Semtech XR90: High-Performance 5G CBRS Router

The Semtech AirLink XR90 is a purpose-built mobile router engineered for mission-critical applications in public safety, transit, and industrial field operations. Designed to create secure and resilient Vehicle Area Networks (VANs), the XR90 is commonly deployed in police cruisers, fire trucks, ambulances, buses, and utility vehicles. It enables consistent data connectivity across a variety of networks, including private LTE and 5G, and is fully compatible with CBRS deployments in the U.S.

Powered by a quad-core ARMv8 CPU and built on AirLink OS, the XR90 supports dual 5G cellular radios, dual 4x4 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi 6 antennas, and up to five Ethernet ports depending on the configuration. It includes built-in GNSS with dead reckoning, USB-C, dual RS-232 serial ports, and CAN/OBD-II support for vehicle integration. Housed in an IP64-rated die-cast aluminum enclosure, the XR90 is rated for MIL-STD-810G conditions, including shock, vibration, and thermal extremes. The device includes a full suite of VPN, firewall, and edge compute capabilities, and is managed via AirLink Management Service (ALMS) with out-of-band support.

The XR90 is available in single or dual 5G configurations and supports both public carrier and private CBRS deployments. This variant includes dual 5G radios and supports CBRS Band 48 alongside other Sub-6 GHz 5G bands.

Key Features

Connectivity & Network Support

• Supports dual 5G radios with CBRS Band 48 and a wide range of global LTE and 5G bands, including n48, n77, and n78. Dual SIM (Mini-2FF) slots allow flexible deployment across multiple networks with automatic failover using Cognitive Wireless.
• Integrated dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with dual 4x4 MU-MIMO antennas provides high-speed local network connectivity for vehicle-based client devices, with theoretical throughput up to 2.4 Gbps.

Physical Design & Mounting

• Constructed from sealed, die-cast aluminum and IP64-rated, the XR90 is built to operate in harsh mobile environments. It supports temperatures from -22°F to +158°F and is certified to MIL-STD-810G and Class 1 Div 2 standards for shock, vibration, and hazardous location safety.
• Mounting options include vehicle brackets, DIN rail, and panel-mount configurations. All FAKRA connectors are color-coded for ease of installation.

Performance & Edge Compute

• The router’s internal hardware includes a quad-core ARM processor, 200 MB of container-allocated RAM, and 750 MB of flash storage for edge applications. Integrated support for containerized edge computing enables real-time local processing for vehicle telemetry, video, or analytics workflows.
• Throughput includes up to 1150 Mbps firewall processing and 350 Mbps IPSec VPN encryption, with support for 10 concurrent tunnels and FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliance.

Management & Configuration

• Ships with AirLink OS and includes a 1-year AirLink Premium subscription for remote management, firmware updates, and advanced fleet-level reporting. Supports ALMS out-of-band management, reducing truck rolls and streamlining deployment.
• Hybrid Cloud capability is also available for customers needing on-premise control with cloud accessibility.

Connectivity Requirements

To operate the AirLink XR90 on CBRS or cellular networks, you’ll need:

• Two Mini-2FF (standard-size) SIMs provisioned for use on a private LTE/5G CBRS network or a supported public carrier such as AT&T, Verizon, or FirstNet. The device supports automatic failover and policy-based routing between SIMs.
• The AirLink XR90 includes a 1-year subscription to AirLink Premium. Continued access to remote management, firmware updates, and out-of-band management after the first year requires an active subscription.

Deploying CBRS-capable routers and vehicle-mounted gateways requires careful planning — from SIM provisioning and antenna selection to mobile network configuration and connectivity testing. Our team can help design, configure, and deploy these routers in the field, ensuring reliable performance from day one. Reach out here to get started.

Kit Contents

• AirLink XR90 router (dual 5G variant)
• DC power cable
• LPWA antenna (for out-of-band management)
• Quick start guide
• AirLink Premium subscription leaflet

We can bundle this device with SIMs, compatible RAN equipment, and end-to-end deployment support. Reach out to our expert team here or email us at [email protected].