The Importance of Watchdogs for 4G Cellular Routers

Most 4G Cellular Routers are equipped with watchdog technology, which is an important protection technology to ensure that 4G cellular routers do not go down for 24 hours in the transmission process. So, what is the watchdog?

Watchdog function

A watchdog, also known as a watchdog, is essentially a timer circuit, usually with an input and an output, where the input is called a feed dog, and the output is usually connected to the reset terminal of another part. The core hardware of watchdog technology is watchdog module, which is divided into hardware watchdog and software watchdog.

Watchdog classification

1. Hardware watchdog technology

Hardware watchdog, also known as program watchdog timer, can help the microprocessor to recover from failures and avoid problems such as program errors or memory overflow. If the watchdog timer reaches the end of its count cycle, it resets the entire processor system. To prevent this, the processor must perform some type of specific action to reset the watchdog.As a result, the watchdog timer can be configured to reach the end of its count period only when a processor fault occurs, and by forcing a system reset, the watchdog timer helps the processor escape from the fault mode and continue normal operation.

2. Software watchdog technology

The principle of software watchdog technology is similar to that of hardware, but the timer on the hardware circuit is replaced by the timer inside the processor, which can simplify the design of the hardware circuit.For example, a watchdog timer is embedded in the 4G cellular router, and we can monitor the running of the main program of these two timers, and assign a value to a variable at the timing time set by T0 when a timing interrupt occurs, and this variable has an initial value at the beginning of the running of the main program. The timing value we want to set here is less than the running time of the main program.In this way, the value of the variable is judged at the end of the main program. If the value changes as expected, it means that the T0 interrupt is normal. If there is no change, the program is reset.

Software/Hardware Watchdog Similarities and Differences

With the above hardware and software watchdogs in mind, let's summarize their similarities and differences:

1. Same points:

1) It is realized by the timer, and reset when the dog is not fed when the time is up.

2) It is necessary to feed the dog within the specified time.

3) Both rely on software to feed the dog.

2. Points of difference:

1) Additional functions: The hardware watchdog chip generally comes with the functions of delay reset and power detection, but the software does not;

2) shielding method: the software watchdog is easy to shield and close, and only needs to modify the register, while the hardware watchdog can not stop once it is started without power off;

3) Startup mode: The software watchdog is easy to start, only need to modify the register, and the hardware is generally started after receiving the first feed signal;

4) Initialization: After the hardware watchdog is powered on, it receives the first dog-feeding pulse to complete the initialization. The software watchdog needs to configure the off-register or call the relevant watchdog program.

It can be seen that the reliability of the software watchdog is not as good as that of the hardware, and it can not be detected if the internal timer of the system fails. Of course, there is also mutual monitoring through dual timers, which not only adds system overhead but also can not solve all the problems, such as timer interruption caused by interrupt system failure.

Importance of watchdog to 4G cellular router

Because 4G cellular router is generally used in intelligent systems, security detection, self-service and unattended places, it requires the stability of the router to be high, so it is essential to add watchdog technology to 4G cellular router.

Watchdog is very important for 4G cellular router. The 4G cellular router plays a key role in connecting and managing industrial devices, control systems, and plant networks. They are responsible for transferring critical data and information and supporting communication and collaboration between devices.

The 4G cellular router requires a high degree of reliability and stability due to the challenges typically faced in industrial environments, such as temperature variation, humidity, electromagnetic interference, and physical shock. This requires a mechanism to monitor and protect the router to ensure its proper operation.

That's what watchdogs are for. A watchdog is a hardware or software timer that monitors and restores system stability in a 4G cellular router. It will regularly check the running status of the router, and if the system fails or crashes, it will take appropriate measures to restart or repair the router to ensure the stability and reliability of the system.

Watchdogs can also monitor network traffic, detect intrusions and attacks, and take appropriate security measures to ensure the security of industrial networks. It can warn administrators about potential security threats and take the necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.

In a word, the importance of a watchdog to a 4G cellular router is that it can monitor and protect the stability and security of router, ensure the normal operation of industrial equipment and network, reduce the risk of system failure and security vulnerability, and improve the efficiency and reliability of industrial production.