IoT routers: A comprehensive guide - features and solutions

Jump to section

• Introduction
• What is an IoT router?
• IoT routers vs consumer broadband routers
• Key features of IoT routers
• What to consider when choosing an IoT router
• How many IoT devices can an IoT router support?
• What is the difference between an IoT router and IoT gateway?
• Broadband and business IoT wireless routers
• Deployment considerations and best practices
• Security considerations
• Future trends in IoT connectivity
• Cellhire's IoT SIM and router solution
• Conclusion

Introduction to IoT Routers: A comprehensive guide

In today’s interconnected landscape, IoT routers are essential components in delivering dedicated connectivity to an array of IoT devices. They not only support multiple network technologies but also provide the robust management, security, and reliability required for modern digital infrastructures.

With the rapid expansion in the adoption of IoT devices, the demand for reliable and secure connectivity has become more critical than ever. In environments such as industrial or manufacturing settings, construction sites, or even temporary offices, IoT routers play a vital role in ensuring that IoT devices remain connected and function seamlessly. Selecting the right IoT router is essential to maintaining operational efficiency, security, and scalability.

Conventional consumer routers present risks to your devices and existing infrastructure due to several critical shortcomings. These routers are typically not designed to handle the unique demands of IoT environments, such as supporting a large number of devices, managing diverse communication protocols, or providing robust security against specialised threats targeting IoT networks.

In contrast, IoT-specific routers are engineered to address these challenges directly. They are built to support a higher volume of connected devices, often across different protocols ensuring seamless communication within diverse IoT ecosystems.

The rapid evolution of smart devices and the increasing demand for uninterrupted connectivity have propelled IoT routers into the spotlight. As industries transition towards automation and smart solutions, understanding the role and capabilities of IoT routers becomes crucial for optimising network performance.

This guide explores both foundational concepts and advanced considerations necessary for deploying effective IoT connectivity solutions across sectors such as industrial automation, smart cities, and remote monitoring.

Through this article, we explore the key considerations you should make when choosing an IoT router, the key differences between IoT routers and consumer routers, applications of IoT routers and we will demystify some of the common misconceptions about IoT routers.

What is an IoT router?

An IoT router is a specialised networking device designed to handle the demanding needs of IoT deployments. An IoT router serves as a dedicated networking device that facilitates the connection and management of IoT devices within a network infrastructure. It differs from traditional routers used for common internet access in businesses, as it is specifically tailored to accommodate the distinct demands of IoT devices. These requirements often include a high concentration of interconnected devices, diverse communication protocols, heightened security requirements, and the capability to oversee extensive deployments.

When comparing traditional consumer routers to IoT routers, traditional consumer routers only support Wi-Fi or Ethernet, while IoT routers can support a wider range of connectivity protocols, such as cellular (e.g. 4G or 5G). This is particularly important as in many locations where IoT devices are located, the opportunity to get a fixed line connection is difficult or even impossible.

IoT routers are also designed to manage larger-scale IoT deployments, where numerous IoT devices are interconnected across a vast network. These routers are equipped with advanced features such as centralised management systems, which allow for the monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting of devices from a single interface. This capability is essential in environments where hundreds or even thousands of IoT devices are deployed.

IoT routers are also built to work in industrial or harsh environments and can withstand extreme conditions such as temperature variations, humidity, dust, and vibrations. They often feature rugged designs and are rated for industrial use compared to traditional consumer routers.

​Modern IoT routers are designed with scalability in mind, accommodating deployments ranging from small-scale setups, like smart homes, to expansive enterprise-level systems. They prioritise real-time data transmission, remote management, and robust security to ensure seamless communication among diverse devices within the network.

These routers are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for industrial and outdoor applications. Overall, IoT routers are indispensable in contemporary IoT ecosystems, providing the specialised connectivity, management, and durability necessary for the efficient operation of IoT devices across various environments.​

IoT routers vs Consumer broadband routers

Understanding the differences between IoT routers and traditional consumer broadband routers is crucial for selecting the right device. Below is a comparison table highlighting the key distinctions:

IoT routers are engineered to support a vast array of devices, diverse protocols, and harsh environmental conditions. Their advanced security and centralised management make them ideal for industrial applications, whereas consumer routers are designed for less demanding, everyday home use.

Key features of IoT routers

IoT routers come equipped with specialised features designed for the unique demands of IoT networks:

• Multi-Network connectivity: They support various connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular networks (4G/5G), and additional IoT-specific protocols (e.g., Zigbee, LoRa) to ensure seamless communication.

• Secure connectivity protocols: Advanced security measures, including VPN support, firewalls, and robust encryption protocols, ensure data integrity and protect against unauthorised access.

• Remote management capabilities: Centralised management systems enable the remote monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting of connected devices, streamlining network administration.

• Scalability and flexibility: Designed to handle both small and large-scale deployments, IoT routers can accommodate increasing numbers of devices without compromising performance.

• Rugged and durable design: Constructed to endure harsh environmental conditions, these routers are suitable for industrial, outdoor, and mobile applications.

Further advancements include:

• Edge computing integration: Allowing data processing at the network’s edge to reduce latency.

• Advanced QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritising critical data traffic for essential applications like healthcare and industrial automation.

• Energy efficiency: Reducing operational costs while supporting sustainable, green initiatives.

• Customisable firmware: Offering open architectures that can be tailored to specific operational requirements.

What to consider when choosing an IoT router

When choosing an IoT Router there are a few key elements that you should consider to ensure that you have a solution that meets your needs:

• Network redundancy: Many IoT devices support critical applications, and as such, any downtime of the network can cost thousands in lost revenue and in reputational damage. For example, temporary work premises that utilise IoT routers to deliver essential services like real-time monitoring, security surveillance, and environmental control must ensure continuous connectivity. One effective strategy to eliminate the risk of downtime due to network outages is to use an IoT router that can support multi-network SIM cards. When selecting an IoT router, it's important to consider that multi-network SIM cards allow the router to connect to multiple cellular networks rather than being tied to a single provider. However, it's crucial to understand that the SIM itself is not intelligent and may not automatically switch to the best available network or return to the primary network once it's available again. Therefore, ensure that the IoT router has the capability to manage network selection actively. The device should be able to detect issues such as poor signal or degraded throughput and take appropriate action by scanning the available networks and switching to the most suitable one based on the strongest signal. Ultimately, while the SIM card enables connectivity, it's the device that performs the 'intelligent' functions of network selection and optimisation.

• Security features: When selecting an IoT router, it is crucial to prioritise security features such as data encryption, which should adhere to advanced encryption standards (e.g. AES) to safeguard transmitted data and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information. Additionally, a robust firewall is necessary to block unauthorised access and protect against cyber threats, while VPN support is essential for secure remote access, ensuring data privacy when communicating over public networks. Regular firmware updates are also important to address security vulnerabilities, so opting for a router that provides automatic updates, or an easy update process is recommended.

• Control and management: When you choose your IoT router, you will want to determine how much control you need of your devices. IoT SIM and router providers like Cellhire can provide a one-stop-shop portal which gives you control over your estate and allows you to deliver over-the-air updates. By having this level of control, no matter where your IoT router is located, you can feel in control with just a few clicks.

• Connectivity options: Confirm that the router supports all necessary network types (LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi) and provides redundancy for continuous operation.

• Scalability: Ensure the router can expand with your network, accommodating more devices and higher data loads over time.

• Deployment environment: Consider the physical setting, industrial, outdoor, or urban, and select a router that is ruggedised and weather-resistant if needed.

How many IoT devices can an IoT router support?

IoT routers are designed to support a significant number of devices simultaneously, although the exact capacity depends on the router's specifications and intended deployment.

The answer to this really depends on a number of factors:

• Hardware limitations: Each router has a hardware-based limit on the number of simultaneous connections it can handle. This limit is often defined by the router’s CPU, memory, and the number of available IP addresses. Consumer-grade routers typically support 20-50 devices, while enterprise-grade routers can support hundreds or even thousands
• Device type and usage: IoT devices vary in their network usage. Some devices, like alarm systems, require minimal bandwidth, while others, like security cameras, require significant bandwidth. A router may handle a large number of low-bandwidth devices but struggle with fewer high-bandwidth devices
• Data transmission frequency: Devices that frequently transmit data can strain the router more than those that communicate sporadically. For example, devices sending real-time data or continuous video streams require more robust routing capabilities
• Environmental factors: Physical obstructions, signal interference from other electronics, and environmental conditions can impact the effective range and capacity of a router.
• Scalability: Enterprise-grade routers can support hundreds to thousands of devices concurrently while maintaining stable performance.
• Network architecture: Effective network design, including segmentation and prioritisation, can enhance the number of devices a router can manage.
• Application specifics: In scenarios such as smart cities or industrial automation, additional features like edge computing can further boost the router's capacity without degrading performance.

When choosing an IoT router, it is important to review these factors to ensure that you choose a solution which meets all your requirements.

What is the difference between an IoT router and IoT gateway?

While both IoT routers and gateways play key roles in an IoT ecosystem, they serve different functions:

IoT routers and IoT gateways may seem similar at first glance, but they fulfil distinct roles in IoT environments. An IoT router's primary function is to efficiently route data packets between devices within a network and the internet. It handles tasks such as managing IP addresses and ensuring seamless data connectivity, much like a traditional router.

On the other hand, an IoT gateway is a more multifaceted device. While it also handles data routing, it serves as a pivotal link between diverse communication protocols utilised by various IoT devices. Beyond mere routing, an IoT gateway can preprocess, filter, and even analyse data locally before transmitting it to the cloud. This makes the IoT gateway an indispensable component for edge computing in IoT setups. Its ability to process data locally reduces latency, enhances efficiency, and bolsters security by minimising the amount of data transmitted over the internet.

Overall, IoT routers and IoT gateways both connect devices to networks, but their roles differ significantly. While a router predominantly manages data routing and connectivity, similar to traditional routers, a gateway goes a step further by offering functions such as protocol translation, local data processing, and advanced security features. This makes IoT gateways crucial for the complexities and diverse demands of IoT environments.

Deployment use: In many advanced deployments, both devices operate together, where the router manages connectivity, and the gateway handles data aggregation and protocol conversion.

Broadband and business IoT wireless routers

Modern business operations demand secure, agile, and high-speed connectivity. Cellhire's business IoT wireless routers integrate advanced mobile broadband solutions designed specifically for enterprises and critical applications. These routers empower organisations with flexible, scalable, and secure wireless networks, supporting a broad range of use cases that extend beyond conventional connectivity.

Key features include:

• Enterprise-Grade connectivity: Provide high-speed mobile broadband that underpins vital business operations. These routers ensure that data flows seamlessly in real time across all connected devices, whether deployed in remote offices or on-site locations.
• Scalability and flexibility: Engineered to support extensive deployments, these routers can easily scale from small branch setups to vast, multi-site enterprise networks. Their design accommodates a growing number of IoT devices, ensuring that connectivity remains robust as your business expands.
• Robust security and remote management: Security is paramount for business connectivity. Integrated firewalls, VPN support, and comprehensive encryption protocols protect data during transmission. Additionally, centralised remote management enables real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and optimising performance.
• Seamless integration and versatility: Compatible with multiple network protocols, including LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi, these routers provide the versatility needed to integrate with existing IT infrastructure. This compatibility makes them ideal for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and smart city developments.
• Enhanced operational efficiency: By harnessing cutting-edge IoT wireless router technology combined with advanced mobile broadband, businesses can streamline operations, reduce infrastructure costs, and pave the way for digital transformation.

Cellhire's broadband and business IoT wireless routers are designed to deliver end-to-end connectivity solutions, ensuring your enterprise remains agile, secure, and ahead in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

Deployment considerations and best practices

For effective IoT network deployments, consider the following best practices:

• Site surveys and network planning: Carry out thorough assessments to determine optimal router placement, signal strength, and potential interference issues.

• Redundancy and failover mechanisms: Implement backup connectivity options to minimise downtime in case one network fails.

• Integration with existing infrastructure: Ensure that new IoT routers integrate smoothly with legacy systems, safeguarding continuous data flow.

• Ongoing maintenance and monitoring: Schedule regular updates and use real-time network monitoring to quickly resolve any issues.

• Scalability strategy: Choose routers that support future expansion and emerging network protocols, such as next-generation 6G technology.

Security considerations

Security is paramount in IoT deployments. IoT routers must incorporate multiple layers of protection:

• Encryption protocols: Advanced encryption methods protect data transmitted between devices and the router.

• Firewall and intrusion detection: Integrated firewalls and intrusion detection systems actively monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.

• Regular firmware updates: Keeping firmware up to date is critical to patch vulnerabilities and counter emerging threats.

• Network segmentation: Isolating network segments limits the spread of any security breach.

• Authentication and access control: Robust authentication measures ensure that only authorised devices can connect to the network.

Future trends in IoT connectivity

The future of IoT connectivity will be shaped by several emerging trends:

• 5G and beyond: With 5G networks becoming more widespread, IoT routers will benefit from high speeds and low latency. Future iterations may even integrate early 6G capabilities.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration: AI-driven network management tools will offer predictive maintenance, automated security protocols, and dynamic resource allocation.

• Enhanced edge computing: As processing shifts closer to the source of data, IoT routers will increasingly handle local data processing to reduce delays.

• Sustainable connectivity solutions: Innovations in energy efficiency and sustainable design are driving the development of eco-friendly routers that meet performance needs while reducing environmental impact.

Cellhire's IoT SIM and router solution

Cellhire provides an integrated IoT SIM and router solution that delivers a complete connectivity package for modern IoT deployments. By combining advanced IoT routers with Cellhire’s robust IoT SIM technology, this solution ensures global coverage, secure connectivity, and seamless device management.

We are a leading supplier of IoT routers and IoT SIM cards suitable for a wide range of applications including smart city infrastructure, remote monitoring, transportation and logistics, environmental sensing, and temporary setups such as events or construction sites. Utilising our IoT network, we deliver multi-network solutions at unbeatable prices, reducing downtime, and enhancing device reliability.

Discover our IoT router and SIM solutions here.

Conclusion

IoT routers are a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure, delivering the robust, secure, and reliable connectivity that drives today's interconnected world.

The future of IoT connectivity depends on continuous innovation in router technology. By embracing advancements in security, scalability, and network management, and by leveraging Cellhire’s integrated IoT SIM and router solution, organisations can streamline connectivity challenges and build resilient, future-proof IoT networks.

This comprehensive guide has brought together foundational knowledge and advanced insights to serve as the definitive resource for optimising IoT connectivity across diverse applications.

You can speak to one of our experts or order your trial IoT sim card here now.