Choosing The Best 5G Router For Your Enterprise Needs

Critical Performance, Security, And Scalability For WWAN Deployments

The advent of 5G technology has revolutionized enterprise networking and transformed the possibilities for wireless connectivity. With its ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and extensive coverage, 5G allows organizations to transmit and process large amounts of data at unprecedented speeds. 5G is up to 100 times faster than 4G and can offer 1,000 times the connections and mobile data volumes as 4G. It also allows organizations to scale their networks with seamless deployment and day-1 connectivity for fixed locations, vehicles, and IoT applications.

Whether for fixed locations, vehicles, or IoT applications, selecting the correct 5G router is crucial to leverage the full benefits of this wireless technology. The integration of cellular technology into daily business operations offers enterprises the opportunity to boost efficiency, lower expenses, gain a competitive edge, and meet the ever-growing demands of customers.

Understanding the Three Types of 5G Spectrum

However, to unlock the full potential of wireless technology and enable Wireless WAN (WWAN), it's crucial to choose the appropriate enterprise-class 5G router. Such a router should effectively accommodate the distinct attributes of all 5G spectrum layers while ensuring secure, customizable, and easily manageable connectivity.

By making the right choice, businesses can fully capitalize on the advantages of wireless technology and drive their operations forward.

Before delving into the selection process, it is essential to understand the three layers of 5G spectrum:

Coverage Layer (Low-Band 5G)

The low-band 5G spectrum operates at sub-2 GHz frequencies, providing the highest propagation. Although it offers slower speeds than other layers, it can penetrate obstacles and travel long distances. This layer is commonly used across the United States and is suitable for applications that require extensive coverage.

High-Capacity Layer (High-Band 5G or mmWave)

The high-band 5G spectrum operates at or above 24 GHz and offers the highest speeds among the three layers. However, its coverage is limited due to lower propagation characteristics. High-band 5G is typically found in densely populated areas or locations that require high bandwidth, such as airports and stadiums.

Capacity Layer (5G Mid-Band)

The mid-band 5G spectrum, also known as C-Band 5G, operates between 2-7 GHz. It balances speed, capacity, coverage, and propagation, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications like HD video streaming and facial recognition technology.

Considering Factors Beyond Spectrum

When selecting a 5G router for your organization, there are several crucial considerations to remember. Beyond the impressive speed and performance of 5G technology, factors such as flexibility, simplified management, cellular intelligence, easier scalability, and advanced security features play a vital role in ensuring optimal connectivity and network performance. By understanding and evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your organization's requirements and sets the foundation for a robust and future-proof wireless network infrastructure.

Flexibility

Look for flexible deployment routers, allowing you to place them in diverse locations to ensure optimal signal coverage. This is particularly important for large-scale enterprise locations, where traditional wiring closets may not provide adequate signal strength.

Simplified Management

Centralized management and zero-touch configuration are critical for efficient network administration. Choose routers that can be easily monitored and managed through cloud-based platforms like Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager. This enables IT teams to troubleshoot issues, manipulate performance, and enhance security seamlessly.

Cellular Intelligence

Advanced software features that visualize and optimize cellular connections can significantly improve network quality, scalability, and complexity reduction. Select routers that offer cellular intelligence to optimize the performance of your wireless network.

Easier Scalability

Rapidly expanding organizations require routers that offer day-1 connectivity at new sites. A 5G-enabled router eliminates schedule stalls associated with traditional wired services, allowing enterprises to grow quickly and efficiently.

Advanced Security

As the number of connected devices increases, network security becomes paramount. Look for routers that provide comprehensive security options such as VPN, application-aware firewall, IDS/IPS, content filtering, and zero-trust principles. Features like network slicing can offer additional security by providing logical separation within the network.

Exploring Different Use Cases

Whether setting up a fixed site, deploying routers in vehicles, or connecting devices for IoT applications, each use case has unique requirements that will allow you to optimally harness the power of 5G technology and drive innovation in your industry.

5G Routers for Fixed Sites

Organizations can leverage cellular broadband solutions in fixed locations to enhance connectivity and reduce reliance on traditional wired-line services. Look for routers that support easy setup and reconfiguration, enabling adaptability for businesses like retail chains that frequently adjust their store layout.

5G Routers for Office and Branch Connectivity

5G Routers for Vehicles

As digital technology increasingly integrates into vehicles, reliable high-speed connectivity is essential. In-vehicle routers cater to this need by supporting dual connectivity, allowing seamless transitions between LTE and 5G connections. This ensures continuous coverage, even as vehicles move through areas with varying network availability. Additionally, 5G routers designed for vehicles should possess compact and rugged features to withstand harsh environmental conditions like vibration, shock, and dust. Such routers are ideal for applications in law enforcement vehicles, where constant connectivity is required for devices such as laptops, dashboard cameras, license plate readers, and AVL integration.

5G Routers for Fleet and Vehicle Connectivity

5G Routers for IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing various industries by connecting many devices. Reliable and high-bandwidth connectivity is crucial to support bandwidth-intensive IoT applications such as interactive kiosks and digital signage. 5G routers offer the speed and low latency required for real-time decision-making, HD video streaming, and artificial intelligence applications. With 5 G's capabilities, businesses can fully leverage the potential of IoT and drive innovation across multiple sectors.

Choosing the best 5G router for your organization requires careful consideration of various factors. Beyond the type of 5G spectrum, factors such as flexibility, simplified management, cellular intelligence, scalability, and advanced security features are crucial to ensure optimal performance and security. By selecting a 5G router tailored to your specific use case, whether for fixed sites, vehicles, or IoT applications, businesses can unlock the transformative power of 5G technology, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in an increasingly connected world.

By thoroughly evaluating the features and capabilities of different 5G routers, you'll be able to give proper consideration to your organization's unique requirements and future growth plans, and - with the right 5G router in place - you can harness the full potential of wireless technology and drive your business towards success in the era of digital transformation.

5G PLTE Routers for industrial Iot applications

About USAT

USAT specializes in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions across various industries — complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Selecting the Best 5G Industrial Routers

Our team not only helps you select, provision, and activate devices, we make sure they work in practical applications and real-life situations.

For over 25 years, USAT has provided cellular networking solutions for organizations across the USA. With our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments — you can count on us to get and keep you connected.

Reliable connectivity translates to less manual equipment maintenance, reduced downtime, and an overall increase in your business's ROI. Contact the experts at USAT to learn how our wireless networking solutions can help meet your organization's exacting needs.

Choosing The Best 5G Router For Your Enterprise Needs

Critical Performance, Security, And Scalability For WWAN Deployments