What Is Docker

Why Do Teltonika Edge Routers Support Docker?

Docker is a platform for packaging and running software in containers. A container bundles an application with all its code, libraries, and dependencies into a single portable unit that runs identically on any compatible system. The container does its job. The router still routes. Neither gets in the way of the other.

TermWhat it means
ContainerA self-contained application package with everything it needs to run
ImageThe template used to create a container – pulled from Docker Hub or uploaded manually
Docker HubPublic registry of pre-built container images for thousands of applications
Package ManagerWhere you install Docker on a Teltonika router – System → Package Manager in RutOS
ARM-compatibleContainer images must be built for ARM architecture (linux/arm64 or linux/arm/v7) to run on Teltonika hardware

Why Has Teltonika Added Docker?

Industrial IoT deployments traditionally needed a cellular router for connectivity and a separate gateway or industrial PC for local processing. That means two devices, two power supplies, more wiring, and more to manage remotely. Teltonika’s RUTC-series routers have the CPU, RAM, and flash to run containerised applications alongside the routing stack – one device instead of two.

Without DockerWith Docker on RUTC
Router + separate gateway or industrial PCOne RUTC device handles both
Two power inputs, extra wiringSingle power input
Separate management for each deviceEverything managed via Teltonika RMS
More hardware to procure, install, and maintainReduced BOM and site complexity

Which Teltonika Routers Support Docker?

Docker support requires sufficient RAM and flash storage. The following models currently support Docker via the RutOS Package Manager.

ModelConnectivityCPU / RAM / FlashWi-FiSIM
RUTC404G Cat 4 – Global
Telit modem, worldwide LTE bands		Dual-core 1.3 GHz
1 GB RAM / 8 GB flash		Wi-Fi 6 dual-bandDual SIM + eSIMView →
RUTC414G Cat 4
150 Mbps down / 50 Mbps up		Dual-core 1.3 GHz
1 GB RAM / 8 GB flash		Wi-Fi 6 dual-bandDual SIM + eSIM (7 profiles)View →
RUTC505G Sub-6 GHz
SA/NSA		Higher-spec CPU
Increased RAM / flash		Wi-Fi 6 dual-bandDual SIM + eSIMView →

What Can You Run?

Any application with an ARM-compatible container image that fits within the device’s resource limits. Common workloads in industrial and IoT deployments include the following.

ApplicationWhat it does on the router
Protocol conversionModbus-to-MQTT bridges, BACnet translators, OPC-UA adapters. Legacy field equipment communicates with cloud platforms without a separate protocol converter.
Node-REDLocal logic flows that filter, aggregate, and route data. Trigger actions based on sensor readings or schedules without cloud round-trips.
Local MQTT brokerEclipse Mosquitto creates a local message bus. Device-to-device communication continues if the WAN link fails. The broker stores and forwards when connectivity resumes.
Network monitoringNetdata or Prometheus exporters for real-time system metrics. Pi-hole for DNS-level filtering across every LAN device. Both run independently of RutOS.
Custom business logicAlarm handlers, compliance loggers, webhook processors, local database writers. Containers have network access to LAN devices and cloud services through the router’s interfaces.
ML inferenceLightweight anomaly detection and predictive maintenance on sensor streams. Models must be ARM-optimised and inference-only – the hardware is not suited to training workloads.

How to Set Up Docker on a Teltonika Router

StepAction
1 – InstallSystem → Package Manager → search Docker → Install. Docker runs alongside RutOS as a service without modifying the core firmware.
2 – Expand storageSystem → Administration → Storage Memory Expansion. Mount a USB stick before pulling images from Docker Hub. Strongly recommended.
3 – Run containersUse the WebUI Docker Manager under Services, or via CLI over SSH using standard Docker commands: docker pull, docker run, docker ps, docker logs.
4 – Port accessNetwork → Firewall → Port Forwards to expose container services to external connections if needed.
5 – Remote managementThe router remains fully RMS-managed. Firmware updates, VPN, and configuration all continue normally alongside container operation.

Limitations to Know Before Deploying

LimitationDetail
ARM images onlyContainer images must be built for linux/arm64 or linux/arm/v7. Not every Docker Hub image has an ARM variant – verify before building your deployment around a specific tool.
1 GB shared RAMRAM is shared between RutOS and all running containers. Use Alpine Linux base images and keep container footprints lean to avoid memory pressure.
Flash storage8 GB internal flash fills faster than expected when pulling images. Plan for USB storage expansion from the start – add it to your BOM, not as an afterthought.
No rootless DockerContainers run as root on RutOS. Standard for embedded Linux but worth noting for deployments with strict privilege isolation requirements.
Firmware compatibilityCheck the Teltonika wiki for firmware version compatibility before deploying containers in production. wiki.teltonika-networks.com/view/RUTC40

If you need Teltonika Support for your equipment purchased from The Router Store – Please view this Teltonika Support Page.