What Is the Cisco D-LTE-AS=? LTE Advanced Features, Use Cases, and Deployment Guidelines



Overview of the D-LTE-AS=

The ​​Cisco D-LTE-AS=​​ (Dual-LTE Advanced Service Module) is a carrier-grade, enterprise-focused LTE Advanced Pro (4.5G) module designed for ​​mission-critical failover​​, IoT backhaul, and primary connectivity in remote or mobile deployments. Integrated into Cisco’s industrial router series (e.g., IR1100/IR1800), it provides ​​dual-SIM LTE Cat-12​​ support with carrier aggregation (CA), enabling up to 600 Mbps downlink speeds. Built for sectors like utilities, transportation, and emergency services, it ensures uptime in areas with unreliable wired infrastructure.


Core Technical Capabilities

  • ​LTE Advanced Pro​​: Supports ​​3x Carrier Aggregation (CA)​​, 256-QAM modulation, and 4×4 MIMO for peak throughput.
  • ​Dual-SIM Redundancy​​: Automatic failover between two carriers (e.g., AT&T and Verizon) to avoid single-operator outages.
  • ​Global Band Support​​: Operates across ​​30+ LTE bands​​, including B14 (FirstNet), B48 (CBRS), and B20 (EU 800 MHz).
  • ​Enhanced Security​​: IPsec VPN, AES-256 encryption, and Cisco Umbrella integration for threat defense.
  • ​Rugged Design​​: Rated for ​​-40°C to 75°C​​ operation, IP67 dust/water resistance, and MIL-STD-810G shock/vibration tolerance.

Key Applications

1. Critical Infrastructure Failover

For utilities (e.g., power grids, water plants), the D-LTE-AS= acts as a ​​last-resort WAN link​​ during fiber cuts or outages, ensuring SCADA systems remain online.

2. Transportation and Mobile Networks

Deployed in trains, buses, or emergency vehicles, it maintains ​​low-latency connectivity​​ for real-time GPS tracking, onboard diagnostics, and passenger Wi-Fi.

3. IoT and Smart Agriculture

Supports ​​massive IoT device density​​ (up to 1,000 endpoints per module) in remote farms or oil fields, leveraging LTE-M/NB-IoT for low-power sensors.


D-LTE-AS= vs. Competing LTE Modules

​Feature​ ​Cisco D-LTE-AS=​ ​Standard LTE Modules​
Carrier Aggregation 3x CA (600 Mbps) 2x CA (300 Mbps)
Redundancy Dual-SIM with auto-failover Single-SIM only
IoT Protocol Support LTE-M, NB-IoT, LoRaWAN LTE-M/NB-IoT only
Security Cisco Umbrella, IPsec VPN Basic VPN/encryption

Addressing Deployment Concerns

​Q: Is the D-LTE-AS= compatible with non-Cisco routers?​

No. It’s designed exclusively for Cisco industrial routers (e.g., IR1100, IR1800) and requires ​​Cisco IOS-XE firmware​​ for full functionality.

​Q: How does it handle carrier switching during outages?​

The module uses ​​Smart Dual-SIM Logic​​ to monitor signal health and switch carriers in <100 ms, ensuring uninterrupted service.

​Q: Are licenses required for LTE-M/NB-IoT?​

Yes. Cisco’s ​​Mobile Service License​​ is needed for advanced IoT features, while carrier data plans must be procured separately.


Where to Purchase the D-LTE-AS=

For guaranteed compatibility and support, the module is available through Cisco-authorized partners like “itmall.sale”. Ensure your router chassis and firmware are compatible before ordering.


Final Analysis

Having deployed LTE modules in harsh environments, the D-LTE-AS=’s dual-SIM redundancy and IoT readiness make it a standout for enterprises prioritizing uptime. While its upfront cost is higher than basic LTE modules, the reduction in downtime penalties and support for emerging IoT standards justifies the investment. However, organizations with static, urban deployments might find it overengineered—this module thrives where traditional networks falter. One caveat: carrier plan negotiations can be complex, so partner with MSPs experienced in multi-carrier LTE deployments to avoid billing surprises.

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