Application

Cellular networks for remote equipment

A cellular router provides WAN access for controllers, meters, cameras and other equipment where a fixed line is unavailable.

Industrial control panel in a factory workspace
Router selection depends on the control cabinet, local interfaces, power supply, antenna position and maintenance method.

Cellular WAN at the cabinet

Connect controllers, meters and cameras to the router over Ethernet. Add a switch when more ports or PoE are needed. Check the installation requirements in the site checklist before choosing a model.

Network path

Remote-site network path

The cellular router terminates the WAN at the cabinet. Ethernet connects field equipment directly or through a gateway, switch or PoE network.

01 Cellular network Operator, SIM, bands, APN and antenna signal
02 Antenna and router Terminate the cellular WAN at the cabinet or equipment edge
03 Local distribution Ethernet switch, PoE, access point or gateway functions
04 Field equipment Cameras, meters, controllers and other site devices
QILTON CMT320 cellular router in a remote-site network path
Local network

Equipment behind the cellular router

Connect a small number of Ethernet devices directly. Add a gateway, switch, access point or bridge only for the local functions the router does not provide.

Cellular router

Provides the modem, SIM, cellular antenna connections and Ethernet handoff for the site.

4G routers

Gateway or switch

Adds Ethernet ports, PoE output, AP management or separate local routing when required.

Gateways

Remote endpoint

An outdoor AP adds local Wi-Fi. A two-radio bridge carries Ethernet to a separate location.

Outdoor APs
Site details

Information needed for the site

  • Country, operator, SIM, APN, antenna position and cellular cable length
  • Cabinet size, temperature, airflow and required ingress protection
  • Ethernet ports, PoE budget, traffic and connected equipment
  • Input voltage, fuse, grounding and restart after power loss
  • Required status, logs, OTA and watchdog behaviour