New Teltonika Global Routers: RUT281, RUT981 & RUT986 – Available Soon From Your Trusted Diamond Partner Leave a comment
Teltonika Global 4G Routers – RUT281, RUT981 and RUT986
Teltonika Networks has just launched three new LTE Cat 4 routers that replace the popular RUT241, RUT951, and RUT956 with genuinely global hardware. The RUT281, RUT981, and RUT986 each use a Telit cellular modem that covers 18 LTE bands, 7 UMTS bands, and 4 GSM bands in a single unit — eliminating the regional variants that have complicated ordering and stock management for years.
As a Teltonika Diamond Partner, 3G Router Store (part of Millbeck Communications) doesn’t just sell the router. We deliver the complete deployment package: the right Teltonika router, matched external antennas for your environment, and a global IoT SIM card — configured, tested, and shipped from a single UK source. No chasing three different suppliers. No mismatched components arriving on different days. One order, one shipment, one point of contact for expert support.
Here’s what you need to know about each model, who they’re designed for, and how to choose between them.
About Teltonika Networks
For those new to the brand, Teltonika Networks is a Lithuanian manufacturer that has become one of the world’s leading producers of industrial cellular routers and IoT gateways. Founded in 1998, they now ship millions of devices annually to over 170 countries, with a product range spanning compact LTE routers through to enterprise 5G gateways and managed Ethernet switches.
What sets Teltonika apart in the industrial space is their purpose-built operating system, RutOS, based on OpenWrt but hardened and extended for industrial and IoT use. Every router runs the same consistent firmware platform with built-in support for industrial protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and OPC UA — features that competitors typically charge extra for or hide behind licence keys.
Teltonika operates a tiered partner programme, and Diamond Partner is the highest tier. It means we have direct access to Teltonika’s technical engineering team, priority allocation on new product launches, and the deepest product training available. When you buy from 3G Router Store, you’re buying from a team that knows these products inside out — not a generalist reseller reading from a spec sheet.
What’s Changed: The Move to Global Telit Modems
If you’ve ordered Teltonika routers before, you’ll know the pain of regional variants. Need a RUT241 for a UK deployment? That’s one order code. Same router for an Australian site? Different code, different modem, different stock line. Deploying across Europe and North America? You’re managing two separate SKUs for what is functionally the same device.
The new generation fixes this entirely. All three models — RUT281, RUT981, and RUT986 — use a Telit LTE Cat 4 modem that supports a comprehensive set of global bands:
4G LTE (18 bands): B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B8_US, B9, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28
3G UMTS (7 bands): B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B8, B19
2G GSM (4 bands): B2, B3, B5, B8
That single band list covers every major market. Band 20 and Band 8 for European deployments. Bands 2, 4, 12, 13, and 25 for US carriers. Band 14 for FirstNet public safety networks. Band 28 for Australia, New Zealand, and the growing APT 700 MHz deployments across Asia-Pacific and parts of Europe. Band 18 and 19 for Japan.
For our customers deploying across multiple countries — particularly in the energy sector where a single project might span UK, European, and Middle Eastern sites — this is transformational. One part number, one stock line, one configuration template.
All three models deliver LTE Cat 4 speeds (up to 150 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up) under 3GPP Release 10, with automatic fallback to 3G and 2G where 4G coverage isn’t available.
The Other Big Addition: eSIM
Every new model includes a built-in consumer eSIM alongside the physical SIM slot(s). The eSIM supports up to 7 downloadable profiles and can be provisioned remotely — meaning you can ship a router to site with no physical SIM inserted and activate connectivity over the air.
This is particularly valuable for managed deployments where site access is expensive or logistically difficult. Solar farms, remote substations, construction sites, maritime applications — anywhere you’d rather not send an engineer just to insert a SIM card.
The eSIM also serves as an additional failover layer. On the dual-SIM models (RUT981 and RUT986), you get three connectivity options: Physical SIM 1 → Physical SIM 2 → eSIM, with automatic switching based on signal quality, data usage, or network availability.
We supply global IoT SIMs alongside every router, so whether you need a single-network UK SIM, a multi-network roaming SIM, or a global eSIM profile for international deployments, we’ll match the right connectivity to your project.
Teltonika RUT281 — The Compact Workhorse
The RUT281 replaces the RUT241 as Teltonika’s smallest industrial LTE router. At just 83 × 25 × 74 mm and 130 grams, it fits into enclosures, behind screens, and inside cabinets where space is at a premium.
Who It’s For
CCTV cameras, vending machines, digital signage, environmental sensors, car park payment terminals, building access systems, and any fixed installation that needs reliable 4G connectivity without complex I/O or serial interfaces.
Key Specifications
Key Specifications| Cellular | LTE Cat 4: 150/50 Mbps · 3G: 21/5.76 Mbps · 2G fallback |
| SIM | 1 × Physical Mini SIM (2FF) + eSIM (7 profiles) |
| Ethernet | 2 × RJ45 (10/100 Mbps) — 1 WAN + 1 LAN |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi 4), AP + Station mode, up to 50 clients |
| I/O | 1 × Digital Input, 1 × Digital Output (30V / 300mA) |
| Antennas | 2 × SMA (cellular), 1 × RP-SMA (Wi-Fi) |
| Power | 9–30 VDC, passive PoE on LAN1, max consumption < 4W |
| CPU / Memory | Mediatek 580 MHz MIPS, 128 MB DDR2 RAM, 32 MB SPI Flash |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +65°C |
| Dimensions | 83 × 25 × 74 mm, 130 g, IP30 |
| Mounting | DIN rail, wall mount, or flat surface (optional kit) |
What’s in the Box
Router, quick start guide, regional PSU (9W), 2 × SMA mobile antennas, 1 × RP-SMA Wi-Fi antenna, 1.5m Ethernet cable, SIM adapter kit.
Upgrading from RUT241?
The physical dimensions are identical — it’s a direct drop-in replacement with no panel modifications needed. The main differences: global bands replace regional variants, you gain eSIM capability, and you get the full industrial protocol stack (Modbus TCP, OPC UA, DNP3, DLMS/COSEM) as standard. The one thing to note is that maximum 3G speed drops from 42 Mbps (DC-HSPA+) to 21 Mbps (HSPA+) — a trade-off of the compact global modem that won’t matter for the vast majority of 4G-primary deployments. The upper operating temperature also narrows slightly from +75°C to +65°C, so check your enclosure conditions if you’re deploying in extreme heat.
Our Recommendation: Pair It Right
The RUT281 ships with basic SMA stub antennas. For any serious deployment — particularly outdoor or industrial — replace these with a properly specified external antenna. We stock panel, dome, and omni-directional LTE antennas from Poynting, Panorama, and Teltonika’s own range, and we’ll advise on the right choice for your installation. The difference between a £5 stub antenna and a correctly mounted external antenna can be 10–15 dB of gain — that’s the difference between a marginal connection and a solid one.
Teltonika RUT981 — The Commercial All-Rounder
The RUT981 replaces the RUT951 and steps up to four Ethernet ports, dual physical SIMs plus eSIM, and significantly improved Wi-Fi. It’s the sweet spot for deployments that need more connectivity options than the compact RUT281 can offer.
Who It’s For
Retail stores, branch offices, pop-up sites, EV charging stations, kiosks, temporary event connectivity, construction site offices, and any commercial environment where both wired and wireless clients need reliable internet.
Key Specifications
Key Specifications| Cellular | LTE Cat 4: 150/50 Mbps · 3G: 42/5.76 Mbps (DC-HSPA+) · 2G fallback |
| SIM | 2 × Physical Mini SIM (2FF) + eSIM (7 profiles) |
| Ethernet | 4 × RJ45 (10/100 Mbps) — 1 WAN + 3 LAN |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi 4), 2×2 MIMO, AP + Station, up to 100 clients |
| Hotspot 2.0 | Yes — Passpoint support for enterprise Wi-Fi roaming |
| I/O | 1 × Digital Input, 1 × Digital Output (on power connector) |
| Antennas | 2 × SMA (cellular), 2 × RP-SMA (Wi-Fi, MIMO) |
| Power | 9–30 VDC, passive PoE on LAN1, max consumption < 4.27W |
| CPU / Memory | Mediatek 580 MHz MIPS, 128 MB DDR2 RAM, 32 MB NOR Flash |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +65°C |
| Dimensions | 110 × 50 × 100 mm, 268 g, IP30 |
| Mounting | DIN rail (standard) or wall mount |
What’s in the Box
Router, quick start guide, regional PSU (18W), 2 × SMA mobile antennas, 2 × RP-SMA Wi-Fi antennas, 1.5m Ethernet cable, SIM adapter kit.
Upgrading from RUT951?
Same physical footprint — direct replacement. The headline upgrades are 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (replacing the old 1×1 SISO), doubling maximum clients from 50 to 100, adding Hotspot 2.0 (Passpoint) for enterprise roaming, and the addition of EoIP and OpenConnect VPN tunnelling. EoIP is particularly useful if you’re integrating with MikroTik infrastructure, while OpenConnect provides compatibility with Cisco AnyConnect VPN gateways.
The RUT981 also gains the expanded industrial protocol support (Modbus TCP, OPC UA, DNP3, DLMS/COSEM) that was previously limited to higher-tier models.
Our Recommendation: Wi-Fi Done Properly
The jump to 2×2 MIMO makes the RUT981 genuinely viable as a primary Wi-Fi source for small commercial spaces. But the supplied RP-SMA antennas are designed for benchtop testing, not production. For retail or branch deployments, consider ceiling-mounted or panel Wi-Fi antennas to get the best coverage pattern. We can supply matched antenna kits that cover both cellular and Wi-Fi from a single external unit — cleaner installation, better performance.
Teltonika RUT986 — The Industrial Flagship
The RUT986 replaces the RUT956 and is Teltonika’s most capable LTE Cat 4 router. Everything from the RUT981 plus RS232 and RS485 serial ports, a full GNSS receiver, comprehensive industrial I/O, micro SD storage, and the complete suite of industrial communication protocols. This is the router for SCADA, energy, utilities, building automation, and any deployment where you’re connecting to legacy serial equipment or need deterministic industrial networking.
Who It’s For
Solar farms, battery energy storage systems (BESS), EV charging infrastructure, substations, water treatment plants, building management systems, smart metering, fleet management, and any industrial or utility deployment requiring serial connectivity and industrial protocols.
Key Specifications
Key Specifications| Cellular | LTE Cat 4: 150/50 Mbps · 3G: 42/5.76 Mbps (DC-HSPA+) · 2G fallback |
| SIM | 2 × Physical Mini SIM (2FF) + eSIM (7 profiles) |
| Ethernet | 4 × RJ45 (10/100 Mbps) — 1 WAN (configurable) + 3 LAN |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi 4), AP + Station mode |
| Serial | RS232 (DB9) + RS485 (full/half duplex, screw terminal) |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS (5 constellation) |
| I/O | 3 × DI (incl. galvanically isolated), 1 × AI (4–20 mA), 2 × DO, 1 × Relay (40V/4A) |
| Storage | Micro SD up to 2 TB |
| USB | USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Antennas | 2 × SMA (cellular), 1 × RP-SMA (Wi-Fi), 1 × SMA (GNSS) |
| Power | 9–30 VDC, passive PoE on LAN1, max consumption < 7W |
| CPU / Memory | Mediatek 580 MHz MIPS, 128 MB DDR2 RAM, 32 MB NOR Flash |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +65°C, 10–95% humidity (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions | 110 × 50 × 100 mm, 294 g, IP30 |
| Mounting | DIN rail (standard) or wall mount |
What’s in the Box
Router, quick start guide, regional PSU (18W), 2 × SMA mobile antennas, 1 × RP-SMA Wi-Fi antenna, 1 × SMA GNSS antenna, 1.5m Ethernet cable, SIM adapter kit.
Industrial Protocol Stack
This is where the RUT986 separates itself from the rest of the range. The full protocol support includes:
Modbus: TCP gateway plus RTU master/slave over RS232, RS485, and USB. This is the bread and butter of energy monitoring — connect to inverters, meters, and sensors over serial, convert to Modbus TCP, and backhaul over 4G to your SCADA platform.
DNP3: Station and outstation modes over RS232, RS485, TCP, and USB. Essential for utility and water industry deployments following DNP3 SCADA architectures.
BACnet: Router mode bridging BACnet MS/TP (over RS485) to BACnet/IP (over TCP). This makes the RUT986 a proper BACnet router for building automation — not just a transparent serial forwarder.
OPC UA: Client and server over TCP. Industry 4.0 interoperability.
DLMS/COSEM: Client over RS232, RS485, and TCP. Smart metering protocol support for AMI and AMR deployments.
New Features vs RUT956
The big additions over the legacy RUT956 are VRF support (virtual routing and forwarding for traffic segmentation — critical in utility networks where SCADA traffic must be isolated from management traffic), micro SD storage up to 2 TB (local data logging when the cellular link drops), port mirroring for network diagnostics, QZSS constellation support for improved GNSS accuracy in Asia-Pacific, and of course the global Telit modem with eSIM.
Physical dimensions remain identical at 110 × 50 × 100 mm, so it’s a direct panel swap from the RUT956.
Our Recommendation: The Energy Sector Sweet Spot
We deploy the RUT956 (and now the RUT986) extensively across UK solar farms, BESS installations, and EV charging networks. The combination of RS485 Modbus RTU for inverter and BMS monitoring, dual-SIM failover for connection resilience, and the compact DIN-rail form factor makes it the go-to choice for energy sector connectivity.
For energy deployments, we supply the RUT986 as a complete kit: router, weatherproof external LTE antenna (typically a Poynting OMNI-0402 or Panorama LGMM series depending on site requirements), antenna cable, and a multi-network IoT SIM on our managed connectivity platform. One order, fully configured, ready to install.
Quick Comparison: Which Router Do You Need?
| RUT281 | RUT981 | RUT986 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Compact connectivity | Commercial all-rounder | Industrial gateway |
| Physical SIMs | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Wi-Fi MIMO | No (SISO) | Yes (2×2) | No (SISO) |
| Max Wi-Fi Clients | 50 | 100 | 50 |
| Hotspot 2.0 | No | Yes | No |
| Serial (RS232/RS485) | No | No | Yes |
| GNSS | No | No | Yes (5 constellation) |
| Industrial I/O | Basic (1 DI, 1 DO) | Basic (1 DI, 1 DO) | Full (3 DI, AI, 2 DO, Relay) |
| Micro SD | No | No | Up to 2 TB |
| Modbus RTU (Serial) | No | No | Yes |
| BACnet Router | No | No | Yes |
| VRF | No | No | Yes |
| EoIP / OpenConnect | No | Yes | Yes |
| 3G Speed | 21 Mbps | 42 Mbps | 42 Mbps |
| Power (max) | < 4W | < 4.27W | < 7W |
| Size | 83 × 25 × 74 mm | 110 × 50 × 100 mm | 110 × 50 × 100 mm |
Simple rule of thumb: If you need serial ports or industrial I/O, it’s the RUT986. If you need strong Wi-Fi for multiple wireless clients, it’s the RUT981. If you need compact, cost-effective cellular connectivity, it’s the RUT281.
Order Codes
All models are available with EU, UK, US, and AU power supplies. Mass packing codes are available for volume deployments.
| Model | Order Code | PSU |
|---|---|---|
| RUT281 | RUT281000000 | EU |
| RUT281 | RUT281002000 | UK |
| RUT281 | RUT281003000 | US |
| RUT281 | RUT281004000 | AU |
| RUT281 | RUT281001020 | Mass pack |
| RUT981 | RUT981000000 | EU |
| RUT981 | RUT981000200 | UK |
| RUT981 | RUT981000300 | US |
| RUT981 | RUT981000400 | AU |
| RUT981 | RUT981000500 | Mass pack |
| RUT986 | RUT986000000 | EU |
| RUT986 | RUT986000200 | UK |
| RUT986 | RUT986000300 | US |
| RUT986 | RUT986000400 | AU |
| RUT986 | RUT986000500 | Mass pack |
HS Code: 851762 · HTS: 8517.62.00
Certifications
All three models carry the same comprehensive set of global regulatory approvals: CE (EU), UKCA (UK), FCC (US), ISED (Canada), RCM (Australia/NZ), EAC (Eurasian), UCRF (Ukraine), and CB Scheme for international safety recognition.
The full EMC testing covers EN 301 489-1/-52, EN 55032/55035, FCC Part 15B, and ICES-003. RF standards include EN 301 908-1/-2/-13, EN 300 328, FCC Parts 22/24/27, and RSS-130/132/133. Safety certification covers IEC 62368-1 (EN/UL) and IEC 62311 for RF exposure.
Why Buy from 3G Router Store?
We’re not a marketplace listing. We’re a Teltonika Diamond Partner — the highest level in their partner programme — with over 25 years of telecommunications experience through our parent company, Millbeck Communications.
Complete solution, single source. We supply the router, the antenna, and the SIM. Not three separate orders from three separate companies — one configured package from people who understand how all the components work together.
Expert deployment support. We’ll advise on antenna selection for your specific environment (indoor panel vs outdoor omni vs directional), SIM provisioning strategy (single-network vs multi-network vs eSIM), and router configuration for your use case. Whether you’re connecting a single CCTV camera or rolling out 500 solar inverter monitoring points, we’ve done it before.
UK-based stock and shipping. No waiting for European warehouses. UK stock, UK shipping, UK support.
Managed IoT SIMs. Our connectivity platform provides multi-network SIMs that roam between UK operators for maximum coverage, plus global IoT SIMs for international deployments. Usage monitoring, automated alerts, and remote SIM management included.
Volume pricing. Diamond Partner status means competitive pricing on volume orders. Get in touch for project-specific quotes.
Ready to Order?
The Teltonika RUT281, RUT981, and RUT986 are available now from 3G Router Store. Whether you need a single unit for evaluation or a bulk order for a nationwide rollout, we’ll put together the right package of router, antenna, and connectivity for your deployment.
Call us on0300 124 6181 or email sales@3grouterstore.co.uk to discuss your requirements. We’ll spec the complete solution and get you a quote the same day.
All specifications sourced from official Teltonika Networks datasheets v1.00 (February 2026). Specifications subject to change by Teltonika Networks without prior notice. 3G Router Store is a trading name of Millbeck Communications Ltd.
