Solutions for transportation
Transportation technology has developed rapidly over the past decade, and wireless connectivity has played a large role in this. Fleets now require reliable and always available Internet connectivity to keep up with these innovations, and to enable improved productivity, better fleet management, and extended services for passengers and public servants.
The benefits delivered by an in-vehicle network are diverse and numerous. These applications can lead to value-added passenger services, streamlined work processes, increased fleet security, and access to essential information on the road or rail.
Choosing the right application
There are a multitude of connectivity options available for in-vehicle networking solutions. The right mobile connectivity solution can enable:
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A high-speed 4G LTE network with Wi-Fi connectivity both inside and outside the vehicle.
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Flexibility in deployment with additional bandwidth or failover capability across multiple carriers.
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Location tracking to provide real-time passenger information, increased fleet security and management, digital signage, and convenience for passengers.
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Passenger Wi-Fi for leading-edge customer services and engagement.
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Security/CCTV footage on the go for instant and remote access to footage when you need it.
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Connectivity to central dispatch or HQ, electronic reporting, ticketing, and Point-of-Sale solutions.
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The ability to future proof as your network grows or new services like Band 14 for public safety are developed.
Not all routers are created equal
4G LTE wireless routers provide the most reliable and secure solution for connectivity. Remote access and cloud management also makes them easy to implement and maintain — with enhanced capabilities that go far beyond consumer-grade options.
Although they are the most costly initial hardware investment, in-vehicle routers can deliver the greatest return as a long-term solution. These routers offer increased functionality that delivers on your existing needs, while still offering a viable connectivity solution for future expansion. While other options may have a smaller initial cost, they are more expensive in the long term because of the need for constant hardware replacements, engineer adjustments, and in-person troubleshooting.
Overall, enterprise-grade wireless routers offer a complete, secure, reliable, and always available connectivity solution. Within the router market, there are products designed for a variety of industry applications, so you must understand the features you are looking for in a connectivity solution.
For example, a non-ruggedized router intended for application within retail environments may perform excellently within a retail store, but it would not be suitable for the rigors of the transportation sector.
Key considerations for selecting your routing solution
When selecting a routing solution for your in-vehicle network, you should look for the following:
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Certified 4G LTE enterprise-grade internal modem
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Dual-band, dual-concurrent Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
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Ruggedized for vibration, shock, dust, splash, and humidity (look for products with the certifications to support this)
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Built-in transient and reverse polarity voltage protection
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9-36 DC voltage input range
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Integrated temperature sensor
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Band 14 ready
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Dual-modem options for load balancing and redundancy
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Operating temperature withstanding -30 to 70 Celsius (−22 to +158 Fahrenheit) and storage temperature withstanding −40 to 85 Celsius (−40 to +185 Fahrenheit) with a temperature sensor that triggers alerts and automatic shutoff
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Active GPS support
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Cloud-managed configuration, maintenance, and firmware upgrades
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Mounting integrated into the hardware for optimal placement and shock resistance is preferable
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Supports Ethernet (T1, DSL, Cable, MetroE), WiFi as WAN, and Metro WiFi
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Ignition sensing
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Software-defined radio that supports multiple carriers (Gobi)
Routers with the above set of features are specifically built for in-vehicle networking. Learn more about Cradlepoint solutions for connected vehicles on our webpage: /products/mobile/