Top 5 Tips for Choosing the Right IoT Router

Although many IoT and M2M devices connect directly to cellular networks, enabling wide area coverage with reliable communication, in some cases this is not desirable or even possible. IoT routers can provide additional benefits in terms of IoT estate management and security, and in situations where cellular connectivity direct to the device is not an option, such as a remote or underground facility like a mine or a car park, IoT routers can bring large numbers of devices online by acting as an intermediary.

What is an IoT router?

A router sits at the network edge and enables devices on a local network to connect to another network, such as the internet or a private WAN. Many residential users will have a router in their home to connect their laptops, TVs, games consoles, smart home devices and phones to the internet.

An IoT router performs the same functions—directing data packets to and from IoT devices—but often has different capabilities to a residential router. One main difference is that IoT routers generally have more interfaces and processing power to support the large volumes of IoT devices that need connectivity. Other common features found in IoT routers include additional security features and device management capabilities.

Looked at another way, the edge is the frontline. With multiple factors in play—a widespread sensor ecosystem, data security, connection reliability—seamless, continuous service is mission critical. The pinpoint of focus in all this is the IoT router. It’s the connection between devices, between the edge and the core, data and insight, customers and your brand.

When should you use an IoT router?

In some cases, IoT routers could be deployed by choice for better management. For large-scale initiatives the use of routers allows for the deployment of lower-spec, lower-cost IoT devices that don’t need cellular connectivity and management interfaces themselves.

When you have hundreds or thousands of IoT or M2M devices to manage, IoT routers can introduce secure remote access capabilities for your estate, so you can manage deployments and keep security and devices up to date from afar.

But in cases where cellular connectivity is just not possible, an IoT router can open up more connectivity options, allowing the use of Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth or even private cellular connectivity. This can create new opportunities in environments with poor cellular connectivity, like tunnels, basements, mines, car parks, oil rigs or other cellular not-spots.

Top 5 tips for choosing the right IoT router

There are many benefits to connecting IoT devices via a router. Since the router handles connectivity for all downstream IoT devices, individual devices no longer need to manage their own connections. Here is how to choose the right model:

1. Connectivity solution and network requirements

The most important consideration by far. It’s essential you understand how many IoT devices you need to connect and the protocols those devices will use.

The choices for connectivity are diverse: NB-IoT, LoRa, Sigfox, WiFi, and of course cellular (3G, 4G, and public/private 5G). Practical questions include: What SIM formats does the router support? Does it support eSIM or multi-IMSI? How does it handle backup connectivity? With 2G and 3G technologies being decommissioned worldwide, any connectivity protocols you deploy today need to remain supported for years to come.

2. Location and positioning technologies

Many IoT applications rely on location data, and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the most common solution. GNSS covers GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. These systems provide precise timing but do not transmit data. Devices using GNSS still require a network connection via WiFi or cellular to send that information to your servers. Ensure your router can handle the specific data those devices generate.

3. Environment and application

If the IoT router is to be deployed in an outdoor or extreme environment, like underground, at sea, in a desert, or a factory, you may need a ruggedized or weather-resistant model to protect against humidity or dust.

4. Power management

Efficient power consumption is key. You may need a power-efficient model if battery backup is needed, or even a solar-powered model. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is often a great option to deliver power and data through a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation.

5. Security features

The router adds an additional layer of security between the IoT device and the internet. Look for routers that support VPNs, firewalls, and AES encryption. While integrated firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) assist in controlling network traffic, you should also ensure the manufacturer provides regular firmware updates to address new vulnerabilities.

Additional IoT router considerations

If you’re managing a large estate, user-friendly management interfaces make a significant difference. Remote management capabilities enable administrators to monitor and troubleshoot networks in difficult-to-reach areas. Some routers also offer Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical IoT data bandwidth.

Specialist IoT routers 

Specialist IoT routers help overcome the burden of managing multiple mobile network operators and hardware types. Eseye’s Hera series delivers a true plug-and-play global solution with service continuity and close to zero downtime.

The Hera 600 and Hera 200 are embedded application edge IoT gateway devices. They ship pre-integrated with AnyNet+ eSIM. With out-of-the-box access to over 800 cellular networks worldwide, these routers eliminate the need for multiple contracts and region-specific hardware.