For enterprises that are thinking about switching from fixed to wireless Internet access, Sierra Wireless has launched the AirLink ES440 LTE gateway.
The ES440 can be used to provide a primary or secondary wireless network connection for distributed enterprises such as retail chains, kiosks and branch offices. The gateway supports 4G speeds at up to 100Mbps. But even if that isn't a capacity enterprises will see in the real world, today's LTE networks can still outspeed DSL networks, according to Sierra.
Deployed with an enterprise router, the ES440 offers remote out-of-band management. So by connecting the ES440's serial port to the console port on the router, IT administrators can troubleshoot and repair network equipment remotely via LTE.
The gateway is based on Sierra's existing AirLink GX440 gateway. But while that product has a water-resistant aluminum casing, and is used to connect police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, public transit, taxis or any other fleet application, the ES440 is designed for use in less hostile environments.
The ES440 doesn't have GPS for location tracking and isn't water resistant, but it doesn't need to be, according to Sierra. The advantage is that the simpler design has resulted in a lower price, the company said.
The gateway is available now in North America and Europe. It is compatible with AT&T's and Verizon Wireless' respective LTE networks as well as all LTE networks in Europe. The U.S. version of the gateway can be found for US$599 online at Industrial Networking Solutions. The more expensive GX440 costs from $799.
Send news tips and comments to mikael_ricknas@idg.com