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InHand Non-Cellular vs Westermo Cellular: Key Differences

Last updated: May 30, 2025 Country: Global Industry: Energy & Utilities Companies listed: 2

This B2B directory page highlights 2 companies in Global within the Energy & Utilities sector, helping you identify relevant suppliers, partners, and service providers faster.

InHand Non-Cellular vs. Westermo Cellular: A Detailed Comparison for Industrial Connectivity

InHand Networks and Westermo are two leading providers of industrial networking solutions, but they cater to different needs. InHand specializes in non-cellular industrial routers and gateways, focusing on reliability in harsh environments. Westermo, on the other hand, is known for its cellular and ruggedized networking devices, often used in critical infrastructure. Both serve industries like transportation, energy, and manufacturing, but their approaches differ.

Company Overviews

InHand Networks is a global provider of industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions, particularly for remote monitoring and control. Their products are designed for environments where cellular connectivity isn’t available or practical. They emphasize low power consumption, durability, and secure data transmission.

Westermo, a Swedish company, specializes in robust industrial communication technology. Their cellular routers and switches are built for mission-critical applications, offering high-speed connectivity even in extreme conditions. They serve industries like rail, utilities, and maritime.

Key Differences in Solutions

1. Connectivity Options

InHand Non-Cellular Solutions:

  • Primarily use wired (Ethernet, serial) or wireless (Wi-Fi, Zigbee) connections.
  • Ideal for fixed installations where cellular networks are unreliable.
  • Examples: IR900 Industrial Router (supports Wi-Fi, serial, and Ethernet).

    • Westermo Cellular Solutions:

  • Focus on 4G/LTE, 5G, and future-ready cellular technologies.
  • Best for mobile or remote deployments needing constant connectivity.
  • Examples: WeRouter 316 (supports dual SIM failover for uninterrupted service).

    • 2. Durability and Environmental Resistance

    Both companies build rugged devices, but their certifications differ:

    Feature InHand Non-Cellular Westermo Cellular
    Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C -40°C to 70°C
    Ingress Protection IP30 to IP65 IP67 (some models)
    Vibration Resistance High Extreme (EN 50155 for rail)

    Westermo edges out in harsh environments, especially for rail and marine applications.

    3. Security Features

    InHand emphasizes VPN (OpenVPN, IPsec) and firewall protections. Their devices often include zero-touch provisioning for easy deployment.

    Westermo goes further with:

  • Hardware-level encryption.
  • Secure boot mechanisms.
  • Compliance with IEC 62443 (industrial cybersecurity standard).

    • Pros and Cons

    InHand Non-Cellular Pros:

  • Lower cost for non-cellular applications.
  • Energy-efficient (some models support solar power).
  • Wide protocol support (Modbus, DNP3, MQTT).

    • InHand Cons:

  • Limited high-speed options.
  • Fewer cellular backup choices.

    • Westermo Cellular Pros:

  • Superior redundancy (dual SIM, multi-carrier support).
  • Higher bandwidth for data-intensive tasks.
  • Strict compliance with EU rail/utility standards.

    • Westermo Cons:

  • More expensive upfront.
  • Overkill for simple, stationary setups.

    • Applications: Where Each Shines

    Choose InHand for:

  • Remote solar/wind farms with no cellular coverage.
  • Factory automation with wired networks.
  • Budget-conscious deployments.

    • Choose Westermo for:

  • Moving trains requiring seamless cellular handoffs.
  • Offshore oil rigs needing ultra-reliable links.
  • Critical infrastructure where downtime is unacceptable.

    • Final Verdict

    If you need cost-effective, non-cellular connectivity, InHand delivers solid performance. For mission-critical, cellular-dependent operations, Westermo’s robustness justifies its premium.

    For more details, visit InHand Networks or Westermo.

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    Geographic relevance: United States and international markets.