Cellulink outdoor cellular routers Cellulink is a new product family of industrial outdoor cellular routers for connecting network-capable devices to the cellular network. The devices, which are certified in accordance with IEC 62443-4-2, have integrated antennas and can be used worldwide.

Cellulink is a new type of convenient, flexible, and fast connection of your system to the cellular network. With Cellulink, you can decouple the cellular interface from your application. This gives you increased flexibility when it comes to choosing devices in the various performance and technology classes as well as the design, depending on the installation location and application, without having to adjust the basic configuration of your application.

To ensure the best security, it is also required that your application implements end-to-end encryption. End-to-end means that the data is encrypted (VPN, TLS, ...) in the control cabinet on the first device in the communication chain. The encrypted data is routed securely via Cellulink as a pure cellular interface to the peer via the public Internet or a private network. Only then is the data decrypted again. The initiating device can be a controller, a security router, an industrial PC, or any other device from Phoenix Contact or a third-party manufacturer. Even an attack with physical access to the control cabinet in a substation does not cause a direct security problem for your system.

Using integrated antennas brings significant advantages. It enables significant material savings because additional antennas, cables, and accessories are no longer necessary. The reduced installation effort results in considerable time savings. In addition, integrated antennas give the device a high degree of flexibility in terms of installation location and type of attachment, because it can be adapted ideally to different requirements. In addition, there are no attenuation losses across the cables or adapters. In combination with the specially optimized antenna geometry, this results in improved reception quality.

The concept is particularly relevant for operations in potentially explosive atmospheres. The EX versions of the Cellulink family have been developed for operation in Zone 2 and have IECEx and ATEX approval. The comprehensive approval of the integrated wireless system should be emphasized here. Unlike conventional cellular routers with an external antenna connection, the certification covers not only the individual component, but the entire system comprising the router, antenna path, and antenna. End users can therefore put the product into operation in potentially explosive atmospheres without further risk analyses, recertifications, or damping measures. This means that this version particularly suitable for applications in the process industry.

Global cellular devices offer a high degree of flexibility because they can be used worldwide. The devices can always remain connected, regardless of the location. In addition, they simplify configuration and stock control, because one version can be used for all regions. In the long term, the devices are future-proof and reliable with eSIM technology and a fallback option. On the one hand, a convenient change of provider is guaranteed and on the other hand, you can continue to use your devices even if there are technological changes, such as the switch from 4G to 5G.

Device certification in accordance with the IEC 62443-4-2 safety standard is the basis for a future-proof and investment-proof product. In combination with the certified development process from Phoenix Contact and many years of experience, the devices have been developed at all levels in accordance with high cybersecurity standards. This means that you benefit from comprehensive cybersecurity and protection against cyberattacks, ensuring that your data and processes remain secure.

The Ethernet Power Adapter enables the cost-efficient power supply of Cellulink devices via passive PoE. The DC voltage applied to the terminal block is transmitted directly to the free wire pairs of the Ethernet cable and forwarded to Cellulink without negotiating performance classes. This makes the adapter ideal for installations without a Power-over-Ethernet switch or PoE injector and significantly reduces the installation effort. With its compact design, DIN rail mounting, and a wide temperature range of -40 to +75°C, it is ideally suited to industrial applications.