5G router

A 5G router is an endpoint that connects to the internet using 5G cellular networks, providing high-speed wireless connectivity for various applications. It enables businesses to deploy fast and reliable internet access in fixed locations, vehicles, or IoT devices without relying on traditional wired connections.

Car router

A car router is an endpoint that connects to cellular networks to provide internet connectivity within fleet vehicles, enabling applications such as in-vehicle IoT and passenger Wi-Fi. This allows multiple devices to access high-speed internet simultaneously, enabling technologies like streaming, navigation, and real-time communication. Designed for mobility, car routers ensure reliable and secure connections even in remote or high-speed travel scenarios, making them ideal for both personal and business use.

Cloud-managed router

A cloud-managed router is a networking endpoint that allows IT teams to remotely deploy, monitor, and manage network connections via a web portal on the internet. This centralized approach simplifies network administration, enhances security, and reduces the need for on-site technical support.

Dual WAN router

A dual WAN router connects to two or more Internet sources for better reliability. If one connection goes down, it automatically switches to another to keep the Internet working. Additionally, it can use SD-WAN to spread out traffic to make the connections faster and more efficient, which is especially useful for organizations that have business-critical applications.

Failover router

A failover router is a networking device designed to maintain uninterrupted Internet access by automatically switching to a backup connection when the primary Internet source fails. It typically supports multiple connection types such as wired, cellular, or satellite, which ensures flexibility and reliability. Failover routers are commonly used by businesses to minimize downtime and keep critical operations running smoothly.

FirstNet router

A FirstNet router is a networking endpoint certified to operate on FirstNet, the dedicated communications platform for U.S. first responders. These routers provide reliable, secure connectivity for mission-critical applications, supporting devices such as sensors, cameras, and laptops in emergency vehicles and command centers.

Hybrid WAN

A hybrid WAN is a network setup that uses different types of connections like wired broadband, 5G, and satellite to connect users and applications. This mix of connections makes the network more flexible, faster, and cost-efficient than traditional setups. Businesses often use hybrid WANs to prioritize important tasks, keeping critical apps running smoothly while making the best use of available bandwidth.

IoT router

An IoT router is a networking endpoint designed to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the internet, enabling data transfer between devices and the cloud. These routers provide secure and reliable cellular connections, making them suitable for large projects like smart cities or industrial automation. They have a small form factor and work with different types of IoT devices, making it easy to connect and manage them all in one system.

Link aggregation

Link aggregation, which is a form of intelligent bonding, is a way to combine several network connections into a single virtual connection to provide more bandwidth and reliability. This boosts speed and performance while keeping applications running smoothly even if one connection fails. Link aggregation is especially useful when organizations have high-bandwidth digital applications that they cannot afford to lose access to.

Low Earth Orbit satellites (LEO) vs 5G

LEO internet service designed for remote areas, while 5G is a high-speed cellular network used in more developed locations. By combining the strengths of both, they can provide reliable and steady network access in diverse environments. This mix is especially helpful for organizations that have essential business- and mission-critical applications that need highly reliable connectivity.

Network slicing

Network slicing is a 5G feature that creates separate virtual networks, or "slices," on the same system. Each slice is set up for specific needs — like faster speeds, less latency, or connecting large numbers of devices. This makes it easier to run different applications, like video streaming or smart devices, all on one network.

Private 5G

A private 5G network leverages localized micro-towers and small cells, or cellular access points, to provide coverage and connectivity, similar to a scaled-down version of a public cellular network. Private 5G is used in large spaces such as manufacturing plants, mines, and warehouses to create a wireless local area network (WLAN) that an organization can control, unlike a public cellular network. It combines the control and fixed cost of a private network with the flexibility, security, and macro-network benefits of public cellular. With less hardware and cabling and fewer connection drop-offs, private 5G often is an ideal alternative to Wi-Fi in large and challenging environments.

SD-WAN router

An SD-WAN router is a networking endpoint with software that enables traffic to be intelligently routed over multiple connections including wired broadband, 5G, and satellite. It optimizes performance by automatically choosing the best connection for each task, making the network more efficient and flexible.

Smart City IoT

Smart City IoT refers to using Internet of Things (IoT) devices like sensors, cameras, and meters in cities to collect and use data to boost efficiency, save money, and improve the quality of life for residents. IoT devices in cities include sensors, video camera systems, and emergency call boxes. Often smart city IoT relies on cellular solutions that can be moved at any time.

Wireless WAN

A Wireless Wide Area Network (Wireless WAN, or WWAN) uses cellular technologies such as 5G and 4G LTE to connect sites, vehicles, IoT devices, and more in many different locations. WWAN is more flexible than wired connectivity, making it ideal for places where wired connections aren’t possible.

Zero touch deployment

Zero-touch deployment is a process in which networking endpoints such as routers are preconfigured and ready to use before they are shipped. This allows businesses to quickly set up connectivity with minimal on-site effort or technical expertise, saving time and resources. It’s especially useful for large-scale deployments or businesses with multiple locations.

ZTNA (Zero trust network access)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security method that authenticates every user and device before granting access to specific applications or resources. ZTNA restricts lateral movements with a network by limiting users to only what they are authorized to access.

Glossary of networking terms

Glossary of networking terms