AirLink OS—Semtech’s latest-generation operating system for AirLink routers—is built for organizations that can’t compromise on connectivity, and with every release, it keeps getting stronger. Version 5.3 expands flexibility, compatibility and security for customers managing mission-critical operations in utilities, public safety, fleets, and beyond.
This release introduces on-premises management for devices that are not cloud connected, private 5G readiness with Anterix spectrum support for the AirLink XR60 5G router and new features that make fleet operations easier to integrate and manage at scale. Underpinning it all are ongoing security updates, helping to protect deployments as threats evolve.
AirLink OS 5.3 reflects Semtech’s commitment to giving customers the tools they need to simplify operations today while preparing for tomorrow’s networks.
On-Premises Device Management: Expanding Your Options
Every organization manages connectivity differently. Some prefer the convenience and scalability of the cloud. Others need the autonomy of an on-premises solution—or a hybrid model that blends the two. With AirLink OS 5.3, Semtech now supports all three approaches across most of its AirLink OS powered router portfolio.
This release introduces on-premises device management via AirLink Manager and AirLink Mobility Manager (AM/AMM). Designed for customers who operate in closed or restricted environments—such as certain government agencies, utilities or private LTE/5G operators—it offers a new level of flexibility without replacing existing cloud or hybrid cloud options.
Early functionality includes:
- Mixed-fleet management: Monitor both legacy devices and new AirLink OS devices in a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools.
- Core management tasks: Register devices, push firmware updates, apply configurations, and view basic device status—all locally hosted.
- Future expansion: This first release lays the groundwork for more advanced on-premises capabilities in upcoming releases.
With AirLink OS 5.3, the message is simple: whether your organization’s operational and policy requirements call for cloud-based, on-premises or a mix of both, you have the flexibility to manage your fleet your way.
Expanded Spectrum Support: XR60 Now Compatible with Anterix
With AirLink OS 5.3, Semtech expands the reach of its XR60 5G router by adding compatibility with Anterix’s 900 MHz private LTE spectrum (Band 106).
The XR60 already stands out for its versatility, supporting both commercial networks and global private LTE and 5G standalone (SA) bands. With added support for Anterix Band 106, it’s now an even stronger option for utilities and other critical infrastructure operators looking to future-proof their deployments.
Anterix is the largest holder of licensed spectrum in this band across the United States—including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico—and it has quickly become the benchmark for private broadband wireless in the utility sector. By supporting this dedicated spectrum, the XR60 empowers utilities and other critical infrastructure operators to build secure, resilient and future-ready private networks tailored to their operational needs.
For utilities, this is about reliability at the grid edge, where connectivity directly impacts visibility, safety and uptime. Combined with the XR60’s ultra-rugged design, long lifecycle support, and five years of remote management, hardware warranty and technical support, Anterix compatibility gives operators a trusted foundation for mission-critical communications.
The result: utilities can future-proof their networks, maintain operational continuity and drive long-term infrastructure goals with confidence.
Usability & Integration Enhancements
AirLink OS 5.3 also introduces new features designed to make life easier for IT teams and ease integration into existing environments.
DHCP Option 12 Support
Managing devices by IP address can be cumbersome—especially across large fleets. With support for DHCP Option 12, IT teams can now identify AirLink devices by hostname instead of numerical addresses. This aligns with how most enterprise IT environments operate, making device identification more intuitive and streamlining integration with existing systems.
User-Configurable TAIP Checksum
Some EMS, fire, and police agencies rely on CAD systems that do not support TAIP reports with checksums. We now support disabling TAIP report checksums to provide compatibility with older protocols. This flexibility protects agencies’ existing investments while easing the transition to newer platforms over time.
Together, these updates reflect Semtech’s focus on reducing complexity for IT teams and making AirLink routers more adaptable to the diverse environments where public safety and enterprise fleets operate.
Security Updates
With every AirLink OS release, Semtech continues to strengthen the security foundation of its routers. Version 5.3 includes a fresh round of security hardening updates, helping to keep fleets protected against evolving cyber threats.
For IT teams managing mission-critical connectivity these ongoing updates provide peace of mind: devices in the field stay aligned with the latest best practices and safeguards without requiring extra effort from administrators.
This commitment to continuous security improvement reflects Semtech’s priority of helping organizations keep their networks—and the communities they serve—safe.
Who Benefits Most from AirLink OS 5.3
AirLink OS 5.3 is designed with the real-world needs of critical connectivity users in mind. While every customer gains from enhanced flexibility and security, certain groups will see particular advantages:
- Public safety and government agencies: Police, fire, EMS, and government organizations all face strict requirements around how their IT systems are managed. With AirLink OS 5.3, agencies now have the flexibility to align with their own policies—whether that means continuing with cloud-based management, adopting a hybrid model or choosing an on-premises approach. This release also ensures compatibility with legacy systems still in use. For example, the new user-configurable TAIP checksum feature allows agencies to maintain integration with older CAD systems, avoiding costly replacements while they transition to newer platforms.
Together, these enhancements give public safety and government agencies the choice, control and continuity they need—modern management options without sacrificing security or existing investments.
- Transit operators: With on-premise management option, DHCP Option 12 support and smoother integration into enterprise IT environments, IT teams can manage connected fleets across hundreds of vehicles more easily—while keeping sensitive data under their own control.
- Utilities and infrastructure providers: XR60 support for Anterix private LTE spectrum gives utilities access to a dedicated spectrum designed for secure, resilient operations—future-proofing critical grid communications.
By aligning new features with the needs of these sectors, AirLink OS 5.3 enables mission-critical users to adapt their connectivity strategies with confidence.
Conclusion
The AirLink OS 5.3 release marks another step forward in building a more flexible, secure and future-ready connectivity ecosystem. With expanded spectrum support, new on-premises management options and usability enhancements that make fleet operations simpler, this update reflects Semtech’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of public safety, utilities, government, and critical infrastructure customers.
Whether your organization is preparing for private 5G adoption, modernizing fleet operations or supporting long-term compatibility with legacy systems, AirLink OS 5.3 delivers the tools to strengthen your network with confidence.
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