Cisco vs HMS Networks (Ewon/Red Lion): Cellular Connectivity Solutions Compared
When it comes to industrial cellular connectivity, few names carry as much weight as Cisco and HMS Networks—the parent company behind popular brands like Ewon and Red Lion. Both companies are leaders in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), working to ensure devices in the field can connect securely and reliably to central systems.
This article dives deep into their respective offerings in cellular connectivity, exploring what makes each company’s solutions unique. We’ll unpack their strengths, potential challenges, and applications—guiding you to the best fit for your business or industrial project.
Meet the Companies: Who Are Cisco and HMS Networks?
Cisco is a global tech giant headquartered in San Jose, California. Widely recognized for its robust networking gear, Cisco has long been known as the backbone of the internet. Over the years, it’s expanded into secure IoT networking and industrial-grade communication, offering cutting-edge routers, firewalls, and cloud-based monitoring tools. Cisco’s solutions are built for scale, enterprise-grade security, and integration flexibility.
HMS Networks, headquartered in Sweden, specializes in industrial communication through its brands: Ewon, Red Lion, and others like Anybus and Ixxat. Ewon delivers VPN-based remote connectivity, while Red Lion adds focus on edge intelligence and cellular gateways. HMS products are designed to be lightweight, accessible, and tailored for industrial use cases where simplicity and control are key.
Connectivity Solutions Compared
Both companies offer industrial-grade cellular routers and gateways, but their design philosophies differ significantly.
| Feature | Cisco | HMS/Ewon/Red Lion |
|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Large enterprises, industrial scale applications | Small to mid-sized industrial deployments |
| Security | Advanced enterprise-level: Zero Trust, IPSec, Threat Intelligence | Moderate: VPN tunneling, Firewall |
| Ease of Use | Complex; requires trained IT staff for setup | User-friendly; quick deployment |
| Remote Access | Integrated into Cisco IoT Control Center and Cisco SD-WAN | Ewon Talk2M for secure remote access & monitoring |
| Device Coverage | Millions of devices across multiple industries | Veteran in industrial machinery and automation |
| Cloud Integration | Deep integrations with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud | Primarily Talk2M, with third-party cloud support via MQTT/REST API |
| Cost | Higher—suited for enterprise budgets | Lower—affordable for mid-market |
Detailed Look at Cisco’s Cellular IoT Offering
Cisco’s Industrial Cellular Routers (like the IR1101 and newer IR8140H) are purpose-built for harsh environments and comply with global certifications. They are tailored for:
- Smart grid deployments where remote substations must communicate securely
- Public transportation fleets needing live GPS tracking and real-time security video uploads
- Oil & gas monitoring units at isolated locations
The standout feature? Cisco’s infrastructure ties deeply into company-wide architecture. This means if your teams already use Cisco for corporate firewalls, switches, and monitoring, adding a connected oil rig is as easy as extending your VPN or SD-WAN.
Cisco’s strength lies in security. Through tools like Umbrella, Duo, and Identity Services Engine (ISE), IT administrators can implement granular access controls and real-time threat detection—all integrated with their cellular routers.
But it’s not always smooth sailing. Cisco solutions come with a steep learning curve. Deployment often requires certified staff and specialized training. The pricing model, while delivering top-tier quality, often exceeds the budgets of smaller businesses.
Ewon and Red Lion: Tailored for Industry Simplicity
On the other end, HMS’s flagship cellular devices—the Ewon Flexy, Ewon Cosy+, and Red Lion’s RAM9000 and Sixnet series—are all about helping factories and system integrators deploy fast and securely, without needing a networking degree.
Ewon’s Talk2M platform is at the heart of its ecosystem. It’s a secure industrial cloud that offers:
- Secure VPN remote access to industrial control systems and PLCs
- No static IP or complex firewall configuration needed
- Real-time alerts and performance diagnostics
Red Lion adds stronger edge data capabilities with its Crimson software, enabling users to push machine data up to MQTT brokers, RESTful APIs, and more. Great for OEE monitoring, predictive maintenance, or just bridging legacy protocols like Modbus to modern dashboards.
Advantages? Plug-and-play sophistication. Flexibility in a box. Smaller learning curves. And eWON’s network of global partners means there’s ample support to help you get started.
The downside? Compared to Cisco, HMS devices offer less centralized control across large fleets. And while secure, Red Lion and Ewon’s platforms don’t quite reach Cisco’s Zero Trust benchmark or scale in the same way for multinational rollouts.
Key Pros and Cons Breakdown
Cisco Pros:
- High-level enterprise security and visibility
- Scalable for large, distributed systems
- Solutions integrate well with existing IT strategies
- Excellent compliance options (PCI, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
Cisco Cons:
- Higher cost of ownership
- Requires internal IT infrastructure to manage
- Can be overkill for smaller, isolated deployments
HMS/Ewon/Red Lion Pros:
- Simple to deploy, even for non-IT specialists
- Affordable CAPEX for SMBs & mid-market factories
- Specialized for industrial environments (PLC access etc.)
- Talk2M ensures secure cloud remote control with ease
HMS/Ewon/Red Lion Cons:
- Less centralized fleet management tools
- Security not as comprehensive as Cisco
- Limited scalability for massive enterprise-grade deployments
Use Case Examples
Let’s bring this comparison to life with two real-world examples.
Smart Utility Grid with Cisco: A major North American utility needs to connect 5,000 substations across 20 states with real-time, secure telemetry. Here, Cisco’s IR1101 devices are deployed at substations, all fed into a central SD-WAN policy and monitored via Cisco DNA Center. Multi-factor access prevents rogue connections. The result? One seamless, secure national network.
OEM Machine Builder with Ewon: A German OEM producing CNC machines wants to offer remote support for its growing customer base. They integrate an Ewon Flexy into each unit. Customers activate via a QR code and connect through Talk2M. No special IPs or firewall changes needed. Within minutes, service engineers can log in and diagnose. It’s remote support simplified.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Cisco and HMS/Ewon/Red Lion boils down to priorities and scale.
- If enterprise security, global scalability, and SD-WAN integration matter most, Cisco offers unmatched strength. It’s perfect for Fortune 500s, utilities, and global manufacturers.
- If ease-of-use, industrial specificity, and budget-friendliness top your list, then HMS—with its Ewon and Red Lion lines—makes more sense. Ideal for mid-sized factories, machine builders, and industry integrators.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But the increasing demand for IIoT, edge computing, and remote access means cellular connectivity isn’t going away—so choosing the right provider matters more than ever.
And remember: it’s not always about picking the flashiest option. Sometimes, the best fit is the one that works seamlessly without friction.
Next Steps
If you’re evaluating your next cellular IoT project, start by listing these three pillars: scale, security, and simplicity. Rank them in importance for your business and let those guide your vendor evaluation.
You can learn more about these companies on their official websites:
Whichever direction you lean, investing in a future-proof solution will pay dividends as industrial connectivity continues to shape the future of smart manufacturing and automation.
Looking to discuss your project or compare cellular IoT hardware further? Get in touch with our industrial automation experts via [our contact page or leave a comment below]. Let’s build smarter systems—together.
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