Sierra Wireless’s AirLink RX55 IoT Router Addresses Key IIoT Challenges

MCA CNS TeamMCA News, Sierra Wireless

Industrial IoT Helps Businesses Cut Costs While Delivering High-Quality Services


Without even realizing it, connected devices have become a mainstay in our daily lives. When our doorbell rings, we’re alerted on our phones. Our printers send us an email and a push notification when they’re running low on ink, and our cars let us know when it’s time for an oil change or some more wiper fluid.

As individuals become more and more connected, so too is the industrial landscape. From oil, gas, and power utilities to agriculture and manufacturing, organizations worldwide have taken to using Internet of Things (IoT) equipped devices and assets to streamline their operations, cut costs, and deliver better quality services and products.


Cost Efficiency


Smart sensors and actuators enable real-time equipment monitoring and control, reducing maintenance, personnel, and travel costs. Predictive maintenance prevents catastrophic failures.

Enhanced Productivity and Quality


Real-time monitoring optimizes processes, aligning with Industry 4.0's automation and machine learning goals. Data-driven decision-making improves efficiency and quality.

COVID-19 Response


The pandemic accelerated IoT adoption, reducing reliance on human resources and improving asset tracking. An Inmarsat survey found that 84% plan to or have accelerated IoT adoption due to COVID-19 challenges.

Edge Computing Benefits


By performing local computations near data sources, Edge computing reduces data transfer delays and network traffic. For instance, edge-based image recognition conserves bandwidth and power. IIoT routers near devices expedite computation, lowering system latency and enabling real-time automation.

IIoT Deployment Is Expanding Rapidly Across Various Industries


The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is experiencing significant growth across various industries, driven by industry-specific advantages and challenges. IIoT offers remote monitoring and predictive maintenance in the oil and gas sector, helping companies manage emergencies, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance worker safety. Similarly, power and utilities are leveraging IIoT to maximize operational efficiency and integrate renewable energy sources. However, they face challenges in cybersecurity and the need for ruggedized, low-power devices.

In agriculture, IIoT is revolutionizing farming practices with precision agriculture tools, smart irrigation, and autonomous machinery, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Meanwhile, manufacturing is witnessing the largest IIoT growth, driven by the need for centralized monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automation. IIoT in manufacturing optimizes resources, enhances quality control, and improves worker safety. These industries are embracing IIoT as a transformative force, reshaping operations and ensuring sustainability in an increasingly digital world.


IIoT Device Challenges


There are several key challenges that arise when organizations begin exploring the implementation and deployment of IIoT solutions. Chief among these concerns are security, device and patch management, and environmental obstacles.

Security


IIoT devices serve as potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Attackers can breach data security using IIoT devices or routers as gateways into corporate networks. Data can be illicitly siphoned from networks through these devices, and they can also serve as focal points for launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Therefore, it is imperative to establish robust security protocols for all IIoT devices and routers.

Device and Patch Management


An equally crucial aspect of IIoT is device management. A comprehensive device management solution plays a pivotal role in organizing and maintaining IIoT devices by ensuring they are consistently updated with the latest firmware and security patches. A well-designed device management system simplifies tasks like adding new devices to the network and removing outdated ones. This system should also conduct routine checks to confirm that all devices are running the most current firmware and establish an update schedule that doesn't disrupt operations.

Environmental Obstacles


Many IIoT devices are tasked with operating in rugged environmental conditions, which may include extreme temperatures, high moisture levels, and substantial vibrations. Furthermore, a significant portion of these remote devices must rely on battery or solar power sources for extended periods. Ensuring the functionality and durability of IIoT devices in such demanding conditions is a critical consideration.

The Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55 Industrial Router Addresses These Challenges


The Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55 is tailored for mission-critical applications and offers cutting-edge security, seamless device management, and resilience in challenging environments. Available in three variants for use in North America, APAC, and EMEA - AirLink RX55 Base, AirLink RX55 Wi-Fi, and AirLink RX55 Wi-Fi Plus - it empowers IT and OT managers to seamlessly connect, monitor, and extract valuable insights from mission-critical assets, even in the harshest and most remote environments. This router is equipped with adaptable software-defined routing functionalities and boasts a future-ready design that facilitates the integration of emerging edge applications, thanks to its support for containers and centralized remote management services. Additionally, the inclusion of a serial option ensures seamless connectivity with legacy industrial equipment.
Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55
Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55
Sierra Wireless AirLink RX55

Security


Sierra Wireless prioritizes end-to-end security for the AirLink RX55. It fortifies data from the device to the cloud, offering robust features like remote authentication, port filtering, trusted IP functionality, MAC address filtering, PCI compatibility, and secure firmware updates. These measures ensure data integrity and protection against cyber threats.

The AirLink RX55 is fortified with an array of security features, including:

  • Remote Authentication, supporting protocols such as LDAP, RADIUS, TACACS+, and DMZ.
  • Inbound and Outbound Port Filtering to control data flow.
  • Inbound and Outbound Trusted IP functionality for enhanced network security.
  • MAC Address Filtering to manage device access.
  • PCI (Payment Card Industry) compatibility for secure financial transactions.
  • Secure Firmware Updates to ensure the latest security patches and enhancements are seamlessly integrated, bolstering the device's defense against cyber threats.

Supports Private Networking


The AirLink RX55 also offers support for private networking bands, including Band 48, which encompasses the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States. This ensures secure and reliable connectivity options tailored to specific networking needs.

Device and Patch Management


The AirLink RX55 boasts a comprehensive device management system that simplifies adding new devices, removing outdated ones, and ensuring devices consistently run the latest firmware and security patches. This streamlines operations and keeps the network up-to-date without disrupting productivity.

Environmental Obstacles


Engineered for the harshest conditions, the AirLink RX55 features a rugged construction with MIL-STD-810G certification for resilience against shock, vibration, thermal shock, and humidity. It also holds an IP64 rating for dust and moisture resistance, making it suitable for demanding environments. Its low power consumption, consuming less than one watt in standby mode, is ideal for battery or solar-powered remote operations. It’s also Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) certified, signifying its suitability for operation in hazardous conditions with an operating temperature range extending from -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F) for the base unit and from -30°C to +70°C (-22°F to +158°F) for the Wi-Fi variant.

Low Power Consumption


The AirLink RX55 stands out as one of the most energy-efficient industrial wireless routers available, consuming less than one watt of power in standby mode. This, combined with its broad operating voltage range, makes the AirLink RX55 an excellent choice for battery or solar-powered remote operations, where power efficiency is paramount.

AirLink RX55 Services and Support


AirLink Complete for AirLink RX55


AirLink Complete encompasses essential elements for seamless router management and support. It grants access to the AirLink Management Service (ALMS), which provides 24/7 technical support for swift and remote issue detection, diagnosis, and resolution. Additionally, AirLink Complete extends the hardware warranty for up to five years, ensuring the longevity of the solution. The package includes unlimited firmware updates and security patches to keep the router up-to-date.

One of the primary benefits of AirLink Complete is the comprehensive router management facilitated by ALMS. This service supports over-the-air device registration, configuration, and software updates. Configurable dashboards offer real-time insights into the entire device fleet, while customized reports can be configured to monitor critical events and proactively prevent downtime.

The interactive monitoring dashboard and map visually represent all deployed AirLink routers' status, signal strength, and location. Users can drill down to quickly troubleshoot devices or update older firmware versions with a single click. Advanced heartbeat reporting and custom alerts can be set up to notify when devices go offline, enabling faster issue identification, reduced downtime, and fewer field trips.


AirLink OS


AirLink OS represents Sierra Wireless' next-generation router operating system, designed for industrial customers. It enables the concurrent use of multiple data sessions via support for multiple Access Point Names (APNs) and intelligently manages traffic across Wide Area Network (WAN) links using Cognitive Wireless technology.

AirLink OS seamlessly integrates with ALMS to remotely manage these features and configure, recover, reboot, and update routers as required. Its user-friendly interface simplifies implementation and enables real-time changes and updates, reducing router administration time and costs.


Always-On Cognitive Wireless


Incorporated into AirLink OS, cognitive wireless technology functions as a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) technology. It intelligently routes traffic across multiple WAN links, ensuring continuous connectivity and optimizing cost and bandwidth usage. Users can establish rules for their routers, directing them to use cellular, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet networks or distribute traffic between these networks based on data type, network conditions, and router location.

Multi-APN (Access Point Name) Support


AirLink OS introduces multi-APN support through a private APN solution. This feature allows for the segregation of different types of traffic, such as SCADA serial traffic and video streaming over Ethernet, via separate APNs. Configuration specifics are handled in the cloud, reducing deployment time while all APN details are contained within the core network, ensuring robustness and reducing errors associated with reconfigurations. Multi-APN enhances network security by routing critical data through a private connection while directing internet-bound traffic through a public APN.

Edge Computing Capabilities (Beta)


The AirLink RX55 introduces advanced edge computing capabilities, offering customers the means to reduce latency for critical applications and alleviate network congestion. Within the AirLink OS, a Docker container layer empowers customers to develop and deploy their applications using their preferred programming languages and libraries.

Shifting computational intelligence to the edge enhances performance and bolsters the solution's overall security. By minimizing data transmission and the potential impact of a security breach, the AirLink RX55 fortifies data protection. Its edge computing and adaptable routing features allow industrial customers to establish rules and encryption mechanisms that securely identify and transmit only the specific data deemed essential.


Multi-Band Network Support


The AirLink RX55 is equipped with comprehensive multi-band support that spans the globe, providing extensive coverage across public networks and top-tier private networking options. The router also caters to specific bands such as T-Mobile Band 71, CBRS Band 48, and AT&T FirstNet Band 14, ensuring a wide-reaching and adaptable network connectivity solution.

About MCA and Our CNS Team


MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.

Our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.


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