RUTX12 all-in-one: Router, Switch, dual-band WiFi Access Point, two 4G modems

RUTX12 is an "all in one" device, combining the function of a Router, Switch, Mobile LTE gateway, GPS, Bluetooth, and a dual-band WiFi access point. 

This is a rugged, industrial alternative to consumer routers. It's intended for customers that want a router that "just works" as a drop-in replacement for a "home router".

Note, RUTX12 is very similar to RUTX11, but it has two cellular modems instead of one. It allows for 2x simultaneous cellular connections. It also has 5 LAN ports instead of 4. It allows for "load balancing" - using multiple WAN sources to increase throughput.

This all-in-one "router" has:

• 1x WAN port (Gigabit)
• 4x LAN switch ports (Gigabit) 
• 2x 4G LTE CAT 6 mobile modem (2x modem, 2x SIM slots allows for two simultaneous connections)
• 1x GNSS (GPS - can be used on a boat or mobile home)
• 1x Bluetooth (for IoT and similar applications)
• 2x WiFi (simultaneous dual-band, 2.4Ghz, and 5Ghz).   

Supported LTE frequency:

The cellular modems will work only in Europe. It won't work in the USA.

• 4G (LTE-FDD): B1, B3, B5, B7, B8, B20, B28, B32
• 4G (LTE-TDD): B38, B40, B41
• 3G: B1, B3, B5, B8

Modems: 2x Quectel EG06-E

Included in the box:

• Router RUTX12
• 24W PSU power adapter
• 4x LTE antennas (swivel, SMA male)
• 2x WiFi antennas (magnetic mount, RP-SMA male, 1.5 m cable)
• 1x GNSS antenna (adhesive, SMA male, 3 m cable)
• 1x Bluetooth antenna (magnetic mount, RP-SMA male, 1.5 m cable)
• Ethernet cable (1.5 m)
• SIM Adapter kit
• Quick Start Guide

Performance:

We have extensively tested this device before offering it for sale. Test results are below

• Full gigabit WAN-LAN routing (using cable) 
  • When the LTE or WiFi connection is fully utilized, the LAN-WAN routing drops to about 500Mbit/s (this is generally OK)
• WiFi performance 
  • 5Ghz connection in close proximity reaches about 320-400 Mbit/s (very good in practice)
  • 5Ghz connection 12 meters away, 2 plaster walls in between, reaches about 120-180 Mbit/s (very good)
• LTE / 4G connection:
  • LTE performance is always highly variable because it depends on the carrier and proximity to the base station. The numbers quoted below are only from our own tests in one location with one carrier. Higher performance is definitely possible under better conditions. 
  • Signal strength 3-4 bars (-61dBm, -63dBm)
  • Download: 60-88 Mbit/s 
  • Upload: 17-21 Mbit/s 
  • The connection was tested over 2 days and it proved to be stable and reliable. 
  • We have tested only one connection at the time (without load balancing)

Tips and things to know:

• This device is "half open-source". The operating system is based on OpenWRT, so you can gain root access via SSH, but you won't be able to install a different OS. 
• There are 2 modems and 2 SIM slots allowing for two simultaneous cellular connections. Multiple WAN sources can be used simultaneously with "load balancing" to increase throughput.  
• One Cat 6 modem theoretically can transfer data at a rate up to 300 Mbps, but you should not expect much more than 100Mbit/s in practice. Two modems should be able to deliver twice that.
• The operating system on this router is RutOS, a modified version of OpenWRT with a nicer user interface. 
• This device is manufactured in Lithuania. I think this is neat - we don't produce too much electronics in Europe
• Getting started video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGXrgRNsWi8. 
• Detailed specification on Teltonika's website: https://teltonika-networks.com/product/rutx12/