The Versatility of USB Ports on Routers

In an era dominated by wireless connectivity, the USB port on your router may seem like a relic of the past. However, its capabilities extend far beyond mere charging. These ports offer a plethora of practical applications that can elevate your networking experience. Let’s explore the myriad uses of USB ports on routers and how different manufacturers are harnessing their potential to innovate networking solutions.

Enhancing Connectivity Beyond Wires

USB ports on routers facilitate a diverse range of functionalities that transcend traditional wired connections. They can be leveraged for WAN connections via cellular modems, providing a backup or primary internet link in areas with limited wired infrastructure. This feature is invaluable for rural homes or businesses susceptible to frequent internet outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging network environments.

Example Use Case: A small business operating in a rural area relies on a stable internet connection for daily operations. By connecting a 4G/5G modem to the router via USB, they ensure continuous connectivity, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Expanding Local Network Capabilities

USB ports serve as additional LAN ports, accommodating devices like printers, external storage drives, or gaming consoles. This functionality is especially beneficial for households or offices with numerous wired devices but limited Ethernet ports on the router. Users can seamlessly extend their local network by connecting peripherals directly to the router via USB.

Example Use Case: A family home with multiple desktop computers, a network printer, and a network-attached storage (NAS) device requires additional LAN ports. By connecting a USB hub to the router’s USB port, they expand their network capacity, allowing all devices to communicate seamlessly.

Streamlining Power Management

USB ports on routers double as power sources for compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or wireless cameras. This eliminates the need for multiple power adapters and sockets, simplifying cable management and reducing clutter. Some routers even feature USB ports with enhanced power output, enabling fast charging for supported devices.

Example Use Case: A homeowner sets up a wireless security camera system around their property. By connecting the cameras to the router’s USB ports for power, they eliminate the need for individual power outlets near each camera, simplifying installation and maintenance.

Manufacturer Innovations in USB Technology

Different router manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of USB technology to enhance router functionality. For instance, the XR80 and XR90 models from Sierra Wireless/Semtech feature USB-C ports that offer LAN connectivity at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, ensuring optimal throughput comparable to high-speed RJ45 network ports. Inseego routers like the FX2000e and S2000e leverage USB 3.1 Type C ports for enhanced networking capabilities, including USB tethering and WAN modem support. Peplink, Cradlepoint, and Digi routers cater to specific networking needs with USB WAN or power functionality, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with diverse USB devices and accessories.

Considerations Before Implementation

Before utilizing USB ports on routers, it’s crucial to address certain factors that can mitigate security risks, ensure seamless device interoperability, and optimize data transfer speeds, ultimately enhancing the overall networking experience.

Security Considerations: USB-connected devices can potentially introduce security vulnerabilities, such as malware infections or unauthorized access to network resources. Suggestions include regularly updating router firmware, using reputable antivirus software, and avoiding connecting unknown or untrusted USB devices.
Compatibility and Interoperability: Compatibility issues may arise when connecting different USB peripherals, such as external storage drives, printers, or modems. Check with the router manufacturer to see if they have a list of USB devices they have tested and can confirm work with their hardware.
Performance Optimization: Many things can impact data transfer speeds, such as USB port specifications, cable quality, and device compatibility. Be mindful of the router specifications as well as those of your USB device to better understand throughput limits.

Anticipating Future Trends

USB ports on routers are indispensable tools that offer versatility and flexibility in networking solutions. From enabling alternative internet connections to streamlining device management, these ports empower users with enhanced connectivity options. By understanding the diverse applications and manufacturer innovations in USB technology, users can maximize the potential of USB ports on routers and elevate their networking experience to new heights.

As USB technology continues to evolve, future router models may leverage advancements like USB 4.0 to enhance network performance, connectivity, and user experience. Exploring emerging trends and developments in USB technology can provide insights into potential innovations in router design and functionality.

April 10, 2024By valerie 5G connection, cradlepoint, digi, Inseego, LAN, Modem, network, Peplink, Router, Semtech, sierra wireless, USB, WAN

Cloud Management Services for Cellular Routers

What They Are & Why You Should Use Them

When you purchase some sort of electronic device, you normally have the option of purchasing an extended warranty for it. This might not only give you the option of hardware replacement, but added benefits. When it comes to routers – like the ones we carry from Cradlepoint, Digi, Inseego, Peplink, and Sierra Wireless – you may also have the added benefit of a cloud management service.

What is a Cloud Management Service?

This is essentially a website you can log into from anywhere in the world and both monitor and manage your routers remotely. Of course, in order to be able to do this, you must have a valid warranty and or cloud subscription for each of your routers.

Why Should I Use a Cloud Manager?

Cloud management services are somewhat similar to device registrations with the manufacturer. It proves you own the device and protects it from being added to another user’s management account. They help to keep an eye on your devices by monitoring the health of the device, its uptime, and signal strength. Configurations are streamlined, as it allows you to get devices online more quickly.

What Benefits Do Cloud Managers Provide?

Other than remote visibility of your routers’ connection status in real-time, there are several benefits to having cloud management service for your devices.

Lower Overall Management Costs: Reducing the cost of configuring and deploying your devices through a single platform.
Increased Productivity: Manage multiple devices at the same time and reach your goals more quickly and efficiently.
Maintenance: Minimizing the cost of keeping your devices current and secure with easy deployment of software and security updates.
Security: Lock down access to your devices to authorized personnel and improve the overall security on your networks.

Common features include:

Configuration by device or group
- Save time by setting up configurations that can then be uploaded to your device or groups of devices. Most devices support Zero touch provisioning (ZTP), which allows you to automatically deploy device configurations over a network connection.
Data usage tracking and alerts
- Avoid overage fees by staying up to date on how much data your device(s) are using.
GPS tracking
- Verify where your device has traveled in the past or view it in real time.
Firmware update
- Ensure proper maintenance for your device(s) by upgrading firmware as needed. This can sometimes be done for a group of devices also.
Device diagnostics for troubleshooting
- Use tools like ping and traceroute to verify how traffic is flowing on your network. Additionally, you may reboot your device as needed or in some cases, you may set a reboot schedule.

Less Common Features

Remote access to the web UI
- Use the management service to log into your device remotely, just like it works locally, or similarly.
Remote Access to devices on the LAN of the router
- Use Out of Band Management (OOBM) or similar to connect to devices like cameras, PLCs, and other local network devices.
VPN Connectivity and simple configuration
- Link devices with the use of VPN, which can easily be configured through the cloud manager.
API support
- The API is an interface for developers to integrate their systems and/or scripts with the data available in the cloud manager. This may include online/offline status of routers and network interfaces, signal strength and quality of cellular modems, router logs, and more.
Fast Renewal Activation
- Renewing service can be a real pain, but not when it comes to processing licenses for Peplink at 5Gstore.com. We have an automated system that allows you to enter your Peplink serial number in our website search field and it will report back compatible licenses. Once your license is purchased, it takes mere minutes to be processed.

Some warranties include these cloud services and in those cases, the cloud service is valid for as long as the warranty is. Here’s what each manufacturer offers:

Cradlepoint NetCloud

Warranty, support and cloud management services are bundled under the NetCloud subscription, which is available for 1, 3 or 5 years.
- Features include:
  - Bulk configuration and firmware updates
  - Troubleshooting and diagnostic tools
  - Custom alerts and reports
  - Location services and coverage mapping
  - Cellular plan monitoring and forecasting
  - API option

Digi Remote Manager

Cloud service is available through a license separate from the device warranty. Premier service plans are available for 1, 3, or 5 years.
- Features include:
  - Configuration manager
  - Location mapping
  - Bulk firmware upgrades
  - Out of Band Management
  - Alarms and On-Demand Reports
  - Web Service APIs

Inseego Connect

Basic management is included for the life of the device, but has limited features compared to their Standard and Advanced plans. It is mainly for device inventory and status monitoring. Standard is best for focusing on monitoring device health and remotely configuring devices. Advanced includes all the standard features plus additional analytics and insights into how devices are being utilized. These are both available for an additional fee for 1 or 3 years. Note that when purchasing the Advanced plan, this includes warranty and support, also for 1 or 3 years.
- Features include:
  - Bulk Configuration of groups of devices
  - Location mapping
  - Access to key health metrics
  - Data usage tracking
  - Set alerts and perform diagnostics
  - Firmware updates

Peplink InControl 2

Cloud management is included with a valid warranty, of which it is 1 year standard. Optional warranty extensions are available at 1, 2 or 4 years. For non-PrimeCare Velocity and Volume-Based series devices you also have the option for 1 or 2 years of cloud management only.
- Features include:
  - Bulk configuration
  - Remote access to web UI and devices on the LAN
  - GPS fleet management
  - Troubleshooting tools
  - API option

Sierra Wireless/ Semtech AirLink Management Service

Warranties include support and cloud management for 1 year. Upgrades are available for 1 year on AirLink devices.
- Features include:
  - Mass configuration
  - Location mapping
  - Device alerts and reports
  - Firmware upgrades
  - Data usage tracking
  - Diagnostic tools
  - Web services API

How Much Data Will Cloud Manager Services Use?

You may also be wondering how much data usage the Cloud Service is going to require. This is especially important for users who have limited data plans for M2M or IoT applications. Let’s take a look at the minimum usage for each system.

Cloud Management Service	Minimum Data Usage
Cradlepoint NetCloud	Data usage ranges from 5-10 MB per router per month in typical scenarios. Settings like connection pulse intervals significantly impact usage. Faster pulses increase data usage, while slower pulses risk connection issues but save data.
Digi Remote Manager	Without updates and default settings, it uses approximately 4.68 MB on cellular and 18.1 MB on non-cellular connections monthly. However, if all features are enabled, it can go up to 263 MB monthly. To minimize data usage, users can disable non-essential features like event logging and adjust keep-alive intervals.
Inseego Connect	Average is 100 MB monthly, but this can increase depending on usage. While this service doesn’t offer extensive customization options, being mindful of data-intensive activities can help minimize usage.
Peplink InControl 2	Monthly data usage averages 339.7 MB with GPS enabled and 172.3 MB with GPS disabled. Users can optimize data consumption by adjusting reporting metrics. Enabling Low Data Usage Mode in particular, significantly reduces data usage, down to 6.9 MB with GPS enabled and 1.3 MB with GPS disabled.
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech AirLink Management Service	With default configurations, devices use around 2.7 MB/day without telemetry and 3.3 MB/day with telemetry. Disabling both telemetry and the Network Watchdog reduces usage to approximately 400 KB/day.

What Happens When I Don’t Renew My Cloud Management Service?

Most manufacturers will include some sort of cloud service with the purchase of the hardware. This may make you more inclined to use it, but what happens when the service expires? While in most cases, you can still log in and view past data, most or all remote management features are lost. This includes the ability to log into your device or devices behind it, firmware upgrades, and GPS as well as data usage tracking.

Manufacturer	Included Cloud Service	Post Expiration Functionality
Cradlepoint	1, 3 or 5 years	Some, or all features become unusable. More info
Digi	No	Device reports no longer available, including data usage. Individual Device Stream data is retained, and could be accessed via the API.
Inseego	Basic plan for life of device	Remote management and data tracking is unavailable.
Peplink	1 year	Remote access, configuration, and data tracking is lost. Past reports are still accessible.
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech	1 year	Remote management and data tracking is lost.

How Do I Renew My Cloud Management Service?

Cradlepoint: Alerts are sent to the admin at 90 days before expiration and again at 30 days before expiration, if no order has been placed. If you choose to renew after your devices have expired, there may be a 10% reinstatement fee applied. Simply contact sales@5gstore.com with your device serial number(s) and email address associated with your Cradlepoint NetCloud account and we’ll follow up with a quote.
Digi: When it comes time to renew your Digi devices, you may purchase subscriptions per device, right at 5Gstore.com. Note your device serial number(s) and the email on the Digi Remote Manager account is needed at checkout.
Inseego: At renewal time, go to 5Gstore.com and purchase the subscription of your choice. You will need to enter the device IMEI number(s) at checkout.
Peplink: Alerts are sent at least 30 days prior to expiration of your Care plan, and a 30 day grace period is provided after expiration, if needed. After the 31st day from the Care Plan expiration date, a diagnostic report is required to be submitted and verified by Peplink. You may either email sales@5gstore.com with your Diagnostic Report or submit it at checkout. Not sure what license you need? Just enter your device’s serial number in the 5Gstore.com search bar and it will populate compatible licenses. Our team can also assist you with selecting the appropriate license for your needs.
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech: Contact sales@5gstore.com with your device serial number(s) and email address associated with your AirLink Management Service account, along with your account UID, and we’ll follow up with a quote.

How Much Will it Cost to Renew Cloud Management Service?

Want to get an idea of the yearly costs for the cloud service? Here is a breakdown of the costs by manufacturer:

Manufacturer	1 year renewal	3 year renewal	5 year renewal
Cradlepoint	Starts at $72	Starts at $216	Starts at $360
Digi	$48	$126	$210
Inseego	$19.99	$49.99	N/A
Peplink*	$29 (cloud only)/ $49 and up (Care plans)	$49 (2 year cloud only)/ $98 and up (Care plans)	N/A
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech	$30 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $90 (XR Series)	$90 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $270 (XR series)	$150 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $450 (XR Series)

*Cloud only subscriptions apply to Velocity & Volume-Based series devices. PrimeCare and PrimeCare+ or EssentialCare and EssentialCare+ prices range, depending on the device model.

Is Cloud Management Service Right For You?

Whether you have one device to manage, or multiple devices, a cloud management solution could save you both time and money. In most cases this is best for administrators that need to manage several local and/or remote devices. However it can also be helpful for single device users as well. Features like data and client data usage tracking capabilities, as well as device diagnostic tools could prove beneficial.

If after reading this you’re still unsure as to whether or not you want to use a cloud management service, reach out to our team for assistance. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm CT at 833-547-8673 or sales@5gstore.com.

March 20, 2024By valerie 5G AirLink, AirLink Management Service, ALMS, Cellular router, cloud management, cradlepoint, digi, Digi RM, hardware, IC2, InControl 2, Inseego Connect, NetCloud, Peplink, remote manager, renewal, Semtech, sierra wireless, software, Warranty

Understanding TAA Compliance

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, trade agreements play a pivotal role in shaping business practices and economic relationships between nations. One such agreement that holds significant importance for companies seeking to do business with the U.S. government is the Trade Agreements Act (TAA). TAA compliance is not just a legal requirement; it’s a commitment to ethical business practices, fair trade, and supporting domestic economies.

There are 3 categories of TAA-compliant products. This includes the following:

Domestic end products – made entirely in the United States
Designated country end products – made in a country that has a trade agreement with the United States
Foreign end products – made outside of the United States and do not meet the requirements for designated country end products

In this article, we delve into what it means to be TAA compliant, why it’s important, the requirements for compliance, and the benefits it offers.

What Does it Mean to be TAA Compliant?

At its core, TAA compliance refers to adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Trade Agreements Act, a federal law governing government contracts and procurement. The primary objective of TAA is to foster fair and open international trade while ensuring that products purchased by the U.S. government are manufactured in designated TAA-compliant countries. These countries include Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Germany, and many others. The full list of TAA-compliant countries can be found on the General Services Administration (GSA) website.

Why is TAA Compliance Important?

The significance of TAA compliance extends beyond mere regulatory adherence. It serves as a testament to a company’s commitment to ethical business practices and fair trade. Here’s why TAA compliance is crucial:

Support for Fair Trade Practices: TAA compliance ensures that the U.S. government upholds fair trade practices, avoiding inadvertent violations of international trade agreements.
Economic Protection and Job Support: By promoting the purchase of products made in the U.S. or designated TAA-compliant countries, TAA compliance supports domestic economies and American workers.

What is Required to be TAA Compliant?

Achieving TAA compliance involves meeting specific requirements outlined by the Trade Agreements Act:

Designated Country Status: Companies must operate in a designated country, including the U.S., EU countries, and nations with free trade agreements with the U.S.
Origin of Products or Services: Products or services sold to the government must be manufactured or substantially transformed in a designated country, ensuring compliance with TAA regulations.
Accurate Record-Keeping: Maintaining meticulous records of products/services sold to the government and their country of origin is imperative. A comprehensive compliance program outlining policies and procedures must also be in place.
Compliance with Domestic Sourcing Requirements: In addition to TAA, compliance with the Buy American Act (BAA) is also necessary, ensuring a percentage of a product’s components are sourced domestically.

Benefits of TAA Compliance

TAA compliance offers several benefits for businesses:

Government Contract Eligibility: TAA compliance is a prerequisite for bidding on and winning government contracts, providing access to a lucrative market segment.
Global Market Access: Compliance facilitates entry into global markets through trade agreements, expanding opportunities for growth and revenue generation.
Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating commitment to ethical practices enhances a company’s reputation, fostering trust among stakeholders and attracting new business opportunities.
Risk Mitigation: Compliance mitigates the risk of penalties and legal repercussions associated with non-compliance, safeguarding the company’s interests.
Meeting Customer Requirements: Many private sector companies also prioritize TAA compliance, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and retaining existing business relationships.
Improved Supply Chain Management: TAA compliance necessitates robust supply chain management practices, leading to efficiency and transparency in operations.

Tips for Maintaining TAA Compliance

To ensure ongoing compliance, businesses should:

Understand TAA requirements thoroughly.
Stay updated on regulatory changes.
Implement internal controls and conduct regular audits.
Provide comprehensive training to employees.
Work with reputable suppliers and vendors.
Maintain accurate records of compliance efforts.

TAA-Compliant Devices and Suppliers

Companies like Cradlepoint, Digi, Inseego, Peplink, and Sierra Wireless (now Semtech) offer TAA-compliant products, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and ethical manufacturing practices. Contact the sales team at 5Gstore.com for assistance finding an appropriate solution for your application. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm CT at 833-547-8673 or sales@5gstore.com.

March 18, 2024By valerie 5G Compliant, cradlepoint, digi, hardware, Inseego, Peplink, Router, Semtech, sierra wireless, TAA

Who Acquired Sierra Wireless?

CAMARILLO, Calif., & VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading global supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, and Sierra Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWIR) (TSX: SW), a world-renowned Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider, yesterday announced a definitive agreement under which Semtech will acquire all outstanding shares of Sierra Wireless for US$31 per share in an all-cash transaction representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$1.2 billion, subject to customary closing conditions. The acquisition will significantly expand Semtech’s addressable market and is expected to approximately double Semtech’s annual revenue and create a strong and diverse portfolio of connectivity solutions for the growing IoT market, making it easier for customers to find innovative end to end solutions for any segment. The deal is also expected to be immediately accretive to Semtech’s non-GAAP EPS before synergies and generate US$40 million of run-rate operational synergies within 12-18 months post-transaction close.

This acquisition brings together two important technologies for the future of IoT – LoRa and cellular – to enable the digitization of the industrial world with a comprehensive chip-to-Cloud platform. Semtech expects the combination of Sierra Wireless’ cellular capabilities across its modules, gateways and managed connectivity together with Semtech’s LoRa-enabled end nodes to create a uniquely differentiated IoT portfolio which will enable a plethora of new IoT use cases to be conceived. In addition, the combination of Sierra Wireless’ Cloud services offerings and Semtech’s LoRa Cloud™ services will bring together a future Cloud services portfolio offering that will include enhanced security, provisioning, device management, and geolocation capabilities for power optimized IoT applications. This new Cloud services capability is expected to add greater than US$100 million of high-margin IoT Cloud services recurring revenues immediately.

“We believe the next era of technology growth is the full digitization of our industrial world – the Internet of Everything. Our vision is to build a simple, horizontal platform with the goal of accelerating this transformation and to bring about a smarter and more sustainable planet,” said Semtech president and chief executive officer, Mohan Maheswaran. “This exciting strategic acquisition of Sierra Wireless is a critical part of bringing this vision to life through the combination of cellular, LoRa and Cloud services. Together, with the world-class Sierra Wireless engineering team, we will be positioned to advance the market with multi-radio solutions that bring new chip-to-Cloud services to support customers and grow our business.”

“Over the last year, Sierra Wireless has taken decisive steps to profitably grow the business, and I am proud that the progress we have made has culminated in this exciting transaction. Together with Semtech, we will be able to extend the reach of IoT solutions by scaling, optimizing and ultimately delivering an even stronger product portfolio and service model to customers,” said Phil Brace, president and chief executive officer of Sierra Wireless. “Sierra Wireless is a high growth business with some of the best, most advanced IoT technology in the industry, and we are pleased to deliver immediate and compelling value to our shareholders through this transaction. Joining Semtech will also allow us to bring cellular and LoRa technology together to create innovative solutions that exceed the expectations of our customers around the world while delivering exciting career opportunities to our talented employees as part of the combined company.”

Sierra Wireless brings highly complementary skills and capabilities to Semtech, including Sierra Wireless’ leading modules, gateways, 5G, and Cloud services. Given Sierra Wireless’ demonstrated expertise in IoT and cellular engineering, software and services, and its extensive knowledge of IoT channels and vertical markets, Semtech expects the combined company will be well positioned to serve high growth segments such as:

Supply chain, logistics and asset management
Utilities, including water, gas and electric metering
Smart cities and building, including air quality monitoring and public safety
Smart agriculture and species protection

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the agreement, Sierra Wireless shareholders will receive US$31 per common share. This represents a premium of approximately 25% to the closing price of Sierra Wireless’ common stock on July 29, 2022, the last trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction, and a premium of approximately 30% to Sierra Wireless’ unaffected 30-day volume weighted average price. Semtech intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand and committed debt financing arranged by J.P. Morgan.

This transaction has been approved by the Semtech and Sierra Wireless Boards of Directors. This transaction is subject to approval by Sierra Wireless shareholders, certain regulatory bodies and the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and other customary closing conditions. This transaction is expected to close in Semtech’s fiscal year 2023. Until close, the parties remain separate independent companies.

Sierra Wireless Preliminary Financial Results

In a separate press release issued yesterday, Sierra Wireless announced preliminary details relating to certain of its financial results for its second quarter of 2022. Sierra Wireless will issue a press release to share its full second quarter financial results after the market closes Aug. 11, 2022. The Sierra Wireless preliminary results press release is available on its website.

In light of the pending transaction, Sierra Wireless is canceling its second quarter financial results conference call previously scheduled for Aug. 11, 2022.

Semtech Conference Call

Semtech hosted a conference call for the financial community yesterday to discuss the acquisition. A replay of the webcast is available on the events calendar on Semtech’s investor website.

Advisers

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as the exclusive financial adviser to Semtech. O’Melveny & Myers LLP is serving as its U.S. legal counsel and Stikeman Elliott LLP is its Canadian legal counsel.

Qatalyst Partners and BMO Capital Markets are serving as financial advisers to Sierra Wireless. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as its U.S. legal counsel and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is its Canadian legal counsel.

August 3, 2022By valerie 5G Semtech, sierra wireless