July 2, 2025
AirLink, Routers, Security, Edge Compute, AirLink OS
AirLink® OS 5.2 is a minor release by version number, but it delivers targeted updates that reflect an ongoing commitment to security, performance and interoperability.
As regulatory requirements tighten, edge computing becomes more demanding and 5G networks evolve, organizations need embedded software that can meet these changes head-on. This release strengthens the security, performance and flexibility of AirLink routers, helping customers stay ahead of emerging standards and technical demands.
In this post, we highlight the most impactful additions in AirLink OS 5.2:
- Cybersecurity compliance with the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED): Stay ahead of the August 1, 2025 deadline with updates that bring AirLink routers into alignment with the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Because we treat cybersecurity as a continuous priority—not a last-minute fix—only minor changes were required to meet these new obligations.
- Expanded edge compute flexibility: Users can now configure RAM limits per container, unlocking more demanding edge workloads such as real-time video analytics and advanced container-based services. On the AirLink XR60, up to 1.2GB of RAM is available per container.
- Verizon 5G SA (standalone) certification: AirLink XR60 is now certified to operate on Verizon’s 5G standalone (SA) network, supporting customers on the path to next-generation wireless.
- Support for Verizon Frontline: AirLink OS 5.2 enables XR60 routers to connect to Verizon’s 5G SA network, supporting prioritized communications for public safety and critical response teams.
- Support for T-Mobile T-Priority: This release also introduces support for T-Mobile’s 5G SA-based priority service, expanding AirLink compatibility with next-generation public safety networks.
Let’s look at how these updates help make your AirLink deployment compliant and future ready.
Keeping Ahead of Compliance: RED Cybersecurity Directive
What is it?
The European Union’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is being expanded to include cybersecurity requirements for wireless-connected devices. Starting August 1, 2025, any product sold in the EU that transmits or receives data via radio must meet these new standards.
Specifically, devices must:
- Protect users’ personal data and privacy.
- Prevent unauthorized access to networks and services.
- Ensure software can be updated securely and verified for integrity.
The updated directive applies to a wide range of wireless products, including routers, modems, and IoT gateways—and requires manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with specific technical and procedural safeguards.
Why it matters:
The RED cybersecurity update isn’t optional. After the 2025 deadline, non-compliant devices can no longer be sold in EU markets. This places pressure on OEMs, distributors and solution providers to prepare early.
While the required changes aren’t especially complex from a technical perspective, they must be thoroughly implemented, documented and auditable. That includes secure boot processes, encrypted communication protocols and robust software update mechanisms.
Manufacturers that fail to comply risk not only losing market access, but also damaging trust with enterprise and public sector customers—many of whom are tightening their procurement standards in parallel with the directive.
How AirLink OS 5.2 supports RED
AirLink OS 5.2 introduces a focused set of minor enhancements that ensure compliance with updated RED cybersecurity provisions. Our continuous investment in cybersecurity enabled us to meet these requirements with minimal changes:
- Secure communications using industry-standard encryption and mutual authentication.
- Audit-ready controls aligned with RED documentation requirements.
By upgrading to AirLink OS 5.2, customers can continue deploying AirLink routers across EU markets with full confidence—staying compliant with globally evolving cybersecurity regulations and staying ahead of the compliance curve.
Edge Computing Unlocked: Expanding RAM for Intelligent Applications
What’s new: Previous versions of AirLink OS placed a 100MB RAM ceiling on containerized applications running directly on the router. While sufficient for lightweight workloads, this cap restricted developers building advanced edge intelligence.
AirLink OS 5.2 removes that barrier. Customers can now allocate the full available memory to their container workloads—up to 1.2GB on the AirLink XR60—significantly expanding the scope of what’s possible on the edge.
Why it matters: Edge computing is evolving quickly. Organizations want to process data closer to where it’s generated—minimizing latency, improving resilience and reducing backhaul costs. With more RAM now available, AirLink routers can support:
- Real-time video analytics for traffic management, site security and industrial automation.
- AI inference at the edge using lightweight models for object detection, anomaly monitoring or predictive maintenance.
- Data acquisition, normalization and filtering at the edge—enabling smarter decisions in bandwidth-limited or remote deployments.
By lifting the previous RAM restriction, OS 5.2 allows ISVs (independent software vendors) and integration partners to qualify more complex applications for deployment directly on AirLink routers—simplifying architecture, lowering total cost of ownership and accelerating time to value.
Longer-term value
This update is more than a technical tweak—it’s a strategic enabler. With expanded memory access, AirLink routers can now support a growing ecosystem of intelligent edge applications.
For customers operating in rugged or remote settings—from utilities and transit to oil and gas—this means more decisions made locally, fewer disruptions from connectivity loss and new opportunities to unlock value at the edge.
Whether it’s filtering camera feeds, detecting anomalies or coordinating sensors across systems, AirLink OS 5.2 delivers the performance foundation for next-generation edge intelligence.
Smarter Connectivity with Network Slicing Support
What is it?
Network slicing is a key capability of 5G SA networks, allowing mobile carriers to allocate virtual “slices” of their infrastructure for specific types of traffic—such as emergency services, industrial IoT or consumer video streaming. Each slice is isolated and optimized for different performance, latency or reliability needs.
AirLink OS 5.2 introduces support for single-slice operation, enabling routers to access these prioritized network segments based on SIM credentials provided by carriers.
Why it matters
As mobile operators roll out specialized 5G services, many organizations—particularly those in public safety and critical infrastructure—are being offered priority access through dedicated network slices.
AirLink OS 5.2 helps customers take advantage of these emerging capabilities by:
- Supporting carrier network slices for:
- Public safety networks like Verizon Frontline and T-Mobile's T-Priority.
- Enterprise IoT use cases requiring enhanced quality of service (QoS).
- Laying the groundwork for more advanced 5G applications, such as:
- Evolving support for traffic pre-emption and priority handling in 5G environments.
- Dynamic slice assignment based on application or traffic type.
Bottom line
With single-slice support now enabled, AirLink XR60 5G routers running AirLink OS 5.2 are ready to connect to the next generation of 5G services—offering greater performance, reliability and priority access where it matters most.
Always Improving: CVE Remediation and Security Updates
Keeping security strong isn’t a one-time task. With each AirLink OS release Semtech enables AirLink router solutions to stay current with the latest security practices.
What’s new in 5.2:
- Updated open-source components to incorporate recent patches and performance enhancements.
- Remediation of known CVEs (common vulnerabilities and exposures) to proactively close off potential threats.
Why it matters:
- Minimizes attack surface by staying ahead of vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
- Maintains customer trust and meets internal and/or regulatory security requirements.
- Demonstrates Semtech’s commitment to lifecycle security at all times, including between major releases.
Regular, transparent updates like these help AirLink OS evolve as a secure, resilient platform—supporting mission-critical applications across industries.
Want more details?
AirLink OS 5.2 includes several other updates designed to improve usability, compatibility and security across supported devices.
Explore the full release notes to learn more about:
- MQTT TLS support for secure, lightweight messaging in IoT deployments.
- UI enhancements that improve visibility and navigation.
- Platform-level fixes and compatibility updates for improved stability.
Ready to Upgrade?
AirLink OS 5.2 is available now for supported devices. Whether you're preparing for RED compliance, unlocking new edge compute capabilities or enhancing 5G connectivity, this release delivers meaningful improvements for forward-looking deployments.
Talk to an expert about optimizing your deployment.
Or, view the full release notes.
Semtech®, AirLink®, Sierra Wireless® and the Semtech logo, 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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