Low cost router - operational modes

Operational features optimised for small networks, specialised fixed IP services and low cost

Low cost Router Starter Kits

Comtech's low cost router has been optimised for any small network and specialised Fixed IP services now available through wireless operators.

As a result we have simplified the feature set for ease of use, simple configuration and low cost. Each product supports 3 core modes of operation.

Dial out mode

Router Operation Dial Out Mode

The low cost router connects Ethernet device clients to a central server via the GSM, GPRS or PSTN Wide Area Networks (WAN) and optionally the Internet. Multiple devices may be connected to the LAN port of the remote router.

It will initiate a connection over the WAN upon detecting data from devices. A DHCP server is supported to allocate IP addresses to the client devices, which can also be configured to be used as a DNS server.

The low cost router will forward DNS requests on to the server which is negotiated during PPP, and return the responses. Network Address Translation (NAT) is performed between the Ethernet and WAN connection.

Dial in mode

Router operation - Dial in mode

A central client device is able to dial-up the router over the GSM or PSTN networks, where an IP address is allocated to it on the Ethernet port.

Multiple server devices are supported on the Ethernet port, which can be addressed by the central client. Network Address Translation (NAT) is obviated and full access is provided as a transparent extension of the central network.

"Always connected" mode

Router operation - always connected mode

This operation maintains the low cost router in a connected state with the GPRS network such that it is available for incoming connections from other devices on the GPRS network.

This enables a central client application to poll or initiate a call to a single server device connected to the Ethernet port of the low cost router. In addition, multiple client devices can also be connected to the Ethernet port, thereby providing the "Dial in" and "Dial out" capabilities required for the GPRS network.

Network Address Translation (NAT) is performed between the routers Ethernet and WAN connection, with IP forwarding supported to allow access to the single server from the WAN.

Note: Fixed IP addressing is a pre-requisite for addressing server devices on the GPRS network. This can be provided by the Wireless Operator, central site infrastructure or 3rd party service provider.