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Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router
Designed for industrial and transport environments, the Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router delivers secure and reliable cellular connectivity in harsh conditions. Its rugged plastic housing is impact-resistant and dust-protected, suited for outdoor and vehicle-based deployments. Dual SIM slots ensure continuous network availability with broad frequency band support across global regions including EMEA, China, Japan, and Oceania. The device offers multiple Ethernet ports and serial interfaces (RS-232, RS-485) for flexible integration with sensors and legacy systems, enhancing connectivity in complex setups.
The router meets IEC 61000 electromagnetic immunity and surge resistance standards, supporting operational stability amid electrical interference. Built-in VPN options such as IPsec and OpenVPN safeguard data transmissions, while watchdog and timer features promote durable, low-maintenance use. Certified with an E-mark for automotive compliance, the R1520 fits challenging network scenarios requiring sealed, field-ready hardware for continuous-duty deployment.
R1520 Features
- Cost-effective & high performance 3G/4G router
- Rugged design with 9 to 36Vdc power
- Global4G version available
- E-mark certification for in vehicle use
- Optically isolated digital IO
- 10-bit Analogue interface for direct sensor connections
- Supports Dual SIMs & Wifi/Ethernet as WAN
- Cellular keep-alive and fast failover
- Extensive range of software “apps” for enhanced functionality
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
China
Antenna Connectors
2
Available Apps
L2TP, PPTP, DMVPN , VRRP, QoS, Captive Portal, WLAN Multi AP, SNMP, Language, RCMS
Built-in
External RTC clock , Backup energy storage capacitor can be maintained for 2 days, Watchdog, Timer
Case Material
Rugged Plastic
Cellular Connectors
SMA-K
Cellular Region
EMEA,China,Japan,Oceania
Console Connectors
1 x 480Mbps high-speed USB2.0 interface, 1 x GPS interface (Optional, depending on the cellular module)
Custom Options Products
Custom Logo,Case Colour,Connections,Conformal Coating,Anti-Bacterial Coating,Laser Etching,Power Supply,Mounting Options
DI/DO Absolute MAX ADC
10mA(DI/DO)
DI/DO Absolute MAX VDC
30V DC(DI/DO)
DI/DO Connector
2 * 3-pin 3.5 mm female socket
DI/DO Isolation
3 KV
DI/DO Signal Definition
3 to 30V DC = HIGH, 0 to 1 Vdc = LOW
DI/DO Type
1 x DI + 1 x DO, wet contact
Emissions / Immunity
EN 55032: 2012/AC: 2013 (CE & RE) Class B, IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD) Contact Level 2 IEC 61000-4-3 (RS) Level 2 IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT) Level 2 IEC 61000-4-5 (Surge) Level 2 IEC 61000-4-6 (CS) Level 2 IEC 61000-4-11 (DIP) Level 2
Ethernet Ports
5 x 10/100 Mbps, 5 LAN by default, can be configured as 1 WAN + 4 LAN - WAN Support 802.3af & 802.3at PD feature on ETH0
Firewall
DMZ, anti-DoS, Filtering (IP/Domain name/MAC address), Port Mapping, Access Control
Frequency Bands
China 4G: LTE FDD:B1/B3/B5/B8; LTE TDD: B38/B39/B40/B41 3G: WCDMA: B1/B8; TD SCDMA: B34/B39; CDMA: BC0 2G: GSM: 900/1800 MHz Oceania 4G: LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B28; LTE TDD: B40 3G: WCDMA: B1/B2/B5/B8 2G: GSM: B2/B3/B5/B8 Japan 4G: LTE FDD: B1/B3/B8/B18/B19/B26; LTE TDD: B41 3G: WCDMA: B1/B6/B8/B19 EMEA, North America,China, 4G: LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/ B18/ B19/B20/B25/B26/B28 LTE TDD: B38/B39/B40/B41 3G: WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B6/B8/B19 2G: GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz EMEA 4G: LTE FDD: B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B28A 3G: WCDMA: B1/B8 2G: GSM: B3/B8
Housing Colour
Black
Magnet Isolation Protection
1.5 KV
Ordering Info
R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router
Power Consumption
Idle: 100 mA@12 V Data link:1.0 A (peak) @12 V
Power Input
9 to 36V DC
Power Supply Connector
2 pin 3.5 mm socket with lock
Remote Management
Web, CLI, SMS
Reset Button
1 x RST
SDK Flash
4 MB
SDK Language
C, C++
SDK RAM
64 MB
Serial Baud Rate
RXD TXD SGND RTS CTS(RS-232) Data+ (A),Data- (B),ground(GND);(RS-485)
Serial Ports
1 x RS-232 + 1 x RS-485 serial port - 2 * 4-pin 3.5 mm female socket
SIM Slots
2 Mini SIM (2 FF)
Network Protocols
PPP, PPPoE, TCP, UDP, DHCP, ICMP, NAT, HTTP, HTTPs, DNS, ARP, NTP, SMTP, Telnet, VLAN, SSH2, DDNS, etc.
Status LED
1 x RUN, 1 x MDM, 1 x USR, 1 x RSSI, 1 x WiFi
VPN Tunnel
IPsec, OpenVPN, GRE
WI-FI Antennas
2
WI-FI Connectors
RP-SMA-K
WI-FI Data Speed
2*2 MIMO, 300 Mbps
WI-FI Encryption
64/128 AES, TKIP
WI-FI Frequency Bands
2.4 GHz
WI-FI Security
WEP, WPA, WPA2
WI-FI Standards
802.11b/g/n, supports AP and Client modes
The Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The R1520 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Marine And Offshore, Oil and Gas, Public Sector, Rail And Transport.
Across these sectors, the R1520 is typically used in applications such as Asset Tracking And Management, Fleet Management And Telematics, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Route Planning And Navigation, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Communications And Command-And-Control, Vehicle-Mounted Computing (MDTs / VMCs).
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the R1520 across both industry sectors and real-world operational use cases. Its suitability extends well beyond the scenarios listed above, making it a flexible solution for a broad range of requirements.
For further information, or to assess whether the R1520 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router comes with a 2 Year Limited Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, effective from the date of shipment (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
To receive service under this warranty, the eligible product, Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router or to arrange repairs and services not covered by the warranty, please visit the warranty section on our website.
Do you need further details about the Robustel R1520 Dual-SIM Cellular VPN Router, or would you like to discuss a customised solution or demonstration?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the Robustel R1520 or need a custom Cellular Router solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
Alternative Products
Explore alternative products offering comparable features, performance, and build quality to the model you are currently viewing.
Our related solutions provide variations in configuration, functionality, and form factor to suit different application requirements. Each option has been selected to meet the same high standards of reliability and performance.
Browse the related products below to identify the most suitable fit for your deployment.
R2011
- Industrial-grade sealed metal case
- Dual Mini SIM slots for network failover
- IP30 ingress and wide temperature range
- Supports multiple VPN protocols including IPsec and WireGuard

R1511e
- Embedded eSIM plus serial interfacing
- Global 4G/LTE with auto failover
- Modbus RTU to TCP gateway
- Compact wide temperature IP30 build

R2010e
- Hybrid eSIM plus physical SIM
- Dual-SIM carrier grade failover
- Rugged metal wide temperature build
- Remote management via RCMS

R2011e
- Hybrid eSIM plus physical SIM
- Five Ethernet ports in a compact body
- Rugged wide temperature metal build
- Remote management via RCMS

Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the correct solution for your specific application and operating environment requires careful consideration.
At Rugged, our engineering and product specialists can advise on specifications, environmental suitability, mounting requirements, connectivity, and lifecycle planning to ensure the right fit for your deployment.
With extensive industry experience and a focus on reliability and performance, we help you select a solution aligned with your operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUGGED offers free technical support for the lifetime of products you purchase. This includes help with setup, troubleshooting, and integration. Support is available online or directly from the technical team
Remote management is a key feature for many VPN router models offered by Rugged Limited, enabling convenient oversight and control from any location. This capability allows administrators to manage network settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues without needing to be physically present at the router’s location.
For instance, some of Rugged Limited’s VPN router solutions support centralized management platforms, which streamline the deployment and maintenance of multiple devices across various sites. This is especially beneficial for large-scale operations or distributed networks. Our range of rugged routers, often equipped with VPN functionalities, are built to support such advanced management features, ensuring reliable and secure remote access for ongoing operations.
A VPN Router offers significant advantages for Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, particularly when it comes to security and centralized management. By routing all IoT device traffic through an encrypted tunnel, a VPN router protects against unauthorised access and cyber threats, which is crucial given the often-limited security features of individual IoT devices.
Furthermore, a VPN Router simplifies network management for IoT ecosystems. Instead of configuring each device individually, all devices connected to the router automatically benefit from the VPN’s security protocols. This ensures consistent protection and allows for secure remote access to IoT devices, which is vital for monitoring and control in various applications.
A VPN router enhances your internet connection by encrypting all traffic flowing through it, offering a secure and flexible network. However, it’s important to understand that a VPN router primarily adds a layer of security and privacy on top of an existing internet connection. It doesn’t inherently provide the internet connection itself in the way fixed broadband does.
For situations where fixed broadband is unavailable or unreliable, solutions such as 4G and 5G routers can act as primary internet sources, providing robust cellular connectivity. When combined with the capabilities of a VPN, such as those offered by a Rugged VPN-enabled router, you gain both internet access and enhanced security for all connected devices. This setup is particularly beneficial for remote sites, mobile deployments, or as a failover for traditional broadband.
Therefore, while a VPN router is crucial for securing your network, its ability to replace fixed broadband depends on whether it’s integrated with a cellular modem or used in conjunction with a separate internet access method.
A VPN router establishes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection directly from the router itself, rather than from individual devices. This means that all devices connected to the router, whether via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, automatically benefit from the VPN’s security and privacy features without needing individual VPN client software installed.
This centralisation of the VPN connection simplifies network security, ensuring that all data traffic originating from your network is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. It offers a robust solution for maintaining privacy and securing data transmissions for multiple devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for both businesses and individuals seeking comprehensive network protection. Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged routers, engineered for reliable performance in demanding environments, which can be configured to operate as VPN routers, providing secure and stable connectivity.
A VPN router serves to provide a secure and encrypted connection for all devices connected to the network it manages. Instead of installing VPN software on each individual device, a VPN router establishes a single, protected connection for every device, including those that might not support VPN clients natively, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or IoT devices. This ensures that all internet traffic leaving your network is encrypted, safeguarding your online activities from potential threats and enhancing your digital privacy.
Rugged Limited offers a range of rugged routers, some of which are designed to support VPN functionalities, providing robust and reliable solutions for secure network deployments in various demanding environments.
In industrial environments, the need for secure and reliable communication is paramount. VPN routers provide a crucial layer of security, safeguarding data transmission across various industrial applications. These devices are designed to operate in challenging conditions, making them ideal for deployments in factories, remote monitoring stations, and other harsh industrial settings.
A key advantage of using a VPN router in an industrial context is its ability to create secure tunnels for data. This is essential for protecting intellectual property, operational data, and confidential communications from cyber threats. Rugged Limited understands these unique requirements and offers robust solutions tailored for such demanding applications.
The integration of a VPN router ensures that industrial control systems, SCADA networks, and remote access points are protected, allowing for secure remote management and data exchange without compromising the integrity or availability of critical infrastructure.
Yes, many of our VPN routers at Rugged Limited are engineered to support cellular connectivity, providing robust and flexible internet access, especially in remote or challenging environments where traditional wired connections may be unreliable or unavailable. This feature allows a VPN router to utilise 4G or 5G networks to establish an internet connection, which can then be secured with VPN technology.
Our solutions cater to diverse operational needs, ensuring that secure network access is maintained regardless of location. For example, our industrial-grade VPN routers are often equipped with multiple SIM card slots and support for various cellular bands, ensuring high availability and seamless failover capabilities. This makes them ideal for applications requiring continuous, secure connectivity, such as mobile command centres, remote monitoring, or temporary site deployments. Explore our range of rugged routers designed for demanding applications.
VPN routers significantly enhance network security by creating an encrypted tunnel for all data traffic leaving your network. This means that every device connected to the VPN router, including those that cannot typically run VPN software themselves, benefits from the security and anonymity of a Virtual Private Network.
Rugged routers often include advanced security features such as firewalls, intrusion prevention, and content filtering, which further protect against cyber threats. The encryption provided by a VPN router safeguards your online activities from eavesdropping, data interception, and other malicious attacks, making it a secure choice for protecting your digital footprint. Our range of secure rugged routers provides robust connectivity with integrated security.

Yes. Robustel’s 5G offering centres on the R5020 5G IoT Router and the R5020 Lite. The R5020 supports global 5G NR in both NSA and SA modes across bands including n1, n3, n7, n28, n77 and n78, with 4G LTE and 3G fallback, dual-band Wi-Fi up to 867 Mbps, four Gigabit Ethernet ports and GNSS positioning. It is built in an aluminium IP30 case with MIL-STD-810 compliance and operates from -25 C to 70 C, with E-Mark certification and ignition sensing suiting in-vehicle as well as fixed industrial use. VPN support includes IPsec, OpenVPN and GRE. Alongside 5G, much of the Robustel range remains 4G LTE focused for cost-sensitive IoT. Confirm band support and exact features on the specific product page.
RobustOS is Robustel’s embedded operating system, running across its router and gateway range and providing routing, firewall, VPN and serial-to-IP functions along with an SDK in C and C++ for custom application development. Devices typically expose an app framework, letting users add functions such as RCMS connectivity, captive portal, Modbus master and dynamic routing. Management is handled through web UI, CLI and SMS locally, and through Robustel’s cloud management system for fleets. This combination suits unattended and remote IoT deployments where devices must be configured, monitored and updated without site visits. Serial handling includes transparent mode, TCP client and server, UDP and Modbus RTU-to-TCP conversion. As the available apps and SDK resources vary by model, confirm the management and development options on the relevant product page.
Yes. Alongside its cellular routers, Robustel offers dedicated IoT gateways, including the R3000LG and R3000LG-OG LoRaWAN gateways and the modular MEG5000 edge gateway. The R3000LG combines LoRaWAN with 2G, 3G and 4G cellular backhaul and dual Ethernet, supporting eight LoRa channels, LoRaWAN versions 1.0 and 1.0.2, and a stated long-range communication capability, all in a metal IP67-rated enclosure rated from -40 C to 75 C. This makes it suited to wide-area sensor networks across agriculture, utilities, manufacturing and mining. The R2000 family and R1500 also serve as dual-SIM VPN IoT gateways for cellular-only deployments. Because radio bands, channel counts and ingress ratings differ between gateway models, confirm the LoRa frequency plan and environmental rating on the specific product page.
Yes. Robustel addresses OEM and embedded integration through its R1511P Embedded LTE Router and the R1511P-DevKit development kit. The R1511P ships without an external enclosure as a modular board designed to drop into existing devices and machinery, offering 4G LTE connectivity, dual Ethernet, Wi-Fi managed by RobustOS, and serial interfaces. It operates across a wide -40 C to 85 C storage range with 9 to 36 V DC input and meets IEC 61000-series EMC standards for ESD, RF interference and surge resistance, supporting stable performance inside industrial hardware. LTE band support is model-dependent and not all bands are available on a single variant, so global coverage needs should be confirmed directly. For evaluation, the DevKit provides a ready platform. Check the product page for band and interface details.
Robustel hardware on rugged.co.uk recurs across energy and utilities, industrial manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, rail and transport, marine and offshore, oil and gas, natural resources and mining, construction, agriculture and defence. Typical applications include SCADA and control-room access, process control and shop-floor monitoring, fleet management and telematics, environmental and utilities monitoring, secure communications and in-vehicle connectivity. The range supports this breadth through models tuned to different needs: E-Mark-certified routers such as the R5020 for vehicles, IP67 units like the R1520G-OG for outdoor sites, LoRaWAN gateways for wide-area sensing, and embedded routers for OEM builds. As certifications and ingress ratings are model-specific, match each device to its environment and confirm the rating on the product page.
Robustel is a manufacturer of industrial cellular routers, IoT gateways and modems, with a 26-product range on rugged.co.uk built around its R-series. The line spans compact routers such as the R1500 and R1510, dual-Ethernet and dual-SIM VPN routers in the R1520 and R2000 families, industrial LTE routers like the R3000, and 5G models including the R5020 and R5020 Lite. It also covers embedded routers such as the R1511P for integration into other equipment, LoRaWAN gateways in the R3000LG line, and modular edge gateways like the MEG5000. Many devices run the RobustOS operating system and are managed through Robustel’s RCMS platform. Bands, interfaces and ingress ratings vary by model, so confirm the specification on the individual product page.
Several Robustel devices are engineered for rugged and outdoor deployment, with ratings that vary by model. The R5020 5G router uses an aluminium IP30 enclosure with MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration compliance, operating from -25 C to 70 C. For fully sealed outdoor use, the R1520G-OG carries an IP67-rated enclosure with MIL-STD-810G durability, PoE and dual SIM. The R3000LG LoRaWAN gateway also offers IP67 sealing in a metal case rated from -40 C to 75 C with IEC 61000-4 EMC compliance. Common features include wide-input DC power, metal housings and resistance to electrical disturbance. Because ingress protection ranges from IP30 to IP67 and temperature ratings differ across the range, always confirm the exact specification on the relevant product page before specifying for outdoor or harsh conditions.










