New Concepts in Cellular Routers, Part 1 - Upgradeable Modems

Many companies make cellular routers when wired Internet connections are not available, not reliable, or not wanted. They can have networks that are remote, mobile or need to be isolated from other networks. Good examples include factory, commercial, and public transportation applications like buses or trains. This blog is a first of a two-part series that looks at the routers from Accelerated™, a company acquired by Digi® International. Digi is a company known for building a wide range of wireless products that include Digi XBee modules as well as the Digi Transport line of cellular routers.

Most routers are built as a finished product with fixed capabilities besides firmware and software updates. As a consumer, if you wanted to upgrade or downgrade the performance, you had to purchase a new router. This is a waste of money that can be minimized. With Accelerated, their routers are built with upgradable “CORE Plug-In LTE modems”. These modems can be removed from the router chassis and be swapped out with another modem. These modems slide out the back and clip into place.

(Image source: Digi International)

Each modem is certified 4G and comes with dual SIM slots, that can auto switch between different cellular carriers, and dual antenna connectors. What is upgradeable is the Ethernet categories or speeds as well as the cellular technology. Different applications can require a different amount of speed and bandwidth. Accelerated has options that include CAT 3, CAT 4, and CAT 6 Ethernet speeds; and for cellular technology there is 4G, HSPA+, LTE, LTE-A and EV-DO. Below is a chart with the three options available.

With Accelerated from Digi, you now have cellular modem options that can save you money as you need to upgrade, or even downgrade, by allowing you to keep your existing router chassis and swap out the modem for the cellular technology and network speed that you need. Stay tuned for Part 2, “Deploying your Router”.