Industrial 3G Modems

Industrial 3G modems manufactured by Intercel provide the necessary M2M connections that you sought out in the efficient running of your remote sensing machines.

The modems are built with High-Speed Packet Access or HSPA that is crucial for the function of the 3G modems. This HSPA is provided with the internet connection by the use of the RS-323 serial data connectivity – the standard that is applied everywhere in the world of M2M applications.

So, whether you are working in remote sensing industry, m Health, smart security, farming, traffic management, or any other industry that requires your machines to transmit real-time data, 4G/3G HSPA modems of Intercel are ideal for your enterprise.

3G cellular services were first introduced in 1998, as a successor to 2G (GSM) cellular systems. 3G provided a greater focus on packet-switched and data services compared to 2G, which was aimed primarily at the voice and dial-up services. Intercel was already selling 2G industrial modems at this point, so we were able to introduce a compatible 3G Industrial Serial Modem relatively quickly.

New technology for cellular networking introduced about every 10 years. The ‘1G’ analog cellular system was introduced in 1979 and the early ’80s, followed by 2G in the early ’90s and then 3G at the turn of the century. Since then, we saw 4G introduced in the 2010 and are now on the verge of 5G being introduced in early 2020.

While 3G was a widely used service and still supported, it is now mostly obsolete compared to 4G. 3G is still in use, as there are still some areas where only 3G coverage is available. As most 4G modems are able to utilize 3G as well as 4G, 4G modems offer improved performance and reliability compared to 3G Serial Modems. For Industrial Modems, 3G technologies are not as competitive as 4G.

It is worth noting is that 2G, the predecessor to 3G, was also very popular and supported for its time, but it was still shut down in late 2017 to free up radio spectrum for 3G and 4G. While there are no plans in place to shut down 3G, it is a safe bet that the 3G network will eventually be shut down and supplanted by 4G and 5G systems. When buying an Industrial 3g modem, the service life and reliability of the system is critical. Because 3G serial modems are based on an older technology, they cannot offer the same useful lifespan as 4G offerings.

For new applications, we recommend purchasing our 4G modems rather than our legacy 3G products. Our 4G modems work in much the same way as our 3G products and will offer a longer useful life. Industrial 3g modems are only useful as long as the 3G network is in operation and coverage is available. When the 3G network is eventually shut down, it will be necessary to replace the modem.

Customers needing a 4G serial modem should consider our SAM4 as a replacement for the SAM3 3G serial modem and those needed an Ethernet modem should consider the eSAM as a suitable replacement for legacy products

Our 4G products do still support the 3G network in addition to 4G:

i. Most important here is Band 28, which is covered by Telstra and Optus and Widely used.

ii. Least important is Band 40, which is only offered by Optus in some areas.

As an exception, some applications are designed to work only with Circuit Switched Data (CSD). CSD is a more old-fashioned approach to network switching that relies on first forming a link or ‘circuit’ between two points before then sending data along this circuit. Modern systems rely on Packets Switched Data (PSD), which instead operates by breaking the message up into smaller pieces and then passing these along potentially different routes before reassembling them at the receiver. PSD allows for higher throughput over the network and better utilizes available resources.

For this reason, the 4G network designed for Packet Switched Data. 3G, 2G, and older technologies operate on Circuit Switched Data. For most applications like TCP/IP, SMS, and most data call applications it will not make a difference, but for those legacy applications that require Circuit Switched Data a 3G Industrial Serial Modem may be the only choice available at this time.

The other application where one might consider a 3G modem is where you rely on the AT commands set of a specific module. Different manufacturers use very similar but slightly different AT commands to control the modem, and so moving from a 3G modem to a 4G modem may (but does not always) involve a change to AT commands. It is best to raise a support ticket with Intercel in this situation, as we can provide documentation and advice on how to best support your application.



Our product range includes the SAM3T, an Industrial 3g USB modem which offers both USB and Serial connectivity. The SAM3T has a single antenna connector and does not offer a diversity antenna. We also offer a comparable 4G modem, the SAM4T, which is roughly equivalent to the SAM3T in design and features. The SAM4T is both a 3G Industrial Serial Modem and 4G modem, as it supports both 3G and 4G networks. It can be forced into a purely 3G mode if required.

For customers looking to replace an Industrial 3g USB modem, either our SAM4T or upcoming SAM4X modem would be suited. Both these modems have a micro-USB port that can be used with the modem. If a serial-port modem is enough, then any of our 4G or Cat M1 offering would be suited.

When purchasing an Industrial modem, 3G technologies are less attractive than 4G technologies. 3G systems should be considered a legacy system.

Efficient Monitoring Capabilities of Intercel 3G Modems

You can reduce the overhead costs of controlling your remote machines by monitoring their data and receiving it with the efficient USB 2.0 connectivity of the 3G modems. The price of installation and of maintenance is far low than any other means.

3G Modems SMS Integration

With the built-in messaging capabilities, you can reduce your efforts and save time by receiving all the updates via SMS. Not only that, through efficient query control systems and command execution through this capability, you can carry out any of the M2M application.

3G Modems Sturdy Design

Design that speaks to the industrial application in harsh environments is what is needed by 3G modems. The sturdy design confirms to the standards of such environments through their robust material. Furthermore, the devices are designed such that they can easily integrate with the targeted machine and can facilitate a fluid connection with the routing facility through RS-232.

Standard for SCADA/IoT

3G/4G/LTE routers can only provide efficient means of communication or data transfer between ISP and the targeted appliance/machine only if there is a viable link provided by the 3G/4G modems.

This is where our modems come in handy. They have been manufactured by incorporating improved technology keeping in mind the end-user. Therefore, they can be used effectively for any SCADA or Supervisory control and data acquisition or Internet of Things.

Any physical device that your enterprise operates would be able to receive and transmit data so that some of its functions are automated, and also you are saved from wasting your precious time and money in employing other means.

Any of our Serial USB RS232 is optimum for use in M2M applications. So, why don’t you contact us right away and be served the way you should be?