---
title: What can you do With USB on Your AirLink® XR Routers?
description: Dive in deep with this comprehensive blog showing the benefits of USB-C tech and Semtech's new 5G AirLink® router the XR60.
image: https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/ES-BLOG-XR60-USB-C-S-blog-1400x600.jpg
---

[Skip to main content](https://blog.semtech.com/what-can-you-do-with-usb-on-your-airlink-xr-routers#content)

- [Cross Reference](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
- [Parametric](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [Shop](https://www.semtech.com/shop)
- [Investors](https://investors.semtech.com/)
- [mySemtech](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/) <https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/>
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    - [EN](https://www.semtech.com/)
    - [CN (中文)](https://www.semtech.cn/)
    - [JP (日本語)](https://www.semtech.jp/)
    - [FR](https://www.semtech.fr/)

[![Semtech](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/images/semtech-logo.svg "Semtech")](https://www.semtech.com)

- [LoRa®](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
  
    - [LoRa® Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      ### LoRa Overview
      
      LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
          - [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
          - [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
          - [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
    - [Applications](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
      
      ### Applications Overview
      
      With an ever-increasing number of IoT vertical applications, LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard is creating business efficiencies and improving lives around the world.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
      
      
      
          - [Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-agriculture)
          - [Cities](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-cities)
          - [Environment](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-environment)
          - [Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare)
          - [Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-buildings)
          - [Homes](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-homes)
          - [Industrial Control](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-industrial-control)
          - [Retail](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-retail)
          - [Supply Chain and Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-supply-chain-logistics)
          - [Electricity](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-electricity-metering)
          - [Gas](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-gas-metering)
          - [Water](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-water-metering)
    - [Ecosystem](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
      
      ### Ecosystem Overview
      
      LoRa is bolstered by a diverse global ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, software designers, network providers, and industry associations.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa Alliance®](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/lora-alliance)
          - [Featured Sensor Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/sensor-features)
          - [Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/gateways)
          - [Software](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/software)
          - [Networks](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/networks)
          - [Industry Alliances](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/industry-alliances)
    - [Resources](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
      
      ### Resources Overview
      
      Explore our top resources to help you learn more about LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard or bring a LoRa-based solution to market.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
          - [Videos](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-videos)
          - [White Papers & Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
          - [LoRa Developers & Tech Support](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-community)
          - [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
          - [Amazon Sidewalk](https://info.semtech.com/sidewalk)
          - [Academy for LoRaWAN](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lorawan-academy)
          - [Logo Use](https://www.semtech.com/company/brand-resources)
          - [Press Releases](https://www.semtech.com/company/press/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
          - [Press Coverage](https://www.semtech.com/company/news/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
          - [Contact](https://www.semtech.com/company/contact/support)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products)
  
    - [Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/products)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Thousands of customers worldwide rely on our diverse product portfolio and world class technology roadmap for solutions in low power wireless communications, optical data transport, video broadcasting, power management, circuit protection, touch sensing, and more.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
          - [Shop](https://www.semtech.com/shop)
          - [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
    - [LoRa® Wireless RF](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      LoRa®, a long range, low power platform, and the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things, is highly integrated and cost-effective, boasting a notable battery life of up to 20 years, a 3-mile range in urban environments and a 30-mile range outdoors.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
      
      
      
          - [ICs for Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-core)
          - [ICs for Sensors](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-connect)
          - [LoRa Cloud™](https://loracloud.com)
          - [Software Library](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/software-library-protocol-solution)
    - [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Sophisticated devices that protect sensitive circuitry from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Cable Discharge Events (CDE), and other electrical overstress.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
      
      
      
      ### Circuit Protection Products
      
          - [ESD Protection Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection)
          - [TVS Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/tvs-diodes)
      
      
      ### Interfaces
      
          - [Antenna](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/antenna)
          - [Automotive Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-ethernet)
          - [Automotive High Speed](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-high-speed)
          - [Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/ethernet)
          - [HDMI](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/hdmi)
          - [RS-485](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/rs485)
          - [USB](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/usb)
          - [VBUS](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus)
    - [Signal Integrity](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      A comprehensive portfolio of innovative optical, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that serve the rising global demand for high-speed data transmission products.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
      
      
      
          - [Clock & Data Recovery](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/clock-and-data-recovery)
          - [Laser Drivers and Transceivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/laser-drivers-transceivers)
          - [Limiting Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/limiting-amplifiers)
          - [ROSAs](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/rosas)
          - [Signal Conditioners](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/signal-conditioners)
          - [Transimpedance Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/transimpedance-amplifiers)
    - [Professional AV](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Advanced off-the-shelf technology that enables end-to-end systems and integrates advanced inline signal processing capabilities such as light compression, broadcast quality scaling and audio down-mixing.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
      
      
      
          - [BlueRiver®](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/blueriver)
          - [USB Extension](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/usb-extension)
    - [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Ultra-low power, feature-rich touch controllers that are optimized for numerous applications and provide best-in-class sensitivity with robust noise immunity to enhance touch and near range proximity detection.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
      
      
      
          - [PerSe® Connect](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-connect)
          - [PerSe® Contact](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-contact-human-sensor)
          - [PerSe® Control](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-control-touch-proximity-sensor)
          - [IO Expanders](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/io-expanders)
    - [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Award-winning solutions designed specifically to push real-world broadcast boundaries in performance, reach, power, and signal integrity while reducing time to market and design risks.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
      
      
      
          - [AV Interface & Protocol Conversion](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/av-interface-protocol-conversion)
          - [Configurable EQ/CD](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/configurable-eq-cd)
          - [Cable Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-drivers)
          - [Cable Equalizers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-equalizers)
          - [Crosspoints](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/crosspoints)
          - [Receivers (Deserializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/receivers-deserializers)
          - [Reclocking](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/reclocking)
          - [Transmitters (Serializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/transmitters-serializers)
    - [Power Management](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      A pioneer in power management ICs across networking and industrial power, handheld power and automotive applications, Semtech leads the quest to enable a new class of greener, smarter and smaller end products.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
      
      
      
          - [EcoBrite LED Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecobrite-led-drivers)
          - [EcoSpeed DC-DC Converters](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecospeed-dc-dc-converters)
          - [FemtoBuck DC-DC Regulators and Controllers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtobuck-dc-dc-regulators-controllers)
          - [FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtoswitch-switches)
          - [nanoSmart LDOs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/nanosmart-ldos)
          - [Neo-Iso Solid State Relays](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/neo-iso-solid-state-relays)
          - [Special Functions](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/special-functions)
    - [Cellular IoT Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
      
      ### Products Overview
      
      Leading edge-to-Cloud solutions delivering the device, software and connectivity services needed to simplify and accelerate data-driven transformation with cellular IoT.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
      
      
      
          - [Managed Connectivity](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/managed-connectivity)
          - [Modules](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/modules)
          - [Router Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/router-solutions)
- [Technology](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
  
    - [Technology Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
      
      ### Technology Overview
      
      Our highly differentiated, disruptive analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms enable today's most innovative electronics within some of the fastest growing verticals and markets.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Related Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
          - [LoRa White Papers & Infographics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
          - [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
    - [LoRa® Wireless RF For The IoT](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      ### LoRa Wireless RF For The IoT Overview
      
      LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
      
      
      
          - [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
          - [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
          - [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
    - [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
      
      ### PerSe® Smart Sensing Overview
      
      Semtech's PerSe technology intelligently senses human presence for optimized connectivity and enhanced user experience.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Infographic](https://info.semtech.com/perse-smart-sensing-infographic)
          - [Brochure](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/common/PerSe_One_Pager.pdf)
          - [Blogs](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/perse)
          - [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
    - [Tri-Edge™ PAM4 CDR](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
      
      ### Tri-Edge PAM4 CDR Overview
      
      Tri-Edge is a CDR platform optimized for PAM4 optical interconnect in next-generation 200G and 400G data center module and AOC applications.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
      
      
      
      ### Quick Links
      
          - [Tri-Edge White Paper](https://info.semtech.com/en/tri-edge-white-paper)
          - [Product Selector Guide](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/design-support/Semtech_Optical_Product_Guide.pdf)
          - [Open Eye MSA](https://www.openeye-msa.org/)
    - [BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
      
      ### BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™
      
      BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
      
      
      
          - [BlueRiver OVERVIEW](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
          - [BlueRiver APPLICATIONS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-applications)
          - [BlueRiver VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-vertical-markets)
          - [SDVoE ALLIANCE®](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-sdvoe)
    - [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
      
      ### Circuit Protection Overview
      
      Semtech is leading the way in Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) protection solutions that safeguard electronics systems against damage or latch-up caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning (surge), and other destructive voltage transients.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
      
      
      
          - [Circuit Protection Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
          - [Z-Platform](https://www.semtech.com/technology/z-platform)
- [Design Resources](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
  
    - [Design Resources Overview](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
      
      ### Design Resources Overview
      
      Semtech places a high importance on delivering superior design support and provides a wealth of tools and resources with the goal of shortening your time to revenue for your new product introductions.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
      
      
      
          - [Product Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
          - [Development Support Documentation](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/development-support-documents/)
          - [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
          - [Quality Assurance](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
          - [LoRa GitHub](https://github.com/LoRa-Net)
          - [LoRa PCB Design Review](https://info.semtech.com/pcb-design-review-service)
          - [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
          - [LoRaWAN Academy and Training](https://learn.semtech.com/)
          - [Product Cross Reference Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
          - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/faq)
          - [mySemtech Document Portal](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
    - [IoT Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      ### Internet of Things
      
      Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      
      
          - - [Smart Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-agriculture)
                  - [Smart Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-building-automation)
                  - [Smart Cities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-cities)
                  - [Smart Emergency](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-emergency-response)
                  - [Smart Environment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-environment)
                  - [Smart Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-healthcare)
                  - [Smart Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-home-automation)
                  - [Smart Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-industrial-iot)
                  - [Smart Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/logistics-supply-chain-management)
                  - [Smart Utilities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-utilities)
                  - [Smart Consumer](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-consumer)
    - [Professional AV Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
      
      ### Professional AV
      
      AptoVision BlueRiver™ Technology uses commercial-off-the-shelf Ethernet networks to deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability to the Pro AV industry.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
      
      
      
          - - [AV Over IP](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/av-over-ip)
                  - [BYOM Video Conferencing](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/byom-video-conferencing)
                  - [HDMI Extender](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-extension)
                  - [HDMI Wall Plates](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-wallplates)
                  - [Hybrid AV Distribution](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hybrid-av-distribution)
                  - [KVM Switches](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/kvm-switches)
                  - [Multiviewers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/multiviewers)
                  - [Point-to-Point Matrix Switching](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/point-to-point-matrix-switching)
                  - [Presentation Switchers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/presentation-switchers)
                  - [SDI Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdi-equipment)
                  - [SDVoE™ Integration](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdvoe-integration)
                  - [Smart Display Modules (SDM)](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/smart-display-modules-sdm)
                  - [USB-C](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/usb-c)
                  - [Video Walls](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/video-walls)
    - [Other Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      ### Other Applications
      
      Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
      
      [Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
      
      
      
          - [Automotive](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps) 
                  - [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/adas-body-electronics)
                  - [Automotive Battery Management Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/automotive-battery-management-systems)
                  - [Automotive USB Charger](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/dashboard-electronics-usb-charging)
                  - [Infotainment Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/navigation-infotainment)
                  - [Remote Keyless Entry](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/remote-keyless-entry)
                  - [Telematics Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/telematics-unit)
          - [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications) 
                  - [Broadcast Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications/broadcast-equipment)
          - [Consumer Electronics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics) 
                  - [Mobile Devices](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/mobile-devices)
                  - [Wearables](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/wearables)
                  - [TVs, Set Top Boxes, Monitors](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/tvs-set-top-boxes-monitors)
                  - [Laptops, Tablets, Computers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/laptops-tablets-computers)
                  - [Appliances & White Goods](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/appliances-white-goods)
                  - [Computers, Printers, Scanners](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/computers-printers-scanners)
          - [Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications) 
                  - [Medical Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/medical-equipment)
                  - [Factory Automation](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/factory-automation)
                  - [Energy, Smart Grids, Smart Metering](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/energy-smart-grids-smart-metering)
                  - [Surveillance](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/surveillance)
                  - [Test & Measurement](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/test-measurement)
                  - [Power Tools](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/power-tools)
          - [Infrastructure](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure) 
                  - [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-datacenters)
                  - [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-passive-optical-networks-fiber-to-the-home)
                  - [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-broadband)
          - [Networking & Optical Communications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication) 
                  - [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/broadband)
                  - [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/passive-optical-networks)
                  - [ISM Networks](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/ism-networks)
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 20 March, 2024    2 min read

# What can you do With USB on Your AirLink® XR Routers?

 Tim Adams

We’ve all seen the explosion of USB capability since USB 3.1 was released: using USB for network, power in and out, to connect displays and supporting adapters that do just about anything except brew your coffee. Laptops with no Ethernet ports are now common, with some only featuring USB-C ports. Store shelves (brick and mortar or virtual) are lined with adapters. Cellular routers, too, are part of this shift, with advanced models like Semtech’s AirLink® XR series featuring USB-C ports.

In this blog, we delve into the potential uses of the USB-C port on Semtech’s AirLink® XR series of Pro routers. 

Our previous-generation routers had the ability to do network over micro-USB but it was really more for diagnostics and troubleshooting than anything else. As USB technology has evolved, so too have our routers, and this evolution continues. 

The XR80 and XR90 models feature a single USB-C port that provides local area network (LAN) connectivity at USB 3.2 gen 1 speeds, up to 5 Gbps. To actually experience that level of throughput you’d need a pretty sophisticated setup with all high-speed interfaces — including storage systems —and that’s not likely to be commonplace anytime soon. The point of saying “up to 5 Gbps” is really more about giving you assurance that the port won’t be a throughput bottleneck. Both the XR80 and XR90 have a 5 Gbps RJ45 network port and the key takeaway is that the USB-C port can handle the same sort of extreme data throughput as the 5 Gbps “Ethernet” (RJ45) port. 

So the next question is probably going to be around what you would do with the USB-C network connection. Similar to the older micro-USB ports on previous router generations, it can be used for diagnostics. You can use it for a local connection to configure, load a template or do local software upgrades. You can access the AirLink OS UI just like you would on the RJ45 Ethernet ports, and you still require user authentication to do anything with the router. 

And sometimes, you just need another network interface when you run out of RJ45 ports. You could use it as a regular LAN access port and can connect it to a different network segment if needed. You could have different LAN segments for specific Ethernet ports, for USB-C port, for different Wi-Fi SSIDs and isolate or bridge them to meet your requirements. 

With the new AirLink XR60 5G router, the USB-C capabilities have evolved one step further to include power delivery.

![A black box with red and white cables

Description automatically generated](https://blog.semtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Mar-07-2024-12-41-02-3468-AM.png?width=500&height=334&name=undefined-Mar-07-2024-12-41-02-3468-AM.png)

Power delivery is a very broad topic for USB-C and the devil is in the details: Does it serve as an input to power up the router, or as an output to provide power to accessories or client devices?    
Initially, for the XR60, the USB-C port only supports input power. This means you can power up the router with its traditional Molex power (7-36VDC) or you can use a laptop-class USB-C power adapter. And if you want redundant power, it will do that too: the XR60 will use the Molex-based DC power as long as it is sufficient for operation, and if the voltage dips too low, the router will reboot using the USB-C power to resume operation.  

It is important to note that the addition of power delivery (input) doesn’t compromise the high-speed network capability. I’ve been using USB-C cables to provide network links for MacBooks, tablets and USB-C laptops. For MacBooks, the process is as simple as plugging in the cable; no additional drivers are needed. For Windows 10 and 11 PCs, you need to install a driver (available through Microsoft Update catalog) to enable the great high-speed network connection — which sometimes is just what you need! 

 

###  [![LEARN MORE ABOUT THE XR60](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2507363/0b6e9c75-8da7-482f-9231-9d887a19237c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/0b6e9c75-8da7-482f-9231-9d887a19237c)

 

*Semtech®, the Semtech logo, and AirLink® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates.* *Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.*

---

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### Related Blogs:

<https://blog.semtech.com/more-than-just-speed-the-key-factors-determining-your-5g-routers-performance>

<https://blog.semtech.com/more-than-just-speed-the-key-factors-determining-your-5g-routers-performance>[More Than Just Speed: The Key Factors Determining Your 5G Router's Performance](https://blog.semtech.com/more-than-just-speed-the-key-factors-determining-your-5g-routers-performance)

February 21, 2024

<https://blog.semtech.com/the-importance-of-registering-your-airlink-router>

<https://blog.semtech.com/the-importance-of-registering-your-airlink-router>[The Importance of Registering Your AirLink Router](https://blog.semtech.com/the-importance-of-registering-your-airlink-router)

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<https://blog.semtech.com/lora-devices-in-your-smart-home>

<https://blog.semtech.com/lora-devices-in-your-smart-home>[LoRa® Devices In Your Smart Home](https://blog.semtech.com/lora-devices-in-your-smart-home)

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