WE HAVE UPDATED RUTOS!
#rutos, #update
Software updates are vital to ensure high-level security, optimize performance and enhance user experience. As usual, we are thrilled to announce that we have updated Teltonika Networks RutOS to version v.R_00.07.01. So, we invite you to take a minute and walk through the most important highlights of our software’s latest additions and changes.
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RUTOS COMES TO RUT240!
Just like the last update unlocked the full potential of RutOS for RUT9** family routers joining a previous group of RUTX**, RUT3**, and TRB** series products, now it also welcomes our all-time bestseller RUT240. Having all devices on the same platform will enable more streamlined firmware updates and more available functionalities. That also means that the devices will receive OpenWRT and Kernel updates simultaneously as all the rest of the products using RutOS.
![we-have-updated-rutos-inside1.png](/cdn/extras/6419/we-have-updated-rutos-inside1-840xAuto.webp)
So, users may expect a new upgraded, more interactive UI, faster and more fluid performance based on Vue.js, and multiple new features to enable even more streamlined applications and business opportunities. Without further ado, let's go over the most exciting news behind the latest version of Teltonika Networks software.
![we-have-updated-rutos-inside2.png](/cdn/extras/6420/we-have-updated-rutos-inside2-840xAuto.webp)
WIRELESS MESH
Although we have been offering Mesh functionality for a while, the latest update will simplify its’ configuration. From now on, RutOS supports the Wireless Mesh 802.11s standard. It provides a faster alternative to connect various wireless devices to the network without setting up infrastructure (including creating access points, stations, or hotspots). Operating on Layer 2, 802.11s allows the nodes to see one another like plugged into a switch.
Mesh networks are valued for reliability, resilience, and simple management. They are most often used in the enterprise, hospitality, or industrial environments. IT administrators love Mesh networks due to their easy configuration applicable to multiple devices at once and self-healing properties. However, for a quick transition between wireless devices, Fast Roaming also must be enabled.
FAST ROAMING
802.11r standard is an amendment to the previous 802.11 that allows seamless connection continuity of wireless devices in motion. It enables quick and insensible client transitions from one access point to another. The connection switches to an alternative Access Point (AP) based on the distance instead of operating based on the network load. Whenever the wireless device moves too far from the AP, it connects to another one that becomes closer at the time. However, the process happens so quickly that it does not affect the connection, and the users do not notice the switch happening.
Guess what? We are also using this functionality in the Teltonika Networks office. It is a perfect option for enterprise entities with many employees using laptops and various other wireless devices. It helps ensure that they enjoy the same high-quality connection even when moving around different office areas. Generally, Fast Roaming is a great tool to provide a smooth Wi-Fi experience in any establishment taking up large areas, like shopping malls, airports, event venues, and many other public places.
MULTI WI-FI STATION PRIORITY CONFIGURATION
Now you may enjoy Wi-Fi Station (STA) priority configuration support on devices running RutOS. It means that, besides sharing Wi-Fi for the Clients, our router can also act as a Client itself. With priority support, you may add a list of Wi-Fi Stations and enable the router to choose the best available option according to predefined criteria.
An excellent example of a possible application scenario is an intercity bus going through various stations. While on the road, the router uses 4G connectivity to supply internet for the ticketing terminal, Hotspot, and other devices as needed. However, whenever the bus comes to one of the stations, it automatically switches the connection to a known Wi-Fi network. The router's STA list includes SSIDs of Wi-Fi networks across all bus stations on the way. It predefines which network the bus will connect to for data exchange, resulting in optimal connectivity and reducing data costs.
MORE FLEXIBILITY WITH SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enables remotely monitoring connected devices within a network. SNMP is not new to RutOS. However, we have extended its' capabilities by adding Input/Output (I/O) support. Now, besides watching over various other parameters via SNMP, you may also check the status of Inputs and Outputs. The information is conveyed in real-time, and you may also set up alerts for specific events. That can be especially handy in factory automation solutions, where many machines, including legacy ones, use I/Os for control and communication.
NEW VPN PROTOCOL
Security has always been an area of primary focus for us. Just as providing flexibility for our clients and affording them the tools they find suitable for their projects. As such, we have already been offering an extensive list of available VPN services, including OpenVPN, Zerotier, IPsec, Wireguard, GRE, and numerous others. This time, by request from our clients, we decided to add yet another option for our users - Tinc. This VPN daemon uses tunneling and encryption to create a secure private network between hosts on the Internet. Appearing to the IP level network code as a standard network device, it does not require any adaptation with existing software. This VPN is a better fit for more advanced users since it does not have a web interface, at least for now.
IMPROVED IPSEC THROUGHPUT FOR RUTX** ROUTERS
IPsec is one of the few most popular VPN tunnels protecting data exchange by using cryptographic security services. However, this process results in an “overhead” added to each packet entering the tunnel, requiring higher bandwidth than the actual packet size to get through the IPsec tunnel. With the latest update, we have more than doubled the IPsec throughput for RUTX** series routers. So, this newest improvement means that our users do not need to compromise performance over security and may enjoy both.
EVENTS REPORTING
There are two significant updates to events reporting. The first one is called “New Wi-Fi client.” As the name suggests, it allow monitoring new clients and analyzing public Wi-Fi. It helps handle security threats by ensuring no unauthorized devices can join the network and cause damage. In 2021 there was a 600% increase in cyberattacks, and, as we know, a considerable part of them happens due to vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks.
“Topology state” report added to RUT9**, RUT3**, and RUT2** devices alerts about the changes in the network topology. It is similar to the previously discussed one but is more focused on physical security breaches from within the network. Whenever someone adds or removes a device, the network administrator gets notified and can prevent harm.
RUTOS SAYS “GUTEN TAG!”
Good news to all of the German speakers using our devices! After a bit of break, the German language is back to Teltonika Networks products. We hope this will enhance the user experience for our German-speaking users. Please note that some newer features may still need a little while to get fully translated, but most of RutOS can already be enjoyed in Deutsch.
FAILOVER AND LOAD BALANCING RULES
You may now determine how load balancing should occur in multi-WAN devices with the newly added Failover/Load balancing “Policies” and “Rules” configuration support. Adding new rules became super simple and can be completed through the web interface. For example, you may now specify which traffic you want to failover or load-balance. Let's say you wish to increase browsing speed. In such a case, all you need to do is create a rule to load-balance this kind of traffic and spread it over two modems.
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BASE UPDATE
Being a customized OpenWRT software, RutOS base got updated with the OpenWRT version 21.02. That means our system became better optimized and more secure after completing the latest bug fixes, eliminating vulnerabilities, and adding new supported components. You may check for more details in the changelog available on our Wiki. Along with the OpenWRT, the Linux Kernel got updated to version 5.4.147. Please visit the OpenWRT webpage for the complete list of updated features.
WEBINAR
Making sense of technical information can be complicated, and it's always easier if someone explains these things in detail with visual elements and application examples. If you feel such a live experience would benefit you, we suggest attending our webinar on the latest RutOS updates, where we will go through each of them in detail. The webinar will include a live Q&A, so you will have a chance to get all of your questions answered by our expert presenter!