Hello everyone, I’m Wang, an engineer with over ten years of experience in the field of industrial automation. Today, I want to talk to you about the things to consider when choosing an industrial 4G modem. To be honest, every time a client asks me how to choose one, I can’t help but chuckle. It’s a bit like asking “how to choose a spouse” — there’s no standard answer, but there are definitely some key factors to consider.

Industrial 4G Modems

1. Network Compatibility: Don’t Let Your “Communication Ambassador” Become a “Mute”

First, we need to ensure that this “communication ambassador” can speak the language that the other party understands. I remember once a client spent a lot of money buying a bunch of 4G modems, only to find out they couldn’t connect to the network in their factory. It turned out that the frequency bands used by the local carrier were incompatible with the devices. That scene, wow, I still remember vividly.
So when choosing, it’s essential to confirm that the device supports the 4G frequency bands used by local operators. Moreover, if your equipment might be used in different regions, it’s best to choose a model that supports multiple frequency bands. Trust me, spending a little extra on a “multilingual” modem is far better than having to search for a “translator” later on.

2. Industrial Features: This Isn’t Your Home Wi-Fi Router

Speaking of this, I can’t help but complain a bit. Some people think, “It’s just a device for getting online; a home router will do, right?” Dude, this isn’t your living room! I’ve seen people try to “make do” with a regular router in an industrial setting, and it broke down in no time. High temperatures, dust, vibrations — these are just part of everyday life in an industrial environment.
When selecting an industrial 4G modem, make sure to pay attention to its operating temperature range, protection rating (IP rating), and shock resistance. For example, the SeRTU200 series we often use has an operating temperature range of -35°C to 75°C and an IP30 protection rating. Such “physical resilience” is what allows it to work reliably in harsh industrial environments.

Industrial 4G Modems

3. Interface Variety: Versatile Players Are More Popular

In industrial settings, the types of device interfaces can be quite diverse. Sometimes you may need to connect several different devices simultaneously. Therefore, the variety of interfaces becomes particularly important.
I personally prefer those versatile “all-rounders.” For example, having RS232, RS485, Ethernet ports, as well as analog inputs and digital inputs/outputs all in one device. This way, you can handle whatever equipment comes your way. Take the SeRTU200, for instance; it not only has these basic interfaces but also supports LoRa and GPS — it’s practically the Swiss Army knife of industrial IoT.

4. Reliability and Stability: Downtime Equals Money Lost

In industrial environments, reliability and stability are absolutely paramount. I once encountered a case where a chemical plant used a cheap modem that frequently dropped connectivity. Every time it dropped, the entire production line had to stop and restart the system. If you calculated the losses from these downtimes, it would have been enough to buy several high-quality industrial modems.
So, when choosing, pay special attention to the device’s MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), watchdog features, and automatic reconnection mechanisms. These seemingly minor details can make a huge difference in critical moments.

5. Security: Don’t Let Your Data Run Naked

Speaking of security, I can’t help but share a bloody lesson. Once, a client’s entire factory network was hacked. The reason? Their modem didn’t have sufficient security measures. The consequences were dire, to say the least.
When selecting an industrial 4G modem, always pay attention to its security features. For instance, does it support VPNs, firewalls, and data encryption? Some advanced devices even offer remote management and firmware updates, allowing timely fixes for security vulnerabilities.

6. Power Consumption: Saving Energy is Also an Art

In some remote or outdoor applications, power consumption is a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked. I once participated in a hydrology monitoring project where the equipment was installed in remote mountains, powered by solar energy. In such cases, low power consumption becomes crucial.
Therefore, when selecting, pay special attention to the device’s operating voltage range and power consumption specifications. Some devices even support sleep modes, significantly extending battery life.

Industrial 4G Modems

7. After-Sales Support: When Buying Equipment, You’re Also Buying Service

Lastly, I want to emphasize after-sales support. This is something many people tend to overlook, but in my view, it’s immensely important. I’ve seen too many clients in a bind due to a lack of technical support.
When choosing an industrial 4G modem, you should not only look at the device itself but also at what kind of technical support the manufacturer can provide. For example, do they have detailed technical documentation, a responsive support team, and regular firmware updates? These factors will directly impact your user experience down the line.

Conclusion: There’s No Best, Only the Most Suitable

After all this discussion, the bottom line is that there’s no one-size-fits-all standard for choosing an industrial 4G modem. The key is to select based on your actual needs and application scenarios. It’s like picking a tool; there’s no best tool, only the most suitable one.
My advice is to carefully assess your needs before making a choice. Consider your application environment, the types of devices being connected, data transmission volumes, and security requirements. Then, match those needs with the appropriate product specifications.
Remember, selecting an industrial 4G modem is not a one-time deal, but an ongoing process. As your needs change, you may need to adjust and upgrade accordingly. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a brand with a good reputation, strong technical capabilities, and the ability to provide long-term support.
Finally, don’t be fooled by flashy parameters. Sometimes, a seemingly ordinary but stable and reliable device can be more suitable for you than a high-end product piled with specs. After all, in an industrial environment, stability and reliability are paramount.
That’s all for today. I hope my experiences can help you in some way. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me! After all, in this rapidly developing world of industrial IoT, there’s still so much for us to learn!