHz
2.4GHz & 5GHz
Max channel bandwidth
40MHz
160MHz (Wave1/80MHz)
160MHz
Max speed per channel
150Mbps
867Mbps(Wave1/433Mbps)
Mbps
Max channel count
4
8
8
Max speed
600Mbps
Mbps(Wave1/Mbps)
Mbps
MIMO
Yes
Yes
Yes
MU-MIMO
N/A
Downlink only (only Wave2)
Uplink & Downlink
Single-band /Dual-band /Tri-band
Single-band
Dual-band
Tri-band
2.4GHz
2.4GHz+5GHz
2.4GHz x 1 + 5GHz x 2 (eg: Mesh)
2.4GHz
5GHz (Dual-band)
Wide coverage
Small coverage
low speed
high speed
strong penetration
weak penetration
Secure Wi-Fi communications
As wireless signals have few barriers and are transmitted through the air, it is easy to find your neighbor&#;s hotspot. In the same way, your neighbor can find yours, even on a smartphone. Walls have ears and eyes nowadays. If the transmitted data is not encrypted it is a simple matter for those with bad intentions to get what they want. So, the first thing to do after unboxing and powering up your new Wi-Fi router is to set a password.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) significantly improved the specification of connection authentication, data encryption, the prevention of data tampering, and the maintenance of data integrity. Later, with the evolvement of data security, Wi-Fi Alliance announced WPA2 and WPA3 standards and continuously enhances the specification of authentication, encryption, and the prevention of data tampering.
Branded routers on the market, which have been developed according to the accepted standards and manufacturers&#; expertise will usually have good performance and be trustworthy and reliable. Consumers can evaluate their demands using the suggestions given here to find the most suitable product. Sometimes, problems encountered may not be a design issue, the product chosen may not have been one that properly addresses the demand.
As long as the products on the market are branded products designed and developed by the manufacturer's self-mastery technology, there will be a level of performance above a certain level, and the reliability of the products is also trustworthy. Users only need to grasp the above points to pay attention to, evaluate their own needs, and then learn about the evaluation of each brand's products from various forums, and then choose their favorite brands and favorite styles according to the demand standards, and they should be able to choose. The best wireless router for you. Sometimes the problem is not necessarily a product problem, but that we have not picked a product that suits our needs.
4G LTE SIM card Wi-Fi AP Routers
-
BiPAC AZ
5G/LTE V/ADSL+2 P2P
Wi-Fi6 AX
VPN Firewall Router
Button
-
BiPAC VAZ
5G/LTE V/ADSL+2
Wi-Fi6 AX
VoIP VPN Firewall Router
Button
View more
BiPAC A
5G/LTE Dual-Babd
Wi-Fi5 AC
VPN Firewall Router
Button
BiPAC VAOZ
LTE Dual-SIM
Wi-Fi5 AC
VoIP VPN Firewall Router
Button
BiPAC AZ
LTE V/ADSL+2
Wi-Fi5 AC
VPN Firewall Router
Button
If you want to learn more, please visit our website 4g Lte Mifi Router.
VAZ
AZ
AZ
A
VAOZ
Wi-Fi 6 AX
&#;
&#;
Wi-Fi 5 AC
&#;
&#;
WAN Interface
&#;
5G
&#;
&#;
&#;
LTE
&#;
&#;
&#;
&#;
&#;
V/ADSL
&#;
&#;
&#;
P2P
&#;
VoIP
&#;
&#;
Comments
Please Join Us to post.
0