Inseego just launched a new generation of its Wavemaker routers, which are enterprise-focused, fixed wireless devices.
The FX4100 is similar in design to the previous Wavemaker routers, but features a more advanced Qualcomm X72 cellular modem as part of Qualcomm's Dragonwing Fixed Wireless Access Gen 3 Platform. The Dragonwing platform combines and integrates a cellular modem, a CPU, and Wi-Fi 7, making it easier for companies like Inseego to develop and deploy cellular devices.
Right now, the FX4100 is exclusive to T-Mobile business and only fully supports the T-Mobile network:
- 5G sub-6: n2, n5, n12, n25, n26, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77
- 4G LTE Cat 20: 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 48, 66, 71
Like previous Wavemaker router generations, the FX4100 has limited external antenna options - it does not include any Wi-Fi antenna ports and only two cellular antenna ports, which greatly reduce the ability to use the device with external antennas.
The router also only comes with two Ethernet ports and doesn't support many of the advanced features we expect from an enterprise device, just basic routing and failover. However, Inseego and T-Mobile intend this to be used as a fixed-location, plug-and-play connectivity option for business customers who require basic connectivity for a small office.
Inseego also offers the X700 Wi-Fi Mesh satellite units that can extend the Wi-Fi range of the FX4100. The Mesh units utilize Wi-Fi 6 and can operate over either Ethernet or Wi-Fi for backhaul to the router.
Previous Wavemaker routers, the 2000 and 3000 series, were all based on common hardware with Inseego's line of mobile hotspot devices. The Wavemakers were therefore somewhat compromised from the beginning with limitations of the mobile hotspot hardware carrying over in the route form factor. This is why the routers have only offered two cellular antenna ports, for example. It seems that Inseego is continuing this design philosophy with the 4000 series, although Inseego hasn't yet released any X72/75 4000 series mobile hotspots.
T-Mobile offers the FX4100 as an option for business data lines. Customers looking to acquire one will need to have a business account and speak with a business sales representative.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- Inseego's new FX4100 router comes with an advanced X72 modem and Wi-Fi 7.
- While the FX4100 does have an advanced modem and Wi-Fi, it's limited in other ways, such as firmware capabilities and external antenna ports.
- The FX4100 is currently only available from T-Mobile Business.
For more information:
- T-Mobile: Small Business Internet Plans & Devices
Related Content at the Mobile Internet Resource Center:
- Gear Center: T-Mobile Business Plans
- Gear Center: Inseego Wavemaker Routers
- Gear Center: Getting Lots of Cellular Data: Unlimited and High Cap Cellular Data Plans For Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile
- Guide: Top Cellular Data Plans for RVers & Cruisers – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
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