Networking specialists LANCOM Systems expand their line of routers with two new models for use in industrial environments: LANCOM IAP-3G is a cellular router with integrated multi-mode HSPA+ modem. The LANCOM IAP-321-3G offers 802.11n wireless LAN in addition. The devices come with a dust-proof metal housing (IP 50 protection class) with anti-theft protection and they support an extended operational temperature range (-20 to +50 °C). Applications for the routers include using cellular networks to provide Internet connections to ticket dispensers, ATM machines, solar or wind power plants, warehousing or production facilities, for example. This enables problem-free machine-to-machine (M2M) communication over any distance.

Working with HSPA+, the devices achieve peak operating data rates of 21 Mbps for downlinks and 5.76 Mbps for uplinks. The integrated cellular modem is backward compatible to UMTS, EDGE and GPRS.

The IAP-321-3G additionally supports wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE 802.11agn standard and operates in the 2.4- or 5-GHz band. Power is supplied via an AC power adapter or an industrial power connector for 10 – 28 volts DC. With the three options for mounting - on the wall, on a mast, or on a top-hat rail mounting—these devices can be set up wherever they are needed. The supplied mounting plate with Kensington lock provides anti-theft protection, as does the integrated GPS positioning.

Five IPsec VPN channels with hardware acceleration are integrated into the router as standard (25 optional). Highly secure IPsec VPN connections can be established over any cellular network. What's more, both devices support up to sixteen virtual IP networks: Virtualization allows the LANs and the WAN interfaces to be used for multiple purposes. The integrated firewall provides the very latest security features such as status inspection, intrusion detection and DoS protection.

Both devices will be available from April. The LANCOM IAP-3G will be available at a suggested retail price of £801.73 (Excl. VAT. The LANCOM IAP-321-3G will be available for £1024.68 (Excl. VAT).