ZyXEL Debuts LTE Gateway Series for Fixed Broadband
This new series is compatible with fixed wireless broadband subscriptions offered by Verizon and AT&T.
On Monday ZyXEL Communications introduced its all-in-one LTE512x series of fixed wireless CPE (customer-premises equipment) here in the States. The gadgets deliver 4G fixed broadband Internet along with a complete range of connectivity options – Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, VoIP ports and support for smart home services like home automation and monitoring.
"Given ZyXEL's deep heritage of innovation in 3G, Wi-Fi and WiMAX technologies, the announcement is a natural progression in the company's growth, particularly as a leader in LTE adoption," a rep told Tom's on Monday. "The series works with both the AT&T and Verizon networks bands."
The LTE512x series is designed with a high performance LTE module and a MIMO antenna array supplying up to 100 Mbps (downlink) and 50 Mbps (uplink) connectivity. The new series kicks off with the LTE5121 supporting Band 4/17 and the LTE5122 supporting Band 13.
"ZyXEL’s LTE512x series distributes its LTE-based Internet throughout the home via Gigabit Ethernet, 300 Mbps 802.11n Wi-Fi, SIP-based VoIP ports, and USB," the company said. "Virtually any Internet-capable device can connect to the LTE5121 and LTE5122 and share devices such as printers and storage."
Service providers can utilize the expansion options of the new LTE512x series to enable new consumer applications, including home automation and monitoring with ZigBee, Z-Wave or Bluetooth-based sensor systems, ZyXEL said.
As with several of ZyXEL's other products, the new series features a string of built-in LEDs that visually report the incoming signal strength. Thus users must find the ideal spot in the home or office based on these LEDs for optimal wireless connectivity. If the connection is still less-than-stellar, the new series offers the option to add two external high-gain antennas for improved signal strength and higher performance.
"The LTE512x series reaffirms ZyXEL’s commitment to leading every broadband access technology and offering service-rich CPEs to operators," said Brian Feng, Senior Vice President for ZyXEL. "This new LTE series broadens our CPE portfolio while adding another option for fixed broadband delivery for our customers."
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Currently the only model listed on ZyXEL's website is the LTE5121, as seen here. System specs include 3GPP Release 8, MIMO antenna support and more on the LTE front, and 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n and Wireless MAC filtering and more on the WLAN front. Other features include SIP for Voice over IP, TR-069 to help operators remotely manage and troubleshoot the device, and DLNA for consumer entertainment device media streaming compatibility.
The LTE5121 can be purchased at a number of online retail outlets like Amazon, Dell, Newegg, CDW, TigerDriver, PC Connection and more.
Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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frombehind ReplyThe LTE512x series is designed with a high performance LTE module and a MIMO antenna array supplying up to 100 Mbps (downlink) and 50 Mbps (uplink) connectivity.
Wow... really? There arent very many places in the states that have LANDLINE links that are that fast.
If 4g is really capable of these kinds of speeds, then I definitely call bullsh!t on the smartphone data caps -.-