For a long time network equipment manufacturers have been looking for the best combination of product quality, price and device versatility. Some have tackled this by developing new software, others by installing a new, more powerful processor and memory or installing new, additional modules.
Teltonika Networks is a fairly young, fast growing technology company that has combined all the processes and technologies and created a modern device that meets most of the parameters required today -
RUTXR1.
Teltonika RUTXR1 specification
This is the first such device in Teltonika's product cluster. The 4G Cat 6 multifunction SFP/LTE router houses 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a SFP WAN port for long-range fiber communication, USB input and a dedicated console port. Dual-band Wave-2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with wireless Wi-Fi PHY of up to 867 Mbps Despite 2x2. In addition, it has a 4G LTE CAT 6 modem which provides cellular transmission speeds of up to 300 Mbps and with 3G up to 42Mbps thanks to port aggregation with dual SIM. Powered by RutOS, compatible with Teltonika remote management system and in addition the ability to backup LTE and no need for an additional SFP to Ethernet converter makes it an ideal and very functional device giving many opportunities for use both in the office and industry. Thanks to the included bracket, the router can be easily mounted in a 19" rack. Made entirely of steel and weighing less than 1050g, it is the ideal choice wherever fast and reliable connection is required.
Communication with Teltonika 's RUTXR1 is also possible using the built-in Bluetooth 4.0 LE module for short distances and WiFi dual-band IEEE 802.11ac Wave-2, also supporting 802.11r fast transition. The WiFi module provides wireless transmission capability of up to 867 Mbps Dual Band, MU-MIMO, with simultaneous connection of up to 150 users as specified. It supports high security standards - WPA3-EAP, WPA3-SAE, WPA2-Enterprise-PEAP or WPA2-PSK, WEP; AES-CCMP, TKIP, Auto Cipher modes and client separation.
The RUTXR1 router enables management through an innovative RMS (Remote Manager System) developed by Teltonika. This system enables management of multiple Teltonika devices that do not have even a "white IP" address. The device is based on quad-core ARM Cortex A7 processor (717MHz) and 256MB of DDR3 RAM, ensuring fast processing of all data.
Unboxing of Teltonika RUTXR1 router - package contents
The Teltonika RUTXR1 router comes in a standard package in which you will find:
- 1 x Teltonika RUTXR1 Router
- 2 x LTE external antennas with SMA connector (pin)
- 2 x external Wi-Fi antennas with RP-SMA connector
- 2 x metal brackets for mounting in 19" racks
- 8 x screws securing the mounting plates to the router
- 4 x screws for mounting the router in the rack
- 4 x nuts for mounting the router in the rack
- 4 x rubber feet for table mounting
- 1 x SIM card removal needle
The router has been equipped with a power adapter: Input: 0.6 A@100-240 VAC, Output: 12 VDC, 1.5 A, 4 pin plug, an Ethernet cable (1.5 m) and two SIM card trays. The package also includes a quick start guide for the device and RMS.
When connecting the antennas to the Teltonika RUTXR1 router it's hard to get confused, firstly they have different connection types and secondly they are properly signed on both the antenna itself and the router. This allows you to quickly establish a connection and start working with the device right away.
First connection and configuration of the router
Let's now move on to the practical steps of turning on the Teltonika RUTXR1 router for the first time, configuring it and further testing it.
Connect, or rather screw in, the Wi-Fi and LTE antennas added to the kit.
Also insert the SIM card and connect the power adapter to the M (Master) input on the power port.
The LEDs on the device will flash sequentially with a light green light. When the device is fully loaded, a real-time indicator of the mobile network and SIM card will appear.
The only thing left is to connect the RUTXR1 router to a PC or laptop via any Lan port on the device. Once this is done correctly, the green Lan port LED will light up and start flashing.
Basically, the Teltonika RUTXR1 router can be easily connected via WiFi wireless network to a computer, laptop or smartphone. There is a laser engraved QR code on the bottom of the device for quick WiFi network connection, standard WiFi network name and password, serial number, IMEI number, IP address for entering configuration mode and
the login/password for it.
Configuration of Teltonika RUTXR1 router
The next step is to log on to the device via the browser by simply entering the address : 192.168.1.1
Go to login page, RUTXR1 has default login admin and password admin01, let's log in.
After entering the configuration mode, the system informs us to change the password to a new, more secure one. After performing the action to increase the security of the device, we are taken to a quick simplified page of the device configuration, which consists of 5 steps, where we can in turn set our configuration preferences for the device in specific steps.
If everything you have set up suits you, click SAVE
Superior software and management capabilities
The operating system on the Teltonika RUTXR1 router provides almost unlimited configuration options, which are further extended by the option to upload additional packages or program own scripts thanks to the SDK. The RMS platform - Remote Management System allows for remote management, while the web interface enables local administration. RMS means comfortable control and remote administration.
The Teltonika RUTXR1 is compatible with the Teltonika Networks Remote Management System. This opens up a wealth of possibilities accessible from the outside. The software consists of three main modules available both in a simple WebUI interface over HTTP/HTTPS and SSH/CLI:
- RMS MANAGEMENT provides full control, security and accessibility,
- RMS CONNECT allows remote access to other smart devices, even if they do not have a public IP address,
- The RMS API allows you to implement RMS functionality on the IoT platform of your choice.
Test of RUTXR1 device from Teltonika - conditions
We performed speed tests using WiFiPerf software, and iperf3 software was the speed test server. The conditions were similar to the tests of other devices in the series of experiments we conducted. A two story building with a basement was used to prepare a situation diagram with the device located on the ground floor.
To make a signal map we used AirSurvey software. For a correct reading of the signal levels use the color legend at the bottom of the picture.
The placement of the router has been marked with an appropriate icon. The device on the 'ground floor' was connected to the switch via a 1Gbps Ethernet port.
The test device was a MacBook Pro A1502 with an embedded AirPort Extreme wireless adapter (Broadcom BCM4360 3x3, 1.3 Gbps PHY) running 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Before proceeding with the speed tests, we checked the maximum performance of the LAN and the iperf3 server. To better interpret the test results, the said laptop was connected to the switch using a 10/100/1000 Mbps network card and we obtained the following maximum speeds for a single TCP stream: 894 Mbps download, 958 Mbps upload. For 2.4 GHz connections we assumed maximum channel width of 40 MHz, and for 5 GHz - 80 MHz.
Test point 1 - Download 315.94 Mbps / Upload 461.04 Mbps
Measurement point 2 - Download 285.24 Mbps / Upload 461.47 Mbps
Measurement point 3 - Download 321.50 Mbps / Upload 450 Mbps
Measurement point 4 - Download 329.31 Mbps / Upload 289.27 Mbps
Measurement point 5 - Download 53.26 Mbps / Upload 21.61 Mbps
Measurement point 6 - Download 66.65 Mbps / Upload 49.44 Mbps
We also checked the possibilities offered by LTE connectivity in RUTXR1. In test conditions, compared to other LTE devices, the throughput obtained and other parameters of the connection in the Play network proved to be satisfactory. The computer we tested was connected to the router via wireless network.
Both the indicators of the Teltonika RUTXR1 and the web interface allow you to check the strength of the cellular signal, making it easier to optimally configure the antenna. The Dual SIM option, for example, allows you to use cards from two different mobile carriers.
The perfect solution for branch offices and small offices - summary
With a lot of technology and software development, Teltonika has created a really good networking product. The RUTXR1 is ideal for small offices and branch offices as it can easily create a secure connection between branches, provide backup in case of a main network failure and, with two devices on the network, create a fault-tolerant network. With a wide range of device settings, it is possible to create custom scripts, remote control via internet, sms. Teltonika RUTXR1 supports various IoT platforms, providing a range of control and monitoring capabilities. This powerful network device, enclosed in a small aluminium case with a range of external antennas, is exceptionally well equipped and when properly configured meets all expectations.
Disadvantages:
- Poor WiFi test results (antennas probably to blame)
- Low LTE test speeds (poor antennas, transmitter saturation).
- Very poor WiFi antennas, very clumsy in practice, stick antennas would be better than the ones on the cable.
- Custom power plug integrated with two signal lines
- The capabilities of RutOS, including a rich number of features, 8 types of VPN, Dual WAN, protection against attacks, MQTT and many others
- Very well prepared RMS (Remote Management System) - full information and statistics, configuration, cli.
- 1Gbps SFP port
- USB port
- Dual SIM
- LTE modem with band aggregation
- Ability to write your own scripts to support individual applications
- Possibility to install additional packages extending the basic functionality