INSYS Microelectronics has released the MLR 2G/3G cost-optimised mobile radio routers for large-scale project applications such as remote maintenance and control, metering, payment systems and environmental monitoring. Suitable for industrial environments, the mobile LAN routers combine the functions of a mobile radio modem, router and switch in one unit, connecting remote Ethernet LANs or single components to the Internet via the mobile radio services GPRS and UMTS (3G). The units feature four RJ45 ports which can directly connect up to four devices or controllers. The routers provide bandwidths similar to DSL - the data transmission service UMTS/HSDPA, for instance, provides transmission rates of up to 3.6Mbit/s, enabling the connection of remote company networks, video monitoring applications or remote access to control networks. Additionally, the units feature a serial interface to connect legacy RS232 devices.The mobile LAN router features dial-in and dial-out functionalities. It accepts incoming connections and can independently establish outgoing connections. Incoming connection requests are directed to the right local device through port forwarding. VPN support and an integrated firewall ensure the safety of data connections, with a dial-in authentication and a dial-out filter allowing for authorised connections only. High availability connections are achieved with features such as redundant SIM card slots, allowing users to choose between two differ-ent network providers. This allows for the bridging of network failures and ensures maximum availability in border areas without additional roaming costs. An external redundant modem can be connected to enable back-up communication via other media such as the PSTN telephone network. The unit supports four 2G and three 3G mobile radio frequencies.
