An expanded range of industrial cellular routers is designed to provide resilient data communications for remote sites. Westermo says its new Merlin 4400 series of ultra-compact and rugged Long Term Evolution (LTE) Cat 4 wireless routers has been developed specifically to support extremely secure remote access to equipment and systems within demanding utility, industrial and trackside applications. It says that high connection security gives users the confidence to expand their internet protocol (IP) networks to include remote assets, helping to increase visibility and improve operational performance.

Westermo notes that resilient and reliable high-speed data communications are essential to the digitisation of the rail network, the implementation of smart grids and improving the operational performance of utilities. Its Merlin 4400 series is equipped with a complete set of cybersecurity tools to ensure network security and defend against cyberthreats. These include a trusted platform module, or TPM, chip designed to keep cryptographic keys secure, secure boot functionality, to ensure that routers boot using only trusted software, and virtual private network (VPN) and stateful firewall support for data security and user authentication.

The router series offers high-speed data network connectivity, with support for ethernet and RS-232/485 communications suitable for a broad range of applications. The Merlin 4400 is particularly suited to replace traditional modems when migrating to an IP infrastructure. Serial (RS-232/485) ports enable connection to legacy devices and equipment, while a built-in industrial protocol gateway enables seamless connection to multiple devices using different communication protocols.

The series has been designed to cope with extreme operating temperatures and high levels of electrical magnetic interference. It has IEC 61850-3 Class 1 approval, allowing deployment in medium voltage substation automation applications, while EN 50121-4 approval enables use in rail trackside applications. The company asserts that its Merlin 4400 offers outstanding reliability and an extremely long operating life that helps to minimise maintenance and lower network operating costs.

The Merlin range offers ease of installation, operation and maintenance which helps both the system integrator and user. When coupled with its zero touch deployment software Activator, Westermo says its Merlin routers provide cost-effective, reliable and consistent onboarding within large-scale projects and allow configuration from a central server, which reduces the potential for errors and saves time.