Teltonika RUT906 vs RUT956 Leave a comment
Teltonika RUT906 vs RUT956: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking at industrial 4G routers with serial connectivity, you’ve probably come across both the Teltonika RUT906 and RUT956. At first glance, these two models look almost identical — and for good reason. They share the same hardware platform, the same features, and even the same form factor. So what’s actually different, and which one should you buy?
In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between these popular industrial routers and help you understand which model is right for your application.
The Key Difference: It’s All About the Modem And Certifications
The only meaningful difference between the RUT906 and RUT956 is the internal LTE modem and the certification:
| Model | Internal Modem |
|---|---|
| RUT956 | Quectel EC25 or Meiglink SLM750 (depending on order code) |
| RUT906 | Meiglink SLM770A |
Both routers are built on the same MediaTek MIPS SoC architecture with identical memory and storage configurations. The software is the same (RutOS), the physical interfaces are the same, and the feature set is identical.
So why does the modem matter? The choice of modem determines:
- Supported frequency bands — Different modems support different LTE bands, which affects carrier compatibility in different regions
- Regional certifications — Each modem variant carries different regulatory approvals for specific countries and markets
- Carrier compatibility — Some modems work better with specific mobile network operators
- View certifications in the Teltonika WiKi (RUT956 Certification | RUT906 Certification)
When ordering, you’ll notice different product codes (like RUT906 000200) that indicate which regional variant you’re getting. This ensures you receive a router certified and optimised for use with UK and European mobile networks.
Shared Features: What Both Models Offer
Since the RUT906 and RUT956 share the same platform, they both deliver the same impressive feature set that’s made Teltonika’s industrial routers so popular.
Cellular Connectivity
Both routers support Cat 4 LTE with download speeds up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. They also fall back to 3G (up to 42 Mbps) and 2G when LTE coverage isn’t available. The dual SIM slots provide automatic failover between carriers — essential for maintaining connectivity in mission-critical applications.
Serial Interfaces: RS232 and RS485
This is where the RUT9xx series really shines for industrial applications. Both models include RS232 and RS485 serial interfaces, enabling direct communication with legacy industrial equipment, PLCs, meters, and sensors. Combined with protocol support for Modbus (TCP and RTU) and BACnet, these routers can integrate older equipment into modern IoT infrastructure without requiring expensive upgrades.
GNSS/GPS Capability
Built-in GPS provides accurate location tracking and time synchronisation. This is particularly valuable for fleet management, asset tracking, and applications where precise timestamps matter — such as energy monitoring or SCADA systems.
Networking and I/O
Both models include four Ethernet ports (three LAN, one configurable WAN/LAN), Wi-Fi that can operate as either an access point or client, and a versatile I/O block. The I/O capability includes digital inputs, analogue inputs, and digital outputs — useful for monitoring door switches, temperature sensors, or triggering external alarms.
RutOS Software
Teltonika’s RutOS operating system runs on both routers, providing an extensive feature set including VPN support (OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, Tinc, Zerotier), firewall, QoS, VLAN configuration, and remote management via Teltonika’s RMS platform. The web interface is intuitive and the routers support extensive automation through SMS commands, scheduled tasks, and event-driven actions.
Common Use Cases
The RUT906 and RUT956 are workhorses in industrial IoT deployments. Here’s where you’ll commonly find them:
Remote Site Connectivity
Whether it’s a water pumping station, electrical substation, or agricultural monitoring post, these routers provide reliable internet connectivity in locations where fixed-line broadband isn’t available. The dual SIM failover ensures the site stays online even if one mobile network experiences issues.
Building Management Systems
The RS485 interface makes these routers ideal for connecting BMS controllers to cloud platforms. Many building automation systems use BACnet over serial connections, and the RUT906/956 can bridge this to IP-based monitoring systems without requiring expensive gateway hardware.
CCTV and Security
Remote CCTV installations often lack fixed internet connections. These routers provide the bandwidth needed for live video streaming while the VPN capabilities ensure secure transmission. The I/O ports can also integrate with alarm panels and access control systems.
Energy Monitoring
Smart metering and energy monitoring applications frequently rely on the RUT9xx series. The serial interfaces connect to energy meters, the cellular connection uploads data to cloud platforms, and GNSS provides accurate timestamps for consumption data. The industrial temperature rating (-40°C to +75°C) ensures reliable operation in outdoor electrical cabinets.
Fleet and Asset Tracking
The combination of GPS and cellular connectivity makes these routers suitable for vehicle tracking and mobile asset management. They can provide both location data and in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers or crew.
Industrial Automation and SCADA
Legacy industrial equipment with serial interfaces can be brought online without costly upgrades. The Modbus support enables direct communication with PLCs and sensors, while VPN tunnels provide secure connections back to central SCADA systems.
Which One Should You Buy?
For most UK customers, the choice between RUT906 and RUT956 comes down to availability and which regional variant your supplier stocks. The functionality is identical — you’re simply selecting a modem optimised for your region’s mobile networks.
If you’re deploying in the UK, look for order codes that specify UK/EU compatibility. Both models will work on all major UK networks (EE, Three, Vodafone, O2) when configured with the appropriate regional modem.
At 3G Router Store, we stock the variants certified for UK use, so you can be confident your router will work straight out of the box with any UK SIM card.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | RUT906 / RUT956 |
|---|---|
| Cellular | Cat 4 LTE (150/50 Mbps), 3G, 2G |
| SIM | Dual SIM with auto-failover |
| Ethernet | 4 x 10/100 Mbps (3 LAN + 1 WAN/LAN) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz |
| Serial | RS232 + RS485 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou |
| I/O | Digital inputs, analogue input, digital output |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +75°C |
| Power | 9-30 VDC |
| Enclosure | Aluminium housing, IP30 |
Summary
The Teltonika RUT906 and RUT956 are essentially the same router with different internal modems for regional compatibility. Both deliver rock-solid industrial 4G connectivity with the serial interfaces and I/O capabilities that make them indispensable for SCADA, building management, remote monitoring, and countless other IoT applications.
When choosing between them, focus on getting the regional variant that’s certified for your country and compatible with your mobile network — the features and performance will be identical regardless of which model you select.
Download the RUT906 and RUT956 Datasheets and make your own comparison – but in most cases the RUT906 is suitable for most UK deployments.
Need help choosing the right Teltonika router for your project? Contact our team for expert advice on industrial connectivity solutions.
