Network Router, Gateway, and Bridge Devices

Network routers, gateways, and bridge devices are foundational components of advanced communication systems across unmanned systems, including drones, robotics, and autonomous platforms.

These devices enable reliable and high-speed data transfer both within a vehicle’s subsystems as well as between vehicles, sensors, and control stations. They provide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and autonomous marine systems with real-time data sharing, mission execution, and remote monitoring capabilities.

Table of Contents:

• What is a Router?
• Modem vs Router
• What does a Router Do?
• Gateways
• Bridge Devices
• Wireless Routers for Mission-Critical Applications
• Reliable Connectivity for Unmanned Systems

What is a Router?

A router is a network device that manages and directs the flow of data between different systems, networks, or endpoints. In unmanned systems, routers act as communication hubs, ensuring that telemetry data, video feeds, and control signals are routed efficiently between onboard systems and ground control stations. Unlike simpler network devices, a router connects multiple networks and determines the most efficient path for data transmission.

In advanced unmanned applications, specialized wireless routers and wired routers are used to maintain consistent communication under challenging conditions. Drones will typically use routers to access Wi-Fi, satellite or cellular (4G LTE/5G) networks.

Ruggedized routers designed for harsh environments ensure reliable operation in extreme temperatures, high-vibration conditions, and areas with limited network infrastructure. Modern advancements offer higher speeds, reduced latency, and improved efficiency for especially data-intensive applications in UAVs, robotics, and multi-vehicle operations.

Modem vs Router

What is the difference between a modem, a router, and a switch?

Routers

A router manages and directs the flow of data between multiple devices or networks. In unmanned systems, a router distributes telemetry, control signals, and sensor data from various components onboard and links them to external ground stations, SATCOM or cellular services, and other networks. Routers can also ensure optimized data paths, reducing latency for real-time operations like navigation, video streaming, and payload control.

Switches

A switch operates within a single network, enabling data transfer between devices like sensors, processors, and communication modules. For instance, in robotics or UGVs, switches aggregate sensor data (LIDAR, cameras, etc.) and ensure efficient communication between onboard systems.

Modems

A modem allows unmanned systems to communicate with external sources, such as satellite networks, cellular systems, or the internet, and converts digital data from the vehicle’s network into signals suitable for transmission. For example, UAVs operating in remote areas often rely on satellite modems to maintain connectivity with ground control stations. Unmanned vehicles may also use RF (radio frequency) modems to communicate with ground control stations.

What does a Router do?

Network Routers Enable Communication in Unmanned Systems

In UAVs, UGVs, and autonomous marine platforms, routers play a critical role in managing data flow across multiple devices. These platforms require high-performance communication systems to handle:

• Real-time video streaming for surveillance and reconnaissance
• Telemetry data for navigation, health monitoring, and system diagnostics
• Control signals for remote operation and autonomous mission execution

Dual-band routers and tri-band routers may be used in multi-channel communication scenarios within ground infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted data transmission. The ability to operate on multiple frequencies allows routers to avoid interference, prioritize critical data streams, and enhance network reliability.

For systems requiring long-range communication, Ethernet routers and satellite-compatible gateways provide reliable wired and wireless connections. These routers often support hybrid connectivity solutions, integrating satellite links, radio frequency (RF) communications, and secure internet protocols to maintain consistent operations across remote or disconnected environments.

Gateways

Bridging Networks for Seamless Operations

Gateways serve as intermediaries between different network protocols, enabling communication across devices with varying standards and architectures. In unmanned systems, gateways are essential for ensuring compatibility between onboard systems, ground control stations, and external communication networks.

Gateways convert and route data from sensors, cameras, and controllers to centralized networks, ensuring that information flows seamlessly across UAVs, UGVs, and marine platforms. These devices also enable mixed connectivity, integrating satellite communications, cellular networks (4G/5G), and radio frequencies to create versatile and redundant communication pathways.

Bridge Devices

Connecting Networks for Unified Communication

Bridge devices, such as network bridges and Ethernet switches, are critical for interconnecting networks in unmanned systems. These devices facilitate data transfer between local area networks (LANs) or between onboard systems and external networks. Bridges are particularly useful for aggregating sensor data, telemetry, and mission-critical information in autonomous vehicles.

For example, a bridge device can connect multiple payload sensors on a UAV to a central communication router, ensuring that video, imaging, and environmental data are efficiently relayed to ground control. Similarly, in UGV platforms, wired Ethernet bridges enable onboard systems to share telemetry and navigation data seamlessly across multiple processors and control modules.

Wireless Routers for Mission-Critical Applications

Routers, gateways, and bridge devices deployed in unmanned systems must meet stringent performance requirements to support mission-critical operations. Key features include:

• Ruggedization: Devices must withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, moisture, and dust. Rugged wired routers and wireless routers are essential for UAVs, UGVs, and marine platforms operating in harsh conditions.
• Low Latency: Advanced routers prioritize telemetry and control signals to ensure real-time operation with minimal latency. This is especially critical for UAVs performing surveillance or precision maneuvers.
• Cybersecurity: VPN-enabled routers and secure gateways offer encrypted communication, protecting sensitive mission data from unauthorized access or interception.
• High Bandwidth: High-throughput data transmission is critical for supporting live video streaming, multi-sensor data sharing, and large-scale operations.

Reliable Connectivity for Unmanned Systems

As unmanned systems become more complex and data-intensive, high-performance routers, gateways, and bridge devices are essential for ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient communication. By enabling seamless data transfer across networks, these devices support real-time decision-making, precision operations, and enhanced situational awareness in UAV, UGV, and marine applications. Ruggedized and adaptable networking solutions ensure that unmanned systems can perform consistently in challenging environments, empowering next-generation autonomous capabilities.