ERGO R023 supports operation both with a SIM card (4G LTE Cat.4) and with wired internet via its WAN/LAN Ethernet port. This means the router can use a cable connection as the primary internet source while LTE acts as a backup, or vice versa. In WAN mode, the port receives internet from an ISP (PPPoE/DHCP), while LTE serves as failover if the wired link drops. In LAN mode, the same port functions as a standard internal network interface for connecting PCs, switches, or other devices. This hybrid architecture makes ERGO R023 a universal solution for apartments, houses, offices, or retail locations where uninterrupted internet access is required.

 

What WAN/LAN Means in ERGO R023

ERGO R023 includes:

  • 1 WAN/LAN port (10/100 Mbps)

  • 1 LAN port (10/100 Mbps)

  • LTE Cat.4 modem (up to 150/50 Mbps)

  • Built-in 4000 mAh battery

The WAN/LAN port is a combined interface. Its function is defined in software.

In WAN Mode:

  • The port receives internet from an ISP.

  • ERGO R023 operates as a router.

  • LTE can serve as a backup channel.

In LAN Mode:

  • The port becomes part of the internal network.

  • It is used to connect local devices.

This flexibility allows multiple deployment scenarios without additional hardware.

 

How WAN Mode Works Technically

1. IP Address Acquisition

In WAN mode, ERGO R023 can obtain an IP address via:

  • DHCP

  • PPPoE

  • Static configuration

The router creates a NAT environment, assigns internal IP addresses via its DHCP server, and distributes internet access through Wi-Fi and LAN ports.

2. LTE Failover Switching

If the wired internet connection fails:

  • The WAN interface loses link status.

  • The router activates the LTE interface.

  • Traffic is automatically routed through the mobile network.

This process is called failover (backup switching).

 

Practical Example: Apartment with Backup Internet

Scenario:

  • Primary internet: 100 Mbps fiber.

  • ERGO R023 connected via WAN.

  • SIM card installed for backup.

If the ISP connection fails:

  • LTE activates within 10–30 seconds.

  • Wi-Fi network remains unchanged.

  • Users may not even notice the switch.

In environments with unstable infrastructure, this feature becomes critical.

 

How LAN Mode Works

If the combined port is switched to LAN mode:

  • ERGO R023 functions purely as an LTE router.

  • Both Ethernet ports are used for local devices.

  • No wired ISP connection is utilized.

This configuration is suitable for:

  • Small offices

  • POS systems

  • Connecting an additional network switch

 

Ethernet Port Throughput

Both Ethernet ports in ERGO R023 support 10/100 Mbps.

This means:

  • Maximum 100 Mbps over cable.

  • LTE Cat.4 supports up to 150 Mbps theoretically.

In real LTE conditions (30–90 Mbps typical), Fast Ethernet is usually not a bottleneck.

 

Routing Architecture

ERGO R023 uses a standard routing scheme:

WAN or LTE → NAT → LAN/Wi-Fi

When WAN is active:

  • LTE remains in standby.

  • Upon WAN failure, LTE automatically takes over.

The device supports failover, not load balancing.

 

Business Use Cases for WAN/LAN Mode

  1. Retail store with POS terminal

  2. Office with IP telephony

  3. Warehouse with CRM access

Even a short internet outage can cause operational disruption. WAN + LTE backup reduces this risk.

 

WAN/LAN Mode Limitations

  1. Ethernet ports are limited to 100 Mbps.

  2. No simultaneous load balancing between WAN and LTE.

  3. Switching is not instant (takes several seconds).

  4. LTE backup quality depends on signal strength.

  5. Public IP availability depends on ISP or mobile operator.

 

Is WAN/LAN a Critical Feature?

For:

  • Backup internet — yes.

  • Private houses — yes.

  • Apartments with unstable ISP — yes.

  • High-performance gigabit networks — no (different equipment class required).

ERGO R023 is a hybrid LTE + Ethernet solution, not a corporate-grade router.

 

Engineering Conclusion

WAN/LAN mode in ERGO R023 provides practical internet redundancy by combining wired broadband and 4G LTE within a single device. In real-world infrastructure conditions, this significantly improves reliability without requiring multiple routers or complex configurations.

ERGO R023 is not designed for gigabit enterprise networks, but for apartments, houses, offices, and retail environments requiring failover capability, it is a technically sound and cost-effective solution.

Full specifications of ERGO R023 and recommended deployment configurations are available at 5G.IN.UA.

 

FAQ

1. Can ERGO R023 operate only with wired internet?

Yes. In WAN mode, it can function without a SIM card.

2. Does automatic backup work?

Yes. LTE activates automatically when WAN fails.

3. Can WAN and LTE work simultaneously?

Only in failover mode, not in load balancing.

4. What is the Ethernet port speed?

10/100 Mbps.

5. Does the Wi-Fi network change during switching?

No. The SSID remains the same.

6. Is it suitable for POS systems?

Yes, especially as a backup internet channel.

7. Is additional configuration required?

Typically, selecting WAN mode and configuring ISP credentials is sufficient.