Sierra Wireless AirLink XR80: Wi‑Fi 6 Industrial Modem/Wireless Router with Dual SIM

The Sierra Wireless AirLink XR80 is a high‑performance, purpose‑built router engineered for reliability in both fixed and mobile deployments. Designed to thrive in harsh environments and mission‑critical scenarios, this system blends the speed and capacity of Wi‑Fi 6 with the resilience of dual 5G cellular radios and two SIM slots. The XR80 delivers flexible configuration options—from rugged outdoor installations to vehicle‑based applications—while keeping your entire network securely connected from device to cloud. Whether you’re powering fleet telematics, remote monitoring, or industrial IoT gateways, the XR80 offers the flexibility, security, and manageability you need to stay online and productive. The combination of Ethernet connectivity, advanced wireless technologies, and cloud‑based management helps reduce total cost of ownership and streamline deployment across diverse sites and geographies.

• Dual-5G cellular radios for multi‑network resilience. The XR80 is equipped with two 5G cellular radios, enabling rapid handoffs, broader coverage, and the ability to operate across multiple carrier networks. This dual‑radio setup ensures mission‑critical applications stay online even when one network experiences congestion or outages, delivering consistent data throughput and improved reliability for remote assets and mobile deployments.
• 4X5 MIMO Wi‑Fi 6 for fast, reliable wireless access. With Wi‑Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) support and 4X5 MIMO architecture, the XR80 delivers higher throughput, better range, and lower latency in crowded environments. This translates to smoother video feeds, quicker data transfers, and more dependable device connectivity in industrial facilities, vehicles, and field sites where many devices compete for bandwidth.
• 2 SIM slots for carrier diversity and seamless roaming. The XR80’s dual SIM design provides optional carrier diversity, allowing you to provision more than one mobile network profile. This capability enables automatic failover between networks and regional roaming, ensuring critical devices remain connected as they move across coverage areas or transition between networks.
• Versatile Ethernet and wired LAN/WAN integration. In addition to wireless connectivity, the XR80 offers robust Ethernet options to connect local devices, sensors, or edge gateways. This wired connectivity complements wireless links, giving you a reliable backbone for industrial systems, on‑site automation, and enterprise deployments that require stable, low‑latency communications.
• End‑to‑end device‑to‑cloud security with ALMS for simplified management. The XR80 emphasizes security from edge to cloud, supporting comprehensive device‑to‑cloud protection and management through Sierra Wireless’ AirLink Management Service (ALMS). This cloud‑based management platform enables remote provisioning, monitoring, and updates, helping to reduce the operational burden and maintain strong, consistent security across all connected devices.

Technical Details of Sierra Wireless AirLink XR80

• Wireless standard: IEEE 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) for improved efficiency, throughput, and performance in dense environments.
• Cellular capability: Dual 5G cellular radios designed for high‑speed cellular connectivity and flexible network use across multiple bands.
• SIM configuration: Supports two SIM cards to enable carrier diversity, roaming, and robust failover options.
• Connectivity options: Ethernet connectivity for wired LAN/WAN configurations, providing a reliable backbone for edge devices and networks.
• Security and management: Device‑to‑cloud security with ALMS (AirLink Management Service) for centralized, cloud‑based device management, monitoring, and updates.
• Form factor and use case: Industrial‑grade router optimized for fixed and mobile installations, designed to operate in challenging environments and support enterprise‑grade applications.
• Power and installation flexibility: Flexible power and mounting options to accommodate vehicle installations, remote sites, or on‑premises deployments while maintaining stable performance.
• Deployment reach: Built to support a wide range of services, including remote monitoring, fleet management, and IoT gateways, with scalable, cloud‑driven management for large deployments.

how to install Sierra Wireless AirLink XR80

Getting started with the AirLink XR80 is designed to be straightforward, enabling fast deployment and quick access to secure connectivity. Follow these practical steps to bring the XR80 online and ready for operation:

• Prepare the unit and location: Unbox the XR80 and inspect the device for any shipping damage. Choose a stable, ventilated mounting location suitable for industrial environments, and ensure power availability. If the installation is vehicle‑based, identify an appropriate power source and mounting surface that minimizes vibration and exposure to the elements.
• Insert SIM cards and verify coverage: Open the SIM slots and insert the two SIM cards. Ensure the cards are properly seated and oriented according to the device’s guidelines. Confirm there is cellular coverage in the intended installation area, taking note of any regional roaming requirements if you plan to utilize multiple networks.
• Connect Ethernet devices: If you will be using wired LAN connections, attach your Ethernet devices to the XR80’s RJ‑45 ports. This provides a stable wired path for critical equipment, edge gateways, or on‑premises services that demand low latency and deterministic performance.
• Power up and initial status check: Apply power and observe the LED indicators to verify boot and normal operation. Depending on the model, you may see statuses for power, cellular signal, Wi‑Fi, and LAN activity, indicating the device is ready for configuration.
• Configure network and security settings: Access the XR80’s management interface via the browser or through ALMS for cloud‑based provisioning. Establish WAN/LAN configurations, select the preferred SIM profiles, enable required VPN or firewall policies, and set up roaming or failover rules as needed for your application.
• Enable cloud management and monitoring: Register the XR80 with AirLink Management Service (ALMS) to enable centralized monitoring, firmware updates, and remote diagnostics. This step helps streamline ongoing maintenance and ensures devices stay up to date with the latest security patches and feature enhancements.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What makes the XR80 suitable for industrial environments? A: The XR80 combines Wi‑Fi 6 performance with dual 5G cellular radios, dual SIM support, and rugged design features optimized for fixed and mobile industrial deployments, delivering strong edge‑to‑cloud security and reliable remote management through ALMS.
• Q: Does the XR80 support dual SIM with automatic failover? A: Yes. With two SIM slots, you can configure carrier diversity and automatic failover to maintain connectivity even if one network experiences outages or degradation.
• Q: Is Wi‑Fi 6 essential for my use case? A: Wi‑Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) provides improved efficiency, higher throughput, and better performance in environments with many connected devices—ideal for industrial sites, vehicles, and smart facilities where multiple devices compete for bandwidth.
• Q: Can I manage XR80 devices remotely? A: Absolutely. ALMS (AirLink Management Service) offers cloud‑based provisioning, monitoring, and firmware management, enabling scalable administration of large deployments from a single interface.
• Q: What kind of connectivity does XR80 offer beyond wireless? A: In addition to Wi‑Fi 6, the XR80 provides Ethernet connectivity to support wired LAN/WAN configurations, making it versatile for hybrid networks and edge‑to‑cloud architectures.
• Q: Is XR80 designed for vehicle use? A: Yes. The XR80’s industrial design and flexible power/ mounting options are well‑suited for mobile and in‑vehicle deployments, providing reliable connectivity as assets move between coverage areas.