The difference between 4G DTU and 4G industrial router

The difference between 4G DTU and 4G industrial router

The full English name of DTU is Data Transfer Unit, which is a wireless terminal device specially used to convert IP data into serial data or serial data into IP data and transmit the data through a wireless communication network. DTU can also realize the function of wireless network data transmission, which is the same as 4G industrial routers, but there are still differences between the two, which can be distinguished from three aspects: appearance interface, usage method and application environment.

The first point: appearance interface

The appearance interface of the 3G/4G industrial router usually has a network port, which provides wireless networking functions for the network port device, and the data transmission can be completed only by the network port device actively accessing the center. Usually the router will provide a variety of network interface methods such as WAN port, LAN or freely switchable WAN/LAN port. You can customize the matching interface method according to the connection method in the project.

The appearance interface of DTU generally only provides serial interface networking. Mainly used for two-way transparent transmission between serial port data and IP data.

And some projects need to use both the network port and the serial port. What should I do? In the current era of rapid technological development, routers and DTU functions have been integrated.

The second point: How to use

Industrial routers can convert Ethernet and fieldbus communication protocols, and only need to set the designated IP address as a gateway in the terminal device. If the designated IP address (or designated IP address segment) is not set, the communication function cannot be realized.

The main purpose of DTU is to realize dial-up, not a gateway in the true sense. For example, after 4GDTU accesses the terminal device to complete the dial-up link, the DTU can be used as a new network device, and the terminal device address can use this DTU binding address.

The third point: application environment

4G industrial routers are now widely used in the M2M industry in the Internet of Things industry chain. Generally speaking, industrial routers will have APN function, and they all have private network encryption. Generally, 4G industrial routers with WIFI function are more suitable for outdoor WIFI Wireless signal coverage projects or similar projects like bus WIFI and shopping mall WIFI sharing type.