Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII) has launched the Digi EX61, a rugged indoor/outdoor 5G cellular extender designed to provide reliable connectivity at enterprise locations where conventional routers may struggle to receive a strong cellular signal. The device can operate as a primary wireless connection or provide automatic failover when a wired network becomes unavailable.
The launch expands Digi’s enterprise branch networking portfolio as carriers shift investment toward 5G and businesses increasingly rely on connected systems across distributed locations. Retail stores, medical offices and other branch facilities often have network equipment installed in interior rooms or closets, away from windows and areas with stronger cellular reception. At the same time, point-of-sale terminals, patient check-in systems and other operational tools depend on continuous connectivity.
The EX61 addresses this placement challenge by allowing organizations to install cellular connectivity where reception is strongest, rather than limiting equipment placement to the location of existing network infrastructure.
Multiple paths for network continuity
The extender supports 5G connectivity based on 3GPP Release 17 enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and carrier aggregation. Enterprises can deploy it as their primary 5G connection or configure it to provide automatic failover from a wired network to cellular connectivity.
A second wireless connection is available through Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). This allows a second cellular connection to remain active in the background, providing another failover route or serving as a backup where no wired connection is available. Digi says cell-to-cell failover can be up to 10 times faster than traditional approaches because the secondary connection does not have to activate only after an outage.
The EX61 also supports low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, including Starlink, through Ethernet. Organizations can use satellite connectivity as a primary connection or as an additional backup option. The device supports WAN bonding, allowing different connections to be combined to improve resilience and extend network access to locations with limited terrestrial coverage.
These options give IT teams flexibility to configure connectivity according to the needs and infrastructure available at individual sites.
Rugged design and simplified installation
The EX61 is housed in an IP66-rated enclosure designed for indoor and outdoor deployment. Its stated operating temperature range extends from -40°C to 70°C, allowing installation in environments exposed to weather and temperature fluctuations. The device can be mounted on walls, ceilings or outdoor poles, depending on where cellular reception is strongest.
Installation uses a single weather-sealed Ethernet cable with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. The cable carries both power and data between the extender and existing routers or switches, reducing the need for separate power infrastructure at the mounting location.
The device also incorporates a GSMA SGP.32-compliant eSIM. Zero-touch provisioning through a bootstrap profile is designed to let IT teams activate connectivity and switch carriers remotely, without sending technicians to individual locations.
Digi EX61: Key specifications and capabilities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cellular technology | 5G, 3GPP Release 17 eMBB and carrier aggregation |
| Network roles | Primary 5G connection or automatic failover |
| Wireless redundancy | Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) |
| Satellite support | LEO services, including Starlink, over Ethernet |
| Network resilience | WAN bonding and multi-link failover |
| Enclosure rating | IP66 |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Installation | Single weather-sealed Ethernet cable with PoE |
| SIM technology | GSMA SGP.32-compliant eSIM |
| Mounting options | Wall, ceiling and outdoor pole |
Centralized management and remote access
Digi is positioning the EX61 as part of a broader managed connectivity offering. Through Digi Remote Manager, enterprise IT teams can monitor and manage devices across hundreds or thousands of locations without requiring on-site visits for routine network operations.
The platform includes a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, which allows organizations to connect their preferred AI assistants for fleet-wide monitoring and automation. Digi Remote Reach provides single-click access to devices connected behind the extender, including point-of-sale terminals and building sensors. The company says the service does not require a VPN, cloud proxy or additional cost.
For organizations seeking an AI-based network operations option, Digi Artificial Network Intelligence (DANI) is available as a value-added service. The AI agent allows operators to ask questions in natural language and identify potential network issues before they result in downtime.
Digi offers different management approaches, including Digi Ventus, a fully managed plug-and-play solution, and Digi 360 with Digi Remote Manager and its MCP server for organizations that want to retain greater control over network operations.
“The best cellular signal and the telco closet are rarely in the same place,” said Tony Puopolo, president of Digi Managed Solutions. He said the EX61 allows organizations to position connectivity where signal performance is strongest while reducing installation costs.
Landon Reese, vice president of product management at Digi Managed Solutions, said the extender can bond with a wired connection, another Digi cellular router or Starlink over Ethernet to provide additional network resilience.
Portfolio expansion and availability
The EX61 joins Digi’s 2026 cellular portfolio, which includes the EX60, IX25 and TX65. The company is extending its enterprise networking range with products intended to support managed cellular connectivity across different distributed environments.
Digi EX61 is available beginning November 3, 2026. The launch includes two models: EX61-5B-0N and EX61-5C-0R. The company did not disclose pricing in the announcement.
