What OptConnect Product is Right for Me?

Here at OptConnect, we offer a range of products to take care of your connectivity needs. From our neo2 to our OptReboot, our products are made to help you get the best connection possible. So how will you know which OptConnect product is best for your device?

In this post, we’ll be diving into what considerations to take when it comes to our products.

Before we dive in, always keep in mind that an OptConnect Sales Representative or Engineer is always just a phone call or email away and we’ll do our best to understand what you’re trying to accomplish and give recommendations.

Here are some specific things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing an OptConnect product.

Data Throughput & Bandwidth. Some customer applications are more data-intensive than others and require more data throughput or bandwidth. Some of these applications include digital signage, micromarkets, camera monitoring, point-of-sale systems, kiosks, EV charging and jukeboxes.

If a customer is trying to use our equipment for these applications or something similar, we recommend either the OC-4600 or neo2. These product options feature a 4G LTE Cat 4 cellular module, meaning they have the ability to transmit more data, faster than some of our other options. The neo2 also features dual-carrier redundancy meaning that it operates on both the Verizon and AT&T network.

Transactional Data. Other customer applications may be more transactional such as ATM, credit card processing, access controls, monitoring equipment, and vending. For these applications with lower data usage requirements and smaller data packet transmission sizes, we normally recommend going with the more cost-effective mylo unit.

The mylo features a CAT M1 cellular module that also operates on both Verizon and AT&T. The mylo comes with a convenient magnetic base for easy placement. The mylo isn’t as fast as some other options, however it has better building penetration and tends to get stronger signal where traditional 4G LTE equipment struggles. Another option is our Cat 1 solo device which also has a magnetic base and is available with either Verizon or AT&T.

Ethernet Ports. Another consideration in deciding between devices like the neo2 or OC-4600 over something like solo or mylo would be how many ethernet ports are required to adequately connect your equipment. The neo2 and OC-4600 both have two RJ-45 ethernet ports. Our other devices like the mylo and solo just have one RJ-45 Ethernet ports.

As an example, you may want to connect both an ATM and a jukebox to a single OptConnect device. The neo2 or OC-4600 would be an excellent option for flexibility and placement and connect both the ATM and the jukebox.

Remote Power Cycling. Many of our prospects and customers are plagued with the need to “turn it off then back on again” when it comes to their equipment. In the day of IoT (Internet of Things), many pieces of software and hardware have a tendency to hang or freeze and a simple power cycle brings things back to normal. Unfortunately, this can become costly for those that have to deploy a third-party technician for such a simple fix.

Many of our customers consider asking individuals at the sites where their equipment is deployed to do that for them but find that it looks unprofessional in many situations or that whoever they speak to isn’t actually getting around to pulling the plug on the frozen equipment.

OptReboot is an excellent solution to this exact problem. OptReboot is an OptConnect accessory that goes in line with the power to our customers’ equipment. It also has an ethernet port that allows it to connect to an OptConnect cellular device.

Dial-up Requirements. The last major consideration would be for those that still require dial-up or what some refer to as POTS line (Plain Old Telephone). Although we don’t get this request often, we do have hardware options that can facilitate. Namely, OC-4499. This device operates on Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE Cat1 cellular module. AT&T available shortly.

OptConnect offers connectivity solutions for a massive array of industries, verticals, and types of connected equipment. No two solutions are the exact same and we’re constantly innovating in order to have the perfect fit for every customer and product.

If you’re looking for a custom-tailored connectivity solution, world-class customer support, and the ultimate solution for all of your connectivity-related problems, get in touch with an OptConnect sales representative by calling 1.877.678.3343.