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Trade Fair Wireless RouterRouter Options
The Wireless Router used at the fair is very important as it provides the connection between the handhelds and the laptop/Internet. You can’t sync handhelds without a Router, so it is a critical piece of hardware.
Now that Internet Access is required to scan name badges (see Internet Access 2022), it is important to have the right router that suits your needs.
Previously, Internet Access wasn’t needed at Trade Fairs. Wifi was in use, but wasn’t connected to the Internet. It just allowed handhelds to connect to the laptop and send/print orders.
With the new Android handhelds, all handhelds now require Internet Access in order to scan name badges. When a badge is scanned the handheld will connect directly to the API via the Internet to retrieve your new customers contact details.
Therefore a Wireless Router that can connect to the Internet is required.
Below is a list of recommended routers that FairScan can supply and setup for you. Each router has the ability to either insert a USB Modem with SIM or insert a SIM card directly into the Router.
Available Routers
TL-MR3420
$60ex
Brand
TP-Link
Modem Needed:
Yes
Theoretical maximum number of connections:
20
Pros
Cheapest option
Cons
Requires modem to be purchased separately
Comment
This is an entry level router that would be suitable for most businesses. It doesn’t have an inbuilt modem/SIM slot, so does require an Optus/Telstra USB modem to be purchased separately.
Recommendation
Not recommended if planning on connecting more than 12 devices
More details
https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/3g-4g-router/tl-mr3420/
Archer MR600 V2
$240ex
Brand
TP-Link
Modem Needed:
No – 1 inbuilt SIM slots
Theoretical maximum number of connections:
64
Pros
Connect up to 64 devices, ability to run 2 separate Wifi networks, no modem needed
Cons
NA
Comment
Works out to be double the price of the TL-MR3420 but does look to be good value as it can support more devices and can also run 2 separate Wifi networks if needed.
Recommendation
Recommended if wanting to connect 12 or more devices (include handhelds, laptops, phones to this count)
More details
https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/3g-4g-router/archer-mr600/
RUTX11
$480ex
Brand
Teltonika
Modem Needed:
No – 2 inbuilt SIM slots
Theoretical maximum number of connections:
150
Pros
Industrial grade, connect the most number of connections/devices, no modem needed, multiple SIM slots.
Cons
Expensive. Possibly overkill
Comment
This is an industrial router, and it is priced accordingly.
Many technicians would recommend never to use residential hardware in a commercial environment. The other two routers are residential routers. Does that mean you should use this Teltonika at the fair? I think it is most likely overkill for use at fairs but it is an extremely powerful and capable router
Recommendation
Recommended for users where cost isn’t important, but reliability is.
Not recommended for businesses with less than 10 handhelds (use MR600 instead)
More details
https://teltonika-networks.com/product/rutx11/
Separate Modem
It is important to note that the TL-MR3420 requires a separate modem to be plugged into the USB port on the router. Visit Internet Access 2022 page for more details on purchasing a USB Modem through FairScan.
The other two routers have an inbuilt modem, and DO NOT need a USB modem to be connected. Instead a SIM card is inserted directly into the router allowing it to connect to the Internet.
Please note that all routers require an active SIM card that has mobile data available to use. For more information visit Internet Access 2022.
Existing Router
If you already have a router that you use at Trade Fairs, then it may be used to connect to the Internet.
Please take a photo of the bottom of the router which shows the model number, and send to FairScan for assessment.
If your router is a blank D-Link, then it needs to be upgraded.
If your router is a white TP-Link that has a USB port on the side, it may be used depending on how old it is.
How to Order
Contact FairScan today to discuss or order a new router for your next fair