Milesight Industrial Cellular Routers

Milesight Routers

Milesight is a global IoT manufacturer producing industrial cellular routers, LoRaWAN gateways, IoT sensors, and AI cameras. Their router range covers 4G LTE through 5G Sub-6 GHz, with models from compact single-SIM devices to multi-port 5G industrial routers and outdoor 5G CPE. All Milesight routers run on a common firmware platform and are managed via DeviceHub (cloud) and MilesightVPN (remote access). The range suits industrial automation, remote monitoring, smart city infrastructure, transport, and energy and utilities applications.

The router line divides into a 4G series (UR41, UR32, UR32L, UR32S, UR35) and a 5G series (UR75, UF51, UF31). All models share a rugged metal construction rated to -40 to +70 degrees C, support the full suite of VPN protocols including OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP, PPTP, DMVPN, and GRE, and include built-in firewall management with ACL, DoS/DDoS protection, and SPI capabilities. The Pro series and 5G models add RS232, RS485, digital I/O, and Python or Node-RED support for edge automation and custom protocol handling.

The Milesight Router Range

4G Model Comparison

5G Model Comparison

Shared Features Across the Range

VPN and Security

All Milesight routers support OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP, PPTP, GRE, and DMVPN in client mode, with OpenVPN and IPsec server capabilities. Authentication options include RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP, and local accounts. The built-in firewall covers ACL, DMZ, port mapping, MAC binding, SPI, DoS/DDoS protection, and custom iptables rules. For remote access without a static IP, MilesightVPN provides a zero-configuration tunnel using an authentication code, with connection status overview and access to field devices from any location.

Remote Management – DeviceHub

DeviceHub is Milesight’s cloud-based device management platform. It provides centralised status monitoring, remote configuration, bulk firmware updates, and OTA upgrade scheduling across large deployments. DeviceHub is available on all Milesight router models. For deployments requiring remote access to connected field devices – PLCs, HMIs, IP cameras, or sensors behind the router – MilesightVPN handles the tunnelled access layer independently of DeviceHub.

Industrial Interfaces

The UR32, UR35, UR75, and UF51 include RS232, RS485, digital input, and digital output interfaces. These connect directly to industrial equipment: energy meters via Modbus RTU, PLCs via serial command, flow sensors via pulse counting, or alarm systems via dry contact I/O. GNSS is available on the UR41, UR75, UF51, and as an option on the UR32 and UR35, supporting real-time location tracking for vehicle and mobile deployments.

Edge Compute – Python and Node-RED

The UR32 and UR35 support embedded Python 3.7 for custom application scripts running directly on the router. The UR75 and UF51 add Node-RED support, providing a flow-based visual programming environment for local data processing, protocol conversion, and MQTT/HTTP integration without a separate edge server. These features reduce cloud dependency and allow local logic to operate during connectivity interruptions.

Operating Environment

All Milesight router models are rated for -40 to +70 degrees C operation in metal housings with IP30 protection, except the UF51 which carries IP67. Power inputs accept wide-voltage DC: the UR41 accepts 5-24 V and can be powered by USB, making it practical for solar installations. The UR32L, UR32, UR35, UR75, and UF51 accept 9-48 V, covering 12 V and 24 V industrial supply standards. The UR35, UR32L, UR32S, UR32, and UR75 all support optional PoE output for powering downstream devices directly from the router.

Choosing the Right Milesight Router

Compact embedded applications with low power draw

The UR41 is the correct choice. Its 5-24 V wide-input range and USB power option make it compatible with solar-charged battery systems and 5 V embedded supplies. DI/DO and GNSS are built in despite the small form factor. The UR32L and UR32S are an alternative if two Ethernet ports are required but DI/DO and serial interfaces are not.

Standard industrial LTE with serial and I/O

The UR32 covers most industrial monitoring and automation use cases: dual SIM failover, two Ethernet ports, RS232/RS485, DI/DO, optional Wi-Fi, optional GNSS, and Python for edge scripting. For applications requiring five Ethernet ports – multi-segment plant networks, building automation backbones, or multi-subnet SCADA systems – the UR35 is the step up.

5G for high-bandwidth or future-proof deployments

The UR75 is the primary 5G choice for indoor and cabinet installations. It brings the same interface richness as the UR35 (serial, DI/DO, GNSS) with five Gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6, PoE PSE output, and dual SIM. For permanent outdoor installations where running power and Ethernet to a router cabinet is impractical, the UF51 provides IP67-rated outdoor 5G with PoE PD input – a single Ethernet cable carries both power and data to the installation point.

SIM connectivity

For fixed Milesight router installations – remote monitoring, SCADA outstations, ATM connectivity, or CCTV backhaul – a fixed IP SIM card provides a stable, routable IP address for VPN connections and direct device access. For mobile or multi-network deployments, see our roaming SIM cards. For more on when to use a fixed IP SIM and how it works with VPN connections, see our guide to what a fixed IP SIM card is.

Milesight Router Applications

Industrial Automation and SCADA

The UR35 and UR32 connect directly to PLCs and RTUs via RS485 Modbus, forwarding telemetry data over cellular to SCADA platforms. Python scripting on the router handles local protocol conversion, reducing the need for a separate edge server. The 9-48 V power input and -40 to +70 degrees C rating cover standard control cabinet environments.

Energy and Utilities

Milesight routers are used for monitoring and management of power distribution networks, gas pipeline outstations, water treatment facilities, and renewable energy sites. The UR35 dual RS485 and five-port Ethernet configuration suits multi-device substations. Dual SIM failover maintains connectivity if a primary network becomes unavailable – important for sites operating on critical infrastructure obligations.

Transport and Fleet

The UR41 and UR32 with GNSS provide real-time vehicle tracking and remote monitoring for rail, road freight, and fleet management. The UR75 adds 5G throughput for high-bandwidth transport applications including onboard CCTV uplink and passenger Wi-Fi. GNSS is standard on the UR41 and UR75.

Smart Cities and Public Infrastructure

Compact Milesight routers connect smart parking sensors, street lighting controllers, environmental monitoring nodes, and traffic management systems to LTE or 5G networks. The UR32L and UR41 are frequently used in pole-mounted and lamp-post deployments where space and power consumption are limited. The UR75 handles higher-bandwidth applications including IP camera backhaul and digital signage uplinks.

Retail and Financial Services

Milesight UR32 routers are deployed in ATM machines for primary or backup cellular connectivity, with OpenVPN tunnel support keeping transaction data secure. The compact metal housing fits inside ATM cabinets. Retail deployments use the UR32 and UR32L for payment terminal connectivity, EPoS failover, and stock monitoring system backhaul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Milesight UR32 and the UR32L?

The UR32L is the Lite version with a simpler feature set: one SIM, two Ethernet ports, no serial interfaces, no DI/DO, and no Python support. The UR32 is the Pro version with dual SIM, optional RS232/RS485 and DI/DO interfaces, optional GNSS, optional Wi-Fi, and Python 3.7 for edge scripting. Both are the same physical size. The UR32L suits applications that need reliable LTE connectivity without industrial I/O. The UR32 suits industrial monitoring and automation applications where serial communication and digital I/O are required.

Do Milesight routers support dual SIM failover?

Yes, on the UR32, UR35, and UR75. These models have two SIM slots and support automatic WAN failover between the primary SIM, secondary SIM, and wired Ethernet WAN. The UR41, UR32L, and UR32S have a single SIM slot. For deployments where continuous uptime is critical – remote monitoring, critical infrastructure, or financial connectivity – a dual-SIM model with failover is recommended.

What VPN protocols do Milesight routers support?

All Milesight routers support OpenVPN, IPsec, L2TP, PPTP, GRE, and DMVPN as clients, with OpenVPN and IPsec server capability. ZeroTier is supported on UR32L, UR32S, UR32, and UR35. For zero-configuration remote access to field devices, MilesightVPN provides a managed VPN tunnel without requiring a static IP address or manual VPN configuration. See our guide to VPN on cellular routers for more detail.

What SIM card do I need for a Milesight router?

Milesight routers accept standard SIM formats – confirm the required SIM size for the specific model before ordering. For fixed installations such as remote monitoring, SCADA, or CCTV backhaul where remote access is needed, a fixed IP SIM card provides a stable IP address for VPN tunnels and direct device access. For mobile or multi-country deployments, see our roaming SIM cards.

Can Milesight routers run custom scripts or applications?

Yes. The UR32 and UR35 support embedded Python 3.7 for custom application scripting. The UR75 and UF51 add Node-RED, a flow-based visual tool for local data processing, protocol conversion, and MQTT/HTTP integration. These capabilities allow the router to handle local logic – such as Modbus polling, data transformation, and conditional alerting – without a separate edge compute device.

Is the Milesight UF51 suitable for outdoor installation?

Yes. The UF51 is the only Milesight router with an IP67 rating, making it suitable for permanent outdoor installation in rain, dust, and exposed environments. It also accepts PoE PD input, so it can be powered by a PoE injector or PoE switch over a single Ethernet cable. The operating temperature range of -40 to +70 degrees C covers UK outdoor conditions year round. The other Milesight models are IP30 rated for indoor or cabinet installation.