In today’s digital economy, industrial operations increasingly rely on stable, secure, and real-time wireless communication. From smart factories and energy infrastructure to intelligent transportation systems, the demand for reliable IoT connectivity continues to rise.
4G/5G industrial routers play a critical role in enabling Industrial IoT (IIoT), allowing machines, sensors, and cloud platforms to communicate seamlessly.
As a professional manufacturer of industrial IoT and M2M communication equipment since 2005, KEYANG delivers high-performance industrial routers trusted by partners across manufacturing, transportation, energy, utilities, security, and smart city applications. This article explains what an industrial router is, how it works, its key applications, and why KEYANG is a preferred global supplier.
1. What Is an Industrial Router?
An industrial router is a ruggedized communication device designed for continuous operation in harsh industrial environments. Unlike consumer routers used at home or in offices, industrial routers feature:
- Wide operating temperature range (−40°C ~ +85°C)
- Metal or reinforced enclosures
- EMC Level 3/4 protection
- 24/7 stability for mission-critical systems
- Multi-layer security and VPN encryption
- Multiple interfaces for industrial equipment (Ethernet, RS232/RS485, DI/DO)
- Industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, MQTT, and private IoT protocols
Industrial routers provide cellular network connectivity (4G LTE / LTE Cat4 / 5G NSA/SA), enabling remote devices to connect to cloud platforms, SCADA systems, and enterprise servers securely.
2. How Does a 4G/5G Industrial Router Work?
A 4G/5G industrial router operates as the communication gateway between field devices and cloud platforms. The basic workflow includes:
1) Data Collection
The router connects to sensors, PLCs, cameras, meters, controllers, or other industrial devices via:
- Ethernet
- RS232/RS485
- Wi-Fi
- DI/DO
2) Secure Data Transmission
Collected data is encrypted and transmitted through:
- 4G LTE
- 5G NR
- Private APN networks
- VPN encrypted tunnels (OpenVPN/IPsec/GRE/L2TP/PPTP)
3) Cloud / Server Communication
The router pushes data to:
- MQTT servers
- HTTP(S) cloud APIs
- OPC UA / SCADA systems
- Enterprise data centers
4) Intelligent Network Management
Industrial routers often integrate advanced features such as:
- Dual SIM failover
- Link detection & watchdog
- Auto redial / auto recovery
- Remote firmware upgrades
- Batch configuration
This ensures stable operation even in challenging environments such as substations, highway checkpoints, or outdoor energy installations.
3. Key Features of KEYANG 4G/5G Industrial Routers
KEYANG industrial routers are designed for demanding industrial applications that require high reliability and low maintenance.
✓ Industrial-Grade Hardware
- Operating temperature: −40°C to +85°C
- High-strength metal case
- IP30/IP40 protection level
- EMC/EMI industrial certifications
- Surge, static, and lightning protection
✓ High-Performance Wireless Connectivity
- 4G LTE / LTE Cat4
- 5G NSA/SA high-speed network
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Optional 2.4G/5.8G Wi-Fi
- Dual SIM failover for uninterrupted communication
✓ Secure M2M & VPN Communication
- OpenVPN
- IPsec VPN
- GRE, L2TP, PPTP
- APN/VPDN private network
- Firewall, ACL, port filtering
✓ Cloud Management Platform
KEYANG routers support remote management including:
- OTA firmware upgrade
- Configuration backup & restore
- Real-time status monitoring
- Batch deployment for large-scale projects
These capabilities significantly reduce operation and maintenance costs.
4. Typical Applications of 4G/5G Industrial Routers
Industrial routers are widely used across various smart industries. Below are the most common application scenarios:
1) Smart Manufacturing & Automation
Used for:
- PLC communication
- Robot arms
- MES/SCADA systems
- Factory equipment monitoring
Industrial routers ensure that production lines maintain stable connectivity and achieve real-time data transmission.
2) Energy & Utilities
Including:
- Solar PV monitoring
- Wind turbine communication
- Oil & gas field monitoring
- Smart grid and substations
KEYANG routers operate reliably in harsh outdoor conditions and remote locations.
3) Intelligent Transportation Systems
Applied in:
- Traffic signal control
- ANPR/LPR cameras
- Highway toll systems
- Bus/vehicle telematics
5G routers offer low latency, which is crucial for real-time traffic data.
4) Smart City Infrastructure
Supporting:
- Environmental monitoring
- Smart street lighting
- Parking meters
- Public safety systems
The router ensures stable connectivity for distributed city devices.
5) Remote Monitoring & IoT Terminals
Used in:
- Water pump stations
- Pipeline monitoring
- Agriculture IoT
- Remote environmental sensors
Wireless connectivity eliminates the need for fiber or wired networks.
5. KEYANG Industrial Router Models
KEYANG offers a complete range of industrial communication devices. Popular router models include:
● TG465 – 5G Industrial Router
- 5G NSA/SA
- Dual SIM
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Supports VPN/Firewall
- Optional Wi-Fi
● TG463 – 4G LTE Industrial Router
- High-reliability 4G LTE
- Metal enclosure
- RS232/RS485 support
- Multi-VPN and APN private network
- Remote device management
● TG462 – Compact 4G Router
- Small size, easy for embedded applications
- 4G LTE Cat4
- DI/DO optional
- Ideal for small devices and IoT terminals
KEYANG also provides DTU, RTU, IoT gateways, and custom hardware solutions for OEM/ODM projects.
6. Why Choose KEYANG?
As a leading industrial IoT manufacturer in China, KEYANG provides:
✓ 20+ Years of Industry Experience
Since 2005, KEYANG has been focused on M2M & Industrial IoT communication technology.
✓ Global Deployment in 60+ Countries
Our products are used in Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.
✓ Reliable Industrial Quality
Each product undergoes strict reliability testing, including:
- High/low temperature aging
- EMC protection tests
- Continuous operation testing
✓ Professional OEM/ODM Services
KEYANG supports:
- Hardware customization
- Private labeling
- Firmware customization
- Industry-specific solutions
✓ Full Certifications
(Depending on model)
- CE
- FCC
- RoHS
- Operator certification
