AirLink® OS continues to evolve as Semtech’s new-generation platform for deploying and managing AirLink routers, with a growing focus on simplifying configuration and improving user experience for industrial and commercial IoT deployments. While earlier releases focused on complex, sophisticated networking environments, AirLink OS 6.0 introduces capabilities designed specifically for large-scale, distributed and remotely deployed energy and industrial IoT assets.
This milestone release adds support for the new AirLink RX400 and EX400 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) routers and advances a common goal: right-sized connectivity for IoT. The AirLink 5G RedCap platforms deliver the performance industrial and commercial IoT applications require, while reducing power consumption, device cost and hardware complexity.
AirLink OS 6.0 supports these platforms with a simplified user experience and new operational capabilities. Features such as simplified device setup, multi-profile SIM support and enhanced remote troubleshooting improve reliability and manageability. These capabilities are especially valuable for organizations operating geographically dispersed fleets.
Introducing the AirLink EX400 and RX400 5G RedCap routers: Right-sized 5G for IoT
AirLink OS 6.0 introduces support for Semtech’s newest AirLink OS-based routers: the EX400 and RX400 5G RedCap platforms. Designed for industrial and commercial IoT, these devices deliver reliable 5G RedCap connectivity without the cost, power draw or complexity of full 5G enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) solutions.
The RX400 is built for rugged, mission-critical environments such as utilities, oil and gas and critical infrastructure, where durability and long service life are essential. The EX400 targets commercial IoT deployments that prioritize compact design, simplified installation and cost-efficient performance. Together, they serve use cases where LTE Cat-4 has been sufficient but where long-term network evolution now calls for a future-ready path to 5G.
By maintaining the same footprint and bolt pattern as the popular AirLink RV50X, RV55 and RX55 4G routers, along with familiar antenna configurations and management options, the EX400 and RX400 make it easy to modernize connectivity at your own pace, enabling a smooth transition to 5G RedCap and AirLink OS without disruptive redesigns.
5G RedCap: Future-ready connectivity at the right scale
5G RedCap is purpose-built for IoT applications that need modern cellular performance without the bandwidth, antenna complexity or power demands of full 5G eMBB. It bridges the gap between LTE Cat-4 and traditional 5G, delivering the right balance of performance, efficiency and longevity for long-lived deployments.
5G RedCap provides higher throughput and lower latency than LTE Cat-4 while maintaining low power consumption and simplified radio design. Compared with full 5G eMBB, RedCap devices require only two antennas instead of four, reducing hardware complexity and installation costs. Together with lower device costs, this helps reduce total cost of ownership for large fleet deployments.
Because 5G RedCap operates on 5G Standalone networks, it also provides a clear path forward as operators progressively refarm spectrum away from 4G. For industrial environments such as utilities and critical infrastructure, and commercial IoT use cases like smart agriculture, digital signage and manufacturing, 5G RedCap enables future-ready connectivity without the cost and complexity of full 5G eMBB.
Multi-profile SIM support: Expanding coverage while simplifying deployment
As industrial and commercial IoT deployments scale, enabling reliable cellular coverage across diverse geographies becomes a growing operational challenge. No single carrier provides comprehensive coverage everywhere, which is especially problematic for organizations managing highly distributed assets across remote, rural and urban locations. Traditionally, solving this required detailed site surveys, multiple carrier contracts and complex SIM management strategies.
Multi-profile and multi-IMSI SIM technology is changing that model. Instead of locking devices to one carrier, a single SIM can hold multiple network identities, allowing devices to connect to the strongest available network as conditions change. For large-scale energy and industrial deployments where devices are widely distributed and expected to operate efficiently over many years, this approach helps improve coverage resilience without adding hardware or management complexity.
AirLink OS 6.0 introduces native multi-profile SIM awareness and automation. AirLink OS-based routers can now detect when an active SIM profile changes, automatically apply any required radio firmware updates and transition seamlessly between networks without manual intervention or significant downtime.
The result is improved coverage resilience, simpler deployment planning and greater operational flexibility, particularly for enterprises managing large fleets of geographically distributed assets.
Remote troubleshooting: Easier support for distributed fleets
Remote energy, IoT assets, wide geographic distribution, and limited on-site technical staff help drive adoption of 5G RedCap and multi-profile SIMs, but also make device support and troubleshooting more difficult. When a router is installed on a utility pole, inside a roadside cabinet or at an agricultural pumping station, sending a technician to collect diagnostic logs is slow and costly.
AirLink OS 6.0 addresses this challenge with new remote troubleshooting capabilities through AirLink Management Service (ALMS). Support teams can now securely retrieve detailed diagnostic and troubleshooting packages from deployed devices without requiring local access or manual intervention on site.
This streamlines support workflows, accelerates issue resolution and significantly reduces unnecessary truck rolls. For organizations managing large fleets of remote devices, the result is lower operational cost, faster recovery times and improved service continuity.
Just as importantly, these capabilities reinforce the value of remote cloud management for large IoT deployments. ALMS-managed deployments now offer not only centralized configuration and updates but also deeper serviceability, making it easier to operate and maintain distributed networks at scale.
Simplified user experience for right-sized deployments
From simple fixed installations to highly sophisticated mobile and multi-network deployments, AirLink OS supports a wide range of use cases. With version 6.0, Semtech has refined the user experience to make configuration intuitive for straightforward use cases, while preserving the depth and control required for advanced ones.
AirLink OS 6.0 introduces a new “show more / show less” configuration model and default views tailored to common deployment scenarios. This allows users working on standard industrial and commercial IoT deployments to configure devices quickly without navigating advanced mobility or network features they don’t require. At the same time, full configuration depth remains available when complex use cases demand it.
The result is faster onboarding for less specialized teams, smoother day-to-day operation and no loss of capability for power users. This reflects direct customer feedback and Semtech’s ongoing focus on usability across diverse deployment needs.
Looking ahead
AirLink OS 6.0 marks an important step in Semtech’s transition to its new-generation router platforms, with initial focus on the new EX400 and RX400 5G RedCap routers. These solutions introduce right-sized 5G connectivity, multi-profile SIM intelligence, enhanced remote troubleshooting capabilities, and a refined user experience designed for modern industrial and commercial IoT deployments.
Many of the capabilities introduced in 6.0 will extend to additional AirLink OS devices in the upcoming 6.1 release, enabling a consistent experience across Semtech’s networking solutions portfolio.
Ready to explore AirLink OS 6.0?
New hardware support, 5G RedCap readiness, smarter multi-network connectivity, and easier deployment models are reshaping what industrial routers can deliver. AirLink OS 6.0 brings those capabilities together in a platform designed for the next generation of IoT networks.
Learn more:
- Learn more about 5G RedCap in our white paper: Bridging the Gap: How 5G RedCap Solves the Industrial IoT Connectivity Challenge
- Read AirLink OS 6.0 full release notes
- Talk to a networking expert- Contact us today!
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