New ProductsMarch 10, 2021

First industrial 5G router and starterkit

HMS Networks 5G Router With Antennas Mounted Angled

HMS Networks is releasing what they claim is the first commercially available industrial 5G router optimized for industrial private networks.

The Wireless Router 5G supports Ericsson Industry Connect 5G networks and allows users to get started with 5G in their own location. HMS also offers a ready-made starterkit for test and evaluation of typical industrial use cases.

The Wireless Router 5G is developed by HMS Networks’ technology initiative “HMS Labs” and allows early adopters of 5G to try out the new technology. It is the first commercially available Industrial 5G router optimized for private networks to pass the CE conformance test.

With 5G in a factory, users benefit from a wireless network, which is fit for industrial demands in terms of communication speeds and security – along with all the flexibility that comes with wireless.

The Wireless Router 5G has been extensively tested with the Ericsson Industry Connect 5G solution in standalone (SA) operation using band n78. It enables users to create a robust cellular connection in an industrial production environment. Supporting 4G and 5G cellular technology, it is an ideal communication solution for automated guided vehicles, AGVs, and other industrial machines.

HMS Networks 5G Starterkit With Specs

HMS also offers a starterkit which is perfect for evaluation of 5G and starting up a network with Ericsson Industry Connect.

The Starterkit includes the Wireless Router 5G and two industrial IO-Link sensors sending data across the 5G network. This allows users to try out 5G in their own facilities without having to set up applications of their own from scratch.

Data from the sensors can be accessed using the Modbus TCP and MQTT protocols as well as in JSON format. There is also a web-based demo ready to show the sensor data across the 5G network in a regular browser.

“We take pride in always being at the forefront of technology, and this first commercially available Industrial 5G router is further proof of that,” said Dr. Jens Jakobsen, Development Manager at HMS Labs. “The Wireless Router 5G and the 5G Starterkit with IO-Link sensors will allow users to easily get started with 5G in an industrial environment and make use of a technology that will undoubtedly be very beneficial for the industry.”

Initially, the router is available only to users of the Industry Connect system from Ericsson. Qualification of several other infrastructure providers and telecom operators is ongoing.