What architecture/Operating system do products such as RUT950 run?

NETWORKING SOLUTIONS
1

I read this router provides SSH connection, so does it run some sort of Linux like system? What architecture does it use, ARM/ARM64/MIPS or something else?
Given my software is compiled for this architecture, can I upload and run custom binaries or is this functionality restricted/impossible?

3

Hello,

The RUT950, runs on a Linux-based operating system called RutOS, which is based on OpenWRT.

Regarding the architecture, the RUT950 uses the MIPS architecture. It is powered by a Qualcomm (MIPS 74Kc, 550 MHz) system-on-chip, which is a 32-bit MIPS-based processor, meaning the system runs a MIPS-compatible version of Linux.

Since, as mentioned, RUT950 runs on RutOS (based on OpenWRT), it is possible to upload and run custom binaries, provided they are compiled for the MIPS architecture and are compatible with the specific libraries and kernel version used by the device. However, there are a few considerations:

  • The RUT950 has limited flash storage, so ensure your binaries are small in size;
  • Ensure your software is compatible with the libraries and kernel modules present on the device. OpenWRT uses opkg as its package manager, so you can install additional dependencies if needed.

Best regards,

4

How limited is it, e.g. how much space could be effectively used?
Also, which built-in modem does RT950 use?

I want to use it as SMS relay (SMS forwarding to HTTP API) how suitable would it be and how would you compare it to TRB255 and also TRM240 in that regard?

5

Hello,

The available flash storage on the RUT950 is quite limited, with less than 4 MB (~2-3 MB) effectively usable.

RUT950 was manufactured with either the Quectel EC25 or MeiG SLM750 modems. It supports SMS forwarding to HTTP, though the functionality is quite basic, so its suitability depends on your specific SMS-to-HTTP forwarding requirements. More details on SMS to HTTP forwarding can be found here.

Comparing it to other options:

  • TRB255 is an LTE Cat M1/NB1 gateway, which has significantly lower DL/UL bandwidths compared to RUT950 and has the same flash memory, thus supports same SMS to HTTP forwarding functionality.
  • TRM240 is an LTE Cat 1 modem, meaning it lacks a built-in CPU and doesn’t support any of the RutOS software features.

If your main goal is custom SMS forwarding to HTTP API, RUT906 / 956 with USB flash drive would be the better choice, as it provides more processing power and flexibility.

Best regards,

6

Thanks for your detailed explanation.
If the built-in modem in RUT950 is Quectel, does it operate in QMI mode and can accept QMI commands?

As for the other options like RUT906/956 you mentioned I will check if I can get them where I live, for now it seems like rut950 has better availibility.

7

Hello,

By default, Quectel modems accept AT commands, which on RUT950 (with Quectel modem) can be executed using the following format:

gsmctl -A '<AT command>'

However, the modem can accept QMI commands as well, but to enable this functionality properly, you will need to install an additional OpenWRT package called uqmi. You can install it using:

opkg update && opkg install uqmi

For more useful information on this topic, you can refer to the OpenWRT article here:
:link: [OpenWrt Wiki] How to use LTE modem in QMI mode for WAN connection

Best regards,