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Robustel R5020 Lite 5G Router
Designed for industrial and remote deployments, the Robustel R5020 Lite 5G Router delivers reliable connectivity across multiple global 5G, 4G, and 3G bands. Its reinforced aluminium enclosure ensures durability against mechanical stress and environmental factors, while maintaining operation between -25 6C and 70 6C. This model features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, supporting low-latency data transmission essential for continuous-duty use in automation and transport sectors. The router supports IPsec and DMVPN protocols for secure enterprise communication and runs RobustOS, which offers robust management through the RCMS platform.
Its IP30-rated housing resists ingress and meets 3GPP Release 16 standards, complementing shock and vibration tolerance for long-term, dependable performance. Power input ranges from 12 to 36 VDC, making integration flexible for various industrial power environments. The device supports up to two mini SIM slots and includes VPN tunnel functionality to maintain secure network connections. This combination of features suits the R5020 Lite for industrial-grade networking roles requiring consistent data throughput and secure operation under challenging conditions.
R5020-Lite Features
- Low cost industrial 5G Router
- Global 5G/4G/3G cellular connection
- Cutting-edge 5G 3GPP Release 16 cellular interface
- Supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and 5G/4G internet with auto-failover
- 1 x RS232/RS485 (software configurable) ports for connection to industrial/legacy devices
- Fully programmable Operating System with well documented SDK
- Multiple VPN options are available, including DMVPN, IPsec, L2TP + more
- Free cloud management platform – RCMS
- Robust metal enclosure with small footprint – DIN-rail + wall mount options
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Ruggedness
IP Rating
Mounting Format
Country Of Manufacture
China
Antenna Connectors
4 (ANT0 + ANT1 + ANT2 + ANT3)
Approvals / Certifications
IP30
Available Apps
L2TP, PPTP, DMVPN, VRRP, QoS, SNMP, Language, RCMS, Dynamic Route,Data Guard, Captive Portal, WLAN Multi AP
Built-in
Watchdog
Case Material
Metal
Cellular Region
Global ,UK,EMEA,USA,Australia,China,Europe,India,Japan,New Zealand,North America,Oceania,South America
Certifications
RoHS2.0, CE*,UKCA*,RCM* (*Planned)
Console Connectors
1 x 3-pin 3.5 mm female socket
Custom Options Products
Custom Logo,Case Colour,Connections,Conformal Coating,Anti-Bacterial Coating,Laser Etching,Power Supply,Mounting Options
Dimensions
136 x 115 x 32 mm
Enclosure
Aluminum
Ethernet Ports
2 x 10/100/1000 Mbps, 2 LAN by default, can be configured as 1 WAN + 1 LAN
Firewall
DMZ, anti-DoS, Filtering (IP/Domain name/MAC address), Port Mapping, Access Control
Frequency Bands
5G: NR SA/NSA: n1/n2/n3/n5/n7/n8/n12/n13/n14/n20/n25/n26/n28/n29/n30/n38/n40/n41/n48/n66/n71/n75/n76/n77/n78/n79
_x005F_x000D_4G: LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B14/B17/B18/
_x005F_x000D_B19/B20/B25/B26/B28/B29/B30/B32/B66/B71
_x005F_x000D_LTE TDD: B34/B38/B39/B40/B41/B42/B43/B48
_x005F_x000D_LAA: B46 (only supports 2 x 2 MIMO)
_x005F_x000D_3G: WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B8/B19
Housing Colour
Black
Humidity
5% to 95% (non-condensing)
Magnet Isolation Protection
1 KV
Management/Troubleshooting Tools
Web, CLI, SMS
Model
R5020L-A-5G-A25G - B098004
Operating Temperature
Minus 25 degrees celsius to 70 degrees celsius
Ordering Info
R5020L-A-5G-A25G - B098004
Others
Serial port - Transparent, TCP Client/Server, UDP, Modbus RTU to TCP. Data Guard etc.
Power
2-pin 3.5 mm female socket with lock
Power Consumption
Idle: 370mA@12 V Data link: 1.7 A (peak) @12 V
Power Input
12 ~ 36 VDC
Reset Button
1 x RST
SDK Flash
5MB
SDK Language
C, C++
SDK RAM
128MB
Serial Baud Rate
300bps to 115200bps
Serial ESD Protection
±8 KV
Serial Ports
1 x RS232 or 1 x RS485 (Software configurable)
Signal Definition
RS-232: TXD, RXD, GND RS-485: Data+ (A), Data- (B), Ground (GND)
SIM Slots
2 x Mini SIM (2FF)
Network Protocols
PPP, PPPoE, TCP, UDP, DHCP, ICMP, NAT, HTTP, HTTPs, DNS, ARP, NTP, SMTP, Telnet, SSH2, DDNS, etc.
Status LED
1 x RUN, 1 x Modem, 1 x USR, 1 x RSSI, 1 x Wi-Fi 2.4G,1 x Wi-Fi 5G
Storage Temperature
Minus 40 degrees celsius to 85 degrees celsius
VPN Tunnel
IPsec, OpenVPN, GRE
WI-FI Antennas
2 (WiFi1 + WiFi2)
WI-FI Connectors
RP-SMA-K
WI-FI Data Speed
5G: Up to 867Mbps 2.4G: Up to 300Mbps
WI-FI Frequency Bands
2.412 – 2.472 GHz (2.4 GHz ISM band) 5.15 – 5.825 GHz (5 GHz ISM band)
WI-FI Security
WPA, WPA2, WEP, WPA3*
WI-FI Standards
802.11b/g/n/ac 2*2 MIMO, supports AP and Client modes
The Robustel R5020 Lite 5G Router is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The R5020-Lite 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, Public Sector, Rail And Transport, Security And Surveillance.
Across these sectors, the R5020-Lite is typically used in applications such as Construction Site Supervision And Reporting, Fleet Management And Telematics, Industrial HMI And Machine Interfacing, Mobile Workforce Operations, Robotics And Autonomous System Control, SCADA And Control-Room Access, Secure Communications And Command-And-Control, Vehicle-Mounted Computing (MDTs / VMCs).
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the R5020-Lite 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 R5020-Lite is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The Robustel R5020 Lite 5G 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 R5020 Lite 5G Router, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the Robustel R5020 Lite 5G 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 R5020 Lite 5G 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 R5020-Lite 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.
- Dual configurable Ethernet ports
- Selectable RS232 or RS485 interface
- IP30 dust protection and wide temperature range
- -40 to 85 degrees Celsius operation

- Dual-SIM for redundant cellular connections
- Industrial-grade impact-resistant housing
- VPN support including IPsec and OpenVPN
- Certified E-mark for automotive use

- 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

R3000LITE
- Dual-SIM automatic failover for uninterrupted connectivity
- Sealed metal casing for impact and temperature resistance
- IPsec and OpenVPN VPN protocols for secure data encryption
- Compliance with IEC 61000 electromagnetic standards

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
External antenna support is a common and often crucial feature for many cellular routers, including those offered by Rugged Limited. The ability to connect external Cellular Router Antennas allows for significant improvements in signal strength, reliability, and overall network performance, especially in challenging environments or areas with weak cellular coverage.
By utilising external antennas, users can position the antenna in an optimal location for signal reception, such as outdoors or elevated, ensuring a stronger connection to the cellular network. This is particularly beneficial for industrial applications, remote deployments, or vehicles where maintaining a consistent and robust cellular connection is paramount.
For a range of cellular routers designed with such capabilities, you can explore Rugged Limited’s selection at rugged routers. Investing in appropriate external Cellular Router Antennas can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of your cellular router setup, leading to more stable data transmission and improved operational efficiency.
Understanding how cellular routers work is crucial for optimising network connectivity in various environments. At its core, a cellular router functions by taking a cellular signal (3G, 4G, or 5G) and translating it into an ethernet or Wi-Fi signal, enabling devices to connect to the internet. This process is similar to how your smartphone can create a personal hotspot, but rugged cellular routers are engineered for greater durability, higher performance, and continuous operation in demanding conditions.
These routers typically feature one or more integrated cellular modules, allowing them to connect to cellular networks using a SIM card, much like a mobile phone. Once connected, they can establish a secure and stable internet connection. Many Rugged Limited cellular routers are designed with industrial-grade components, ensuring they can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and other environmental challenges, making them ideal for applications such as transportation, remote monitoring, and industrial automation. This robust design is a key aspect of how cellular routers work effectively in challenging scenarios, providing uninterrupted internet access where traditional broadband is unavailable or unreliable. Explore our range of rugged routers for reliable cellular connectivity solutions.
An Industrial Cellular Router is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial environments, making them highly suitable for such settings. These routers provide essential connectivity for applications where traditional wired networks are impractical or unavailable, often in remote or harsh conditions.
Rugged Limited offers cellular routers built to withstand the challenges of industrial use, ensuring reliable operation in scenarios that require robust and persistent communication. Their design considers factors such as extreme temperatures, vibrations, and dust, which are common in industrial landscapes, further solidifying the suitability of an Industrial Cellular Router for various applications.
For a comprehensive selection of connectivity solutions tailored for challenging environments, you can explore Rugged Router options.
Understanding the cellular router vs modem difference is crucial for effective network setup. A cellular modem functions similarly to a traditional broadband modem, acting as a gateway to connect a single device to the internet via a cellular network. It modulates and demodulates signals, converting cellular data into a format that a computer or other device can understand, essentially providing raw internet access.
A cellular router, on the other hand, builds upon the modem’s capabilities. It incorporates a cellular modem but adds routing functionalities. This means a cellular router can share the internet connection from the cellular network with multiple devices simultaneously, much like a wired router shares a broadband connection. Beyond simply sharing, cellular routers offer advanced networking features such as Wi-Fi broadcasting, multiple Ethernet ports, VPN support, firewall protection, and sometimes even failover capabilities, allowing for seamless switching between different internet sources if one fails. Therefore, while a modem provides the internet connection, a router manages and distributes that connection to an entire network of devices, offering greater versatility and control. When considering a cellular router vs modem, the router provides a more comprehensive networking solution for multiple users and devices.
Cellular routers are versatile devices designed to provide robust and reliable internet access in demanding environments. The cellular router applications are extensive, ranging from industrial settings to remote deployments. These routers are instrumental in ensuring continuous operation and data transmission where wired infrastructure is difficult or impossible to implement.
Key cellular router applications include:
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Connecting sensors, machinery, and control systems in factories, utilities, and other industrial sites for real-time monitoring and data collection.
- Transportation: Providing internet access for public transport, logistics, and fleet management, enabling connectivity for passengers and operational systems.
- Retail and Commercial: Establishing primary or backup internet connections for point-of-sale systems, digital signage, and security cameras in branches or temporary setups.
- Public Safety: Offering critical communication links for emergency services, disaster relief, and surveillance operations in challenging conditions.
- Remote Offices and Temporary Sites: Delivering quick-to-deploy internet solutions for construction sites, pop-up events, and remote offices without permanent infrastructure.
Rugged Limited provides a range of cellular routers specifically engineered to meet the demands of these diverse applications, ensuring high performance, durability, and secure connectivity in critical operations. Our routers are built to withstand harsh conditions, offering dependable service across various cellular router applications.
Rugged Limited’s cellular routers are designed with versatile Router Power Options to suit diverse industrial and remote applications. Many of our routers support a wide input voltage range, typically from 8V to 48V DC, making them adaptable to various power sources commonly found in vehicles, industrial sites, and off-grid locations.
These flexible power inputs ensure reliable performance even with fluctuating power supplies. For example, some models can be powered via a direct connection to a DC power source, while others may include options for terminal block connections, enhancing their suitability for permanent installations. This broad compatibility with different power inputs is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted connectivity in challenging operational environments where standard AC outlets may not be readily available.
Explore our range of rugged routers to find a solution that offers the ideal Router Power Options for your specific deployment needs.
Yes, a cellular router requires a SIM card to establish an internet connection by accessing cellular networks. Just like a smartphone, the SIM card provides the necessary credentials for the router to connect to a mobile network, enabling it to transmit and receive data remotely.
This reliance on a cellular router SIM makes these devices ideal for deployment in challenging environments or temporary setups where wired internet infrastructure is non-existent or unreliable. Rugged Limited offers a range of industrial and vehicle cellular routers that benefit from this technology, ensuring robust and continuous connectivity. Without a valid SIM card, the cellular router cannot access the mobile data network, effectively preventing it from performing its primary function of providing wireless internet access.
The reliability of a cellular router connection is a key benefit, especially for applications where traditional wired connections are not feasible or robust enough. Rugged Limited’s cellular routers are engineered to provide dependable internet access in challenging conditions, making rugged routers a suitable choice for various industries. This high cellular router reliability is a result of their construction, which often includes features like redundant SIM card slots for automatic failover to another network if one experiences an outage.
Furthermore, these devices are built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shocks, contributing significantly to their uptime and overall performance. Such resilience ensures a stable connection, critical for continuous data transmission and operational efficiency.











