UMR-Industrial (+UMR-US, UMR-US)

Overview

The Ubiquiti UMR-Industrial, UMR-Ultra-US, and UMR-US are mobile routers designed for various applications, from industrial IoT to mobile and vehicle use. Each model has unique strengths, making them suitable for different scenarios. Below, we compare their specifications, use cases, and pros and cons to help you decide which fits your needs.

Specifications Comparison

Here’s a detailed look at the key specs for each model, presented in a table for clarity:

Pros and Cons

Each model has trade-offs depending on your use case. Here’s a breakdown:

• UMR-Industrial:
• Pros: Rugged design for industrial/outdoor IoT, weatherproof (IP66), GbE ports for faster data transfer, PoE out for powering devices, wide temperature range (-40 to 70°C) for harsh environments.
• Cons: Higher power consumption (12.5W), no display for quick status checks, may be overkill for lighter applications, potentially higher cost.
• UMR-Ultra-US:
• Pros: Compact and lightweight, low power consumption (5.7W) for energy efficiency, wide temperature range (-30 to 70°C), cost-effective at $129, suitable for lighter industrial or IoT use.
• Cons: Slower FE ports (100 Mbps) limit data transfer, no PoE out reduces flexibility, less robust for heavy industrial needs, WiFi is single chain (lower performance).
• UMR-US:
• Pros: Includes a 1.3" LCM display for easy monitoring, pre-installed AT&T SIM for quick setup, GbE ports for faster data, PoE out for device powering, good for mobile/vehicle use.
• Cons: Narrower temperature range (-20 to 45°C) limits use in extreme conditions, less rugged than Industrial, may require additional setup for non-AT&T networks.

Use Case Recommendations

• Choose UMR-Industrial for harsh outdoor or industrial environments, like remote sites or IoT deployments needing durability and weatherproofing.
• Opt for UMR-Ultra-US if you need a budget-friendly, compact solution for lighter industrial or IoT applications, especially where power efficiency is key.
• Select UMR-US for mobile or vehicle use, such as fleet management, where the display and pre-installed SIM simplify setup and monitoring.

An unexpected detail is the price difference, with UMR-Ultra-US at $129 being significantly cheaper, making it accessible for smaller setups, while the others are around $199, reflecting their additional features.

Detailed Analysis and Review

This section provides a comprehensive review of the Ubiquiti UMR-Industrial, UMR-Ultra-US, and UMR-US, comparing their specifications, features, and suitability for various applications. The analysis is based on official technical specifications and supporting reviews, ensuring a thorough understanding for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Product Overview

The Ubiquiti UMR series consists of mobile routers designed for LTE connectivity, primarily targeting IoT, industrial, and mobile applications. Each model—UMR-Industrial, UMR-Ultra-US, and UMR-US—offers unique features tailored to different use cases, from rugged industrial deployments to cost-effective mobile solutions.

Detailed Specifications

Below is a table summarizing the specifications for each model, extracted from official Ubiquiti tech specs pages:

Feature Analysis

• Port Speed and PoE: UMR-Industrial and UMR-US both offer GbE ports (1 Gbps), ideal for high-speed data transfer, and include PoE out for powering additional devices. In contrast, UMR-Ultra-US has FE ports (100 Mbps), which may bottleneck data transfer, and lacks PoE out, limiting its flexibility for powering other equipment.
• Ruggedness and Weatherproofing: UMR-Industrial stands out with IP66 weatherproofing and a temperature range of -40 to 70°C, making it suitable for exposed outdoor or industrial environments. UMR-Ultra-US has a similar temperature range (-30 to 70°C) but lacks weatherproofing details, while UMR-US is limited to -20 to 45°C, suggesting it’s less rugged for extreme conditions.
• Power Efficiency: UMR-Ultra-US is the most power-efficient at 5.7W, followed by UMR-US at 9W, and UMR-Industrial at 12.5W, which may be a consideration for battery-powered or energy-sensitive deployments.
• Display and SIM: UMR-US includes a 1.3" LCM display, useful for on-site monitoring, and comes with a pre-installed AT&T SIM for immediate use, which is convenient for mobile applications. The other models are carrier-unlocked, offering more flexibility but requiring separate SIM setup.
• GPS and Antennas: All models support GPS, but UMR-Industrial and UMR-Ultra-US have external antenna ports for better signal, while UMR-US uses internal antennas, which may limit signal strength in challenging locations.

Pros and Cons

Each model’s strengths and weaknesses align with its intended use case:

• UMR-Industrial:
• Pros: Designed for harsh environments with weatherproofing (IP66), wide temperature range (-40 to 70°C), GbE ports, PoE out, and robust construction for industrial IoT. Ideal for remote sites or outdoor deployments needing durability.
• Cons: Higher power consumption (12.5W) may increase operational costs, no display for quick status checks, and potentially higher cost compared to Ultra-US.
• UMR-Ultra-US:
• Pros: Compact and lightweight, low power consumption (5.7W) for energy efficiency, wide temperature range (-30 to 70°C), and cost-effective at $129, making it accessible for smaller or budget-conscious setups. Suitable for lighter industrial or IoT applications.
• Cons: Slower FE ports (100 Mbps) limit data transfer speeds, no PoE out reduces flexibility, and WiFi is single chain, potentially lowering performance compared to others. Less robust for heavy industrial needs.
• UMR-US:
• Pros: Includes a 1.3" LCM display for easy monitoring, pre-installed AT&T SIM for quick setup, GbE ports for faster data, and PoE out for powering devices. Good for mobile or vehicle use, such as fleet management, with convenient features for on-the-go monitoring.
• Cons: Narrower temperature range (-20 to 45°C) limits use in extreme conditions, less rugged than Industrial, and may require additional setup for non-AT&T networks, potentially limiting flexibility.

Use Case Recommendations

Based on the specifications and pros/cons, here are recommended use cases:

• UMR-Industrial: Best for harsh outdoor or industrial environments, such as remote monitoring stations, IoT deployments in extreme weather, or sites needing durable, weatherproof equipment. Its ruggedness and PoE out make it ideal for powering additional devices in challenging locations.
• UMR-Ultra-US: Ideal for budget-conscious setups, lighter industrial applications, or IoT deployments where compactness and low power consumption are priorities, such as small remote sites or temporary installations. Its lower cost ($129) is a significant advantage for cost-sensitive projects.
• UMR-US: Suitable for mobile or vehicle-based applications, such as fleet management or delivery vans, where the display and pre-installed AT&T SIM simplify setup and monitoring. It’s also good for indoor/outdoor mobile hotspots needing GbE speeds and PoE out.

Market Context and Reviews

Reviews, such as UniFi Mobile Router Review, highlight the UMR series’ potential for fleet management and mobile hotspots, but note limitations like the LTE Cat 4 speed (150 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload), which is outdated compared to newer Cat 6 or 5G options. The UMR-Ultra-US, at $129, is noted as a cheaper option in Ubiquiti announces UMR-Ultra, emphasizing its trade-offs like FE ports and no PoE out. This price difference is an unexpected detail, making UMR-Ultra-US accessible for smaller setups, while UMR-Industrial and UMR-US, around $199, cater to more demanding applications.

Conclusion

The choice between UMR-Industrial, UMR-Ultra-US, and UMR-US depends on your specific needs. For rugged industrial/outdoor use, UMR-Industrial is the top choice. For cost-effective, lighter applications, UMR-Ultra-US offers good value. For mobile/vehicle use with monitoring needs, UMR-US is most suitable. Consider factors like port speed, power consumption, and environmental conditions to make the best decision for your setup.

Key Citations

• Ubiquiti Mobile Industrial Router Tech Specs
• Ubiquiti Mobile Router US Tech Specs
• Ubiquiti Mobile Router Ultra Tech Specs
• UniFi Mobile Router Review and Analysis
• Ubiquiti announces new UMR-Ultra for cheaper price