Advantech ICR-1602: Compact Industrial LTE Router for Reliable IoT Connectivity
The need for secure and reliable internet connectivity in industry is growing as the number of smart sensors, control units and remotely managed technologies increases. The Advantech ICR-1602 is designed specifically for these scenarios. This compact industrial LTE router enables devices to be connected in the demanding conditions found in manufacturing, logistics, energy and infrastructure. Thanks to its compact dimensions, robust construction and extensive configuration options, it is suitable for both smaller installations and large-scale projects.
The ICR-1602 supports mobile connectivity up to LTE Cat.4, complemented by 3G/2G fallback, allowing it to maintain communication even in locations where full LTE coverage is unavailable. The router is equipped with two SIM card slots, enabling redundancy across mobile network operators. If one network fails, the device can automatically switch to the other, minimising the risk of service unavailability. This is particularly valuable for operations where critical operational data, telemetry or remote access to control systems is transmitted over the mobile network.
On the local network side, the ICR-1602 offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps) for connecting end devices, PLCs, HMI panels and other network components. Thanks to its Gigabit throughput, the router is also suitable for applications involving larger volumes of data, for example from camera systems, data loggers or edge servers. It naturally supports modern networking features, security functions and VPN tunnels, which are essential for secure remote access in industrial environments. Advantech uses its proprietary ICR-OS operating system in the ICR series, which is continuously developed and enhanced with new features for managing distributed networks.
The router is designed for industrial environments, featuring a wide operating temperature range and a mechanical design suitable for wall mounting or installation in a control cabinet. This allows the device to be deployed close to the technology, for example in a control cabinet next to a production line, in a machine room, at pumping or metering sites, or in other locations where conventional office electronics are unsuitable. The ICR-1602 is therefore suitable for applications in automation, water management, transport, energy and smaller industrial facilities where local devices need to be reliably connected to supervisory systems or the cloud.
From the perspective of system integrators and end customers, the option of centralised management and remote configuration is also important. The ICR-1602 can be integrated into the broader infrastructure of Advantech solutions for IoT and industrial communication, simplifying the monitoring of larger numbers of devices in the field. For companies operating multiple sites or distributed technologies, such as metering points, transformer substations, pumping stations or local PLCs across different plants, this solution provides a path towards a unified, secure and easily manageable communication standard.
As a distributor of the Advantech brand, SECTRON offers the ICR-1602 router through its online store at eshop.sectron.eu/en/ and complements the hardware itself with technical and sales support. We help customers select the appropriate router model, design the network topology, choose a suitable antenna and carry out the initial configuration and implementation for specific applications.
The ICR-1602 is not merely a product in our portfolio – we actively use it in real-world applications ourselves. We deploy it when installing charging stations for commercial use, where it provides the reliable connectivity required for charging operations to function correctly. These applications clearly demonstrate the crucial role played by the quality and stability of the mobile signal. Without it, a charging station cannot communicate with the management system, authenticate users or correctly bill their energy consumption. Under these conditions, the ICR-1602 has repeatedly proven itself to be a reliable and highly configurable solution.
If you are looking for a compact yet powerful solution for mobile data connectivity in an industrial environment or charging station infrastructure, the Advantech ICR-1602 may be an excellent choice. The SECTRON team is ready to assist you with its deployment, from the initial design through to operation.
