In cellular network, a cellular device used by an end user, connects to radio access network of a provider through radio signals. Cellular connectivity enables mobile communication and fixed wireless access (FWA). Internet speeds on cellular networks have improved from early GPRS (2G), and now 5G standard which promises high speeds.

Cellular devices can be of different types depending on application and functionality:

Functionality

Cellular router

Unlike a normal router which connects to the internet via cable, fiber or DSL, a cellular router uses a cellular network system. They are of two types. Bundled cellular router has an integrated modem. Modular routers on the other hand, require a separate cellular modem, which is normally linked to the router using USB Card ports.

They also have multiple LAN ethernet ports for LAN connectivity hence suitable for offices with various LAN connections, remote site connection that require multiple WAN and cellular for fallback connection, or large LAN network that may require switches and access points.

Cellular gateway

These devices allow connection of various network protocols to cellular or IP networks. They are suitable for industrial and IoT purposes which employ various sensor devices that require connectivity. They can enable WAN to RF and Ethernet to serial. They also usually appear rugged in design.

Cellular modem

This is usually a USB module that adds 4G LTE connectivity to a laptop, a computer, and sometimes a tablet. The modem may also be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) or a PCIe (PCI Express) that is attached to a motherboard on slot meant for cellular connection.

Cellular mobile hotspot

This is a highly portable device that converts 4G or 5G signals to Wi-Fi. The device creates WLAN network that enables multiple users within the Wi-Fi signal radius to connect to the internet. This offers better security option as opposed to public Wi-Fi.

Categories

Cellular devices can be categorized according to their applications as below.

Outdoor CPE

Outdoor cellular devices offer external applications for 4G/5G connectivity. They are usually built to withstand extreme weather conditions and rugged deployments. LAN users can connect to the outdoor CPE’s Wi-Fi if it has this option, or connect to indoor router via a LAN Ethernet port of the outdoor CPE.

Indoor routers

These are typically used for fixed wireless access (FWA) and are suitable for home or office use. They are easy to create LAN networks via WLAN or LAN connections. For proper home or office arrangement, most routers have mounting options either on walls or inside cabinets.

Otherwise, they can also be placed on a table or any other desired place, power supply/outlet, Wi-Fi and LAN coverage considered.

Mobile routers/Portable routers

These are small sized routers that can easily be tucked into a pocket or backpack. They connect to a cellular network and gives Wi-Fi connections to multiple devices at the same time. A good portable mobile router usually has a rechargeable battery that can offer long hours of connectivity before requiring a recharge.

Ideal for road trips in RVs but may require signal improvement for areas with poor signal reception.

Rugged routers

Apart from outdoor cellular routers, there are routers designed for field applications such as remote site monitoring. They have rugged design such as hard casing, can tolerate vibrations and have ratings that can withstand extreme temperatures.

Due to their applications, they have various characteristics like I/O interfaces for data collection and can have multiple WAN connections for load balancing and fail-over.

Rfwel addresses the wireless data communication needs of first responders, disaster recovery personnel, relief workers among many other people and departments that serve the honorable role of mitigating the inevitable.

Emergency services rely on fast response times, accurate information, and support technologies such as facial and number plate recognition, and video streaming. These services are interconnected via LTE or 5G-NR for cross-communication between emergency service teams and command centers to allow for mobile access and information sharing which ultimately save lives.     Applicable segments • Police/ Security services 1. Security Surveillance (CCTV cameras) Public and private video surveillance is a tool to monitor population movements and to prevent crime and terrorism, both in the private and public sectors. Videos from these cameras are integrated into Video Integration Center. 4G LTE or 5G-NR routers are used for connectivity.    Contact us to purchase pre-packaged remote surveillance kits with pre-sized solar power, outdoor enclosure , LTE/5G NR connectivity , and an IP PTZ camera such as AXIS Q8752-E Bispectral PTZ (to be purchased separately).   2. 4G LTE in-vehicle networking A 4G LTE in-vehicle networking solution can help by giving your officers access to the information they need when they need it regardless of their location.   Contact us to purchase different vehicle antennas  and vehicle pigtails for a firm device to antenna connections .   • Ambulance services With a secure mission-critical broadband connection, medical systems can report real-time patient data, complemented by video for added insights. Central management systems with LTE connections can help HQ staff to monitor and manage operations in real-time using a virtual dashboard   Contact us to purchase different vehicle antennas  and replacement accessories for mobile and portable LMR/LTE radios.   • Fire and rescue services Accessing the latest building plans on the go, or live streaming footage from body-worn cameras, connectivity can dramatically help to improve scene management by creating a real-time picture of what is happening on the ground.     Contact us to purchase different vehicle antennas    and vehicle pigtails for firm device to antenna connections  . Consider MIMO antennas (use two or more antennas or integrated MIMO antennas) for improved reception. Read more on MIMO here.   • Hybrid LMR/LTE Systems Traditional land mobile radios LMR like TETRA and P25 offer fast call set up and fast PTT. however, they are not built for “bandwidth-heavy” applications. New mobile radios with LTE technology provide reliable and fast connectivity with higher capacities.     For reliable LTE/NR connections, devices may require: • Cellular antennas 4G LTE and 5G NR data backhaul antennas to cover both the cellular frequency spectrum in use or the WLAN protocol in use are often needed to ensure reliable communication. Check more here.   • Amplifiers Use to ensure edge devices have sufficient received signal strength and transmit power for reliable data rate. RfWeL offers solutions to amplify & repeat the cellular signal as well as to boost the WLAN radios depending on how far the mobile command team is dispersed. more.. • Other Most command centers also leverage the IP network established to tether other communication devices such as VOIP phones. These often require additional hardware in themselves as well as hardware to modify existing networks to handle the extra backhaul load with good quality of service.

Wireless communication is fundamental to emergency responders due to its resilience and ease of bringing up wireless networks in case of disasters. Most common disasters don't disrupt the medium (air/space) and the infrastructure is more easily brought back online. An example is a setup that consists of a cellular base station on wheels. Existing Case Studies conducted on wireless data communication needs:  See More Case Studies ...   Sample Equipment Used in Emergency Response

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