Semtech launches AirLink RX400 and EX400 5G RedCap routers for IoT applications

Semtech has just launched the AirLink RX400 and EX400 5G RedCap routers for industrial and commercial IoT applications. They offer a lower power consumption and lower costs compared to traditional 5G deployment.

The routers are powered by an unnamed Arm Cortex-A55 processor, feature up to two Gigabit Ethernet ports, 5G RedCap cellular connectivity (3GPP Release 17 and 5G Standalone) with LTE Cat 4 fallback, dual-band GNSS, optional WiFi 6 connectivity, and optional RS-232 interfaces, among other features.

AirLink RX400/RX400 specifications:

SoC – Unnamed dual-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor
System Memory – 600 MB RAM available to containers
Storage – 500 MB flash available to containers
Networking
- AirLink EX400 – 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- AirLink RX400 – Gigabit Ethernet port
- 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) cellular connectivity up to 226 Mbps downlink, 120 Mbps uplink, dual SIM (Nano-4FF); 4G LTE fallback
- Optional dual-band Wi-Fi 6 1×1 MIMO up to 600 Mbps
Serial (AirLink RX400 only) – Single/Dual RS-232
GNSS – Dual-band GNSS
USB – USB Type-C with power delivery
Expansion – 1x GPIO via 4-pin power connector
Misc – 4x SMA antenna connector for cellular, WiFi, and GNSS
Power Supply
- AirLink EX400 – 9 to 30 VDC via 4-pin connector
  AirLink RX400 – 7 to 36V DC via 4-pin power connector; redundant power input via USB-C (15W)
Dimensions and Weight
- AirLink EX400 – 117.3 x 85 x 33 mm (94 mm including SMA connectors) | 320.2 grams
- AirLink RX400 – 117.3 x 85 x 33 mm (94 mm including SMA connectors) | 350.5 grams
Temperature Range
- AirLink EX400 – Operating: -25°C to +70°C; storage: -40°C to +85°C
- AirLink RX400 – Operating: -40°C to +70°C; storage: -40°C to +85°C
IP Rating
- AirLink EX400 – Metal Housing (IP30 Rated)
- AirLink RX400 – Sealed Aluminum Housing (IP64 Rated)

Semtech Airlink RX400 EX400 Ethernet RS232 — Airlink EX400 (top) vs Airlink RX400 (bottom)

5G RedCap offers various benefits for Industrial IoT over existing 4G and 5G networks. Traditional 5G is often too power-hungry and expensive for off-grid applications, while 4G LTE networks have limited long-term viability and may be phased out as early as 2030. 5G RedCap delivers low power, lower cost than 5G, and long-term network availability.

The Airlink 5G routers run AirLink OS Linux distribution and ship with a one-year subscription to the AirLink Complete services that include AirLink Management Service (ALMS) for remote device and security management. AirLink Manager (AM) and AirLink Mobility Manager (AMM) are available as paid options for customers requiring on-premise router management instead of a cloud solution.

Typical applications include:

Remote Infrastructure Monitoring – Off-grid supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) backhaul in energy and utilities
Critical Infrastructure Monitoring – Remote system monitoring in oil and gas
Distributed Commercial IoT – Retail, manufacturing, and agricultural operations
Temporary Installations – Mobile deployments where grid power is unavailable or cost-prohibitive

With its rugged design, the AirLink RX400 is better suited for outdoor environments, while the AirLink EX400 works best in commercial IoT deployments such as retail and manufacturing applications. As a side note, you may mostly know Semtech because of its LoRa RF transceivers, but they also acquired Sierra Wireless, which explains today’s news.

The AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 5G RedCap routers can be ordered now, but public pricing has not been made available. More details may be found on the AirLink routers page on the Sierra Wireless website and the press release on the Semtech website.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.