How Does a 4G Router Work?

In today’s digital age, 4G routers have successfully become key devices for network connections with their unique functions and advantages. Here’s an in-depth look at how it works:

Hardware Components

• 4G Module: Usually built-in (or externally connected via an interface), it’s responsible for communicating with the operator’s 4G network. It contains components like the radio frequency unit for sending and receiving 4G wireless signals.
• Antenna: The 4G signal receiving antenna enhances the ability to receive and send wireless signals, ensuring stable signal interaction with nearby operator base stations.
• Processor: A high-performance processor, often an industrial-grade 32-bit communication processor, handles data processing and controls the router’s operation, such as processing data from the 4G module, executing routing algorithms, and managing connected devices.
• Storage Unit: Stores the router’s operating system, configuration information, and temporary data.
• Network Interfaces: Include Ethernet LAN ports for connecting local wired devices, Ethernet WAN ports (in some models for additional wired broadband connection), and a WiFi module for providing local wireless connections.

Working Process

• Network Access: Insert a 4G SIM card into the router. The 4G router then dials using the operator’s network (like WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, etc.) through the 4G module to establish a wireless communication link with the operator’s base station, similar to a phone connecting to the mobile network, and completes authentication to access the 4G network core network.
• Data Reception: When external internet data is destined for a device connected to the router, it’s transmitted via the operator’s core network and wireless base station as a 4G wireless signal to the router’s 4G module and antenna.
• Data Processing: The 4G module converts the received 4G signal into digital data and passes it to the processor. The processor validates, parses the data, and determines its destination based on routing rules, similar to those of an ordinary router.
• Data Distribution: If there are wired devices connected to the router’s LAN port, the processor forwards the data via the Ethernet interface. For WiFi-enabled devices, the router converts the data into a WiFi signal and broadcasts it through the built-in WiFi module.
• Local Data Upload: When a locally connected device (via WiFi or wired connection) needs to send data to the internet, the data is sent to the 4G router. The processor processes it, for example, by encapsulating and encrypting if necessary, and then passes it to the 4G module. The 4G module modulates the data into a 4G wireless signal, sends it to the operator’s base station, and transmits it to the target server or other network nodes.

Configuration and Management

Users can access the router’s configuration management interface by connecting a computer via a LAN port via a wired connection. They can also access the router’s configuration management interface wirelessly, i.e. by connecting a mobile device via WiFi.

In the router’s configuration management interface, users can set parameters such as network connection method, WiFi name, password, etc.

The router can also follow preset rules. For example, it can automatically monitor the network status and switch networks when the 4G signal is poor.

In conclusion, 4G routers offer mobility, easy installation, and flexibility, making them suitable for various scenarios like mobile offices, remote monitoring, and rural areas with limited wired network coverage. Their working mechanism enables seamless network connectivity for multiple devices, enhancing our digital experience wherever we are.