Introduction
The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is only as strong as its connectivity. Whether you’re monitoring a substation, running a factory line, or keeping retail ATMs online, the data link between devices and the cloud needs to be secure, resilient, and built for industrial conditions.
That’s where the Four-Faith IWR202 series comes in. This family of routers is available in three distinct variants:
- IWR202 – 4G LTE Cat4
- IWR202-C6 – 4G LTE Cat6 with carrier aggregation
- IWR202-5R – 5G RedCap for next-generation IoT connectivity
Each model shares the same rugged aluminium housing, versatile industrial I/O, and advanced security features. The difference lies in the cellular modem, giving you the flexibility to choose the right balance of speed, cost, and future-proofing.
Why Choose the IWR202?
The IWR202 is more than just a router. It is an industrial IoT gateway that:
- Ensures continuous connectivity with dual SIM failover.
- Integrates legacy devices through RS232, RS485, and DI/DO ports.
- Bridges old and new technologies with Modbus TCP/RTU and MQTT.
- Provides secure communication with VPNs and firewall protection.
- Survives in harsh environments with IP30 casing and -40 °C to +75 °C operation.
Explaining the Cellular Options
5G RedCap (Reduced Capability)
The IWR202-5R supports 5G RedCap, a streamlined version of 5G designed for IoT and industrial deployments.
- Speeds: Up to 223 Mbps down / 123 Mbps up
- Efficiency: Lower power consumption than full 5G eMBB
- Latency: Lower and more consistent than LTE
- Best for: Gateways, smart city devices, and industrial controllers
RedCap delivers the benefits of 5G without the cost and complexity of full mobile broadband, making it a future-proof option for long-term IoT deployments.
LTE Cat4 vs Cat6
- Cat4 (IWR202): Up to 150 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up – suitable for monitoring, telemetry, and backup links.
- Cat6 (IWR202-C6): Up to 300 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up thanks to carrier aggregation (CA).
👉 Important note: Dual SIM on the IWR202 is for failover, not simultaneous bonding. Carrier aggregation only applies to Cat6, and it works on a single SIM by combining LTE carriers from the same operator.
Industrial Interfaces – Connecting Old and New
RS232 and RS485
Directly connect PLCs, energy meters, RTUs, and other industrial devices. The router supports Modbus RTU/TCP bridging, so serial devices can communicate seamlessly with cloud applications.
Digital Input/Output (DI/DO)
- DI: Trigger alerts from alarms, sensors, or switches.
- DO: Activate relays, alarms, or remotely reset devices.
This makes it possible to monitor and control equipment without extra PLC hardware.
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- 1× WAN and 1× LAN (10/100 Mbps) with 15 kV ESD protection.
- LAN supports passive PoE, allowing single-cable installation.
- Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, up to 144 Mbps) is ideal for maintenance or low-demand devices.
Security and VPN Options
The IWR202 is security-focused, making it suitable for critical infrastructure:
- VPNs: IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, GRE, DMVPN, PPTP, L2TP, ZeroTier.
- Firewall: Stateful packet inspection (SPI).
- DDoS Protection: SYN flood prevention, SSH/Telnet hardening.
- Access Control: Restrict remote access to CLI, web, SSH, or Telnet.
For modern deployments, IPsec or WireGuard are recommended.
IoT Protocol Support
The IWR202 is IoT-ready out of the box:
- MQTT: Publish and subscribe for seamless integration with IoT platforms like Azure IoT Hub.
- Modbus TCP/RTU: Bridge serial devices to modern SCADA systems.
- HTTP: Push telemetry directly to APIs or cloud dashboards.
Rugged Industrial Design
- Casing: Aluminium, IP30
- Size: 91.4 × 92.4 × 31 mm
- Weight: ~200 g
- Operating Range: -40 °C to +75 °C
- Power Input: 9–36 V DC with reverse polarity protection
- Protections: ESD on SIM/serial, isolation on Ethernet, EMC level 3+
Built to withstand electrical interference, static discharges, and extreme temperatures, the IWR202 is designed for roadside cabinets, plant rooms, and retail kiosks.
Key Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cellular | Cat4 (150/50 Mbps), Cat6 (300/50 Mbps), 5G RedCap (223/123 Mbps) |
| SIM | 2 × SIM slots with auto-failover |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (144 Mbps) |
| Ethernet | 1 × WAN, 1 × LAN (passive PoE supported) |
| Serial | 1 × RS232, 1 × RS485 |
| I/O | 1 × DI, 1 × DO |
| Antenna | 2 × SMA (cellular), 1 × SMA (Wi-Fi) |
| Security | VPN (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.), firewall, DDoS protection |
| Protocols | MQTT, Modbus TCP/RTU, HTTP |
| Power | 9–36 V DC, <1.2 A typical @ 12 V |
| Dimensions | 91.4 × 92.4 × 31 mm |
| Weight | ~200 g |
| Operating Temp | -40 °C to +75 °C |
Typical Applications
Smart Grid & Utilities
- Collect meter data over Modbus.
- Publish to cloud platforms using MQTT.
- Monitor tamper events via DI and reset RTUs via DO.
Industrial Automation
- Connect PLCs over RS485.
- Backhaul control traffic with LTE Cat6 or 5G RedCap.
- Use ZeroTier/DMVPN for secure multi-site maintenance.
Retail & ATMs
- Keep payment systems online with dual SIM failover.
- Secure traffic with IPsec VPNs.
CCTV & Security
- Stream video reliably over Cat6 or 5G RedCap.
- Use DO outputs for remote NVR/camera reboots.
Smart Cities
- Deploy RedCap for street lighting, air quality, or traffic monitoring.
Transport & Logistics
- Maintain resilient fleet telematics and asset tracking links.
FAQs
Does Cat6 mean I can bond two SIMs?
No. Cat6 is about carrier aggregation on one SIM. Dual SIM is failover only.
Is 5G RedCap faster than Cat6?
Not always. It’s more about efficiency, lower latency, and future-proofing than raw throughput.
Can I power it over Ethernet?
Yes, the LAN port supports passive PoE.
How do I connect legacy devices?
Use RS485 for Modbus RTU, bridge to Modbus TCP, and publish data to the cloud via MQTT.
Is it suitable for critical infrastructure?
Yes. With VPNs, firewall, and DDoS protections, it is designed for secure industrial environments.
Model Variants Recap
- IWR202 – 4G LTE Cat4, dual SIM, RS232, RS485, DI/DO, Wi-Fi
- IWR202-C6 – 4G LTE Cat6, dual SIM, RS232, RS485, DI/DO, Wi-Fi
- IWR202-5R – 5G RedCap, dual SIM, RS232, RS485, DI/DO, Wi-Fi
All models share the same industrial-grade build, I/O, and firmware features, with the cellular modem being the differentiating factor.
Conclusion
The Four-Faith IWR202 series provides a rugged, secure, and versatile platform for industrial connectivity. Whether you need the simplicity of Cat4, the extra speed of Cat6, or the forward-looking efficiency of 5G RedCap, the IWR202 has a model that fits.
With dual SIM resilience, multiple interfaces, built-in IoT protocols, and advanced VPN support, it’s more than a router — it’s the backbone for industrial IoT networks.