Introducing the Verkada Cellular Gateway: Connect Any Verkada Device, Anywhere
Max Shen
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Today we’re excited to announce the launch of the GC31 and GC31-E Cellular Gateways. Available in both indoor and outdoor versions, the GC31 makes it simple to deploy Verkada products anywhere with power and cell signal, including hard-to-wire locations such as parking lots, construction sites, or streetlight poles.
Many of our customers have places where they would like to deploy Verkada, but are constrained by infeasible or cost-prohibitive cable runs. Furthermore, cellular deployments are cumbersome as customers have to piece together multiple components from different providers. This includes setting up an LTE router, buying a PoE switch, managing cellular data plans, and juggling multiple software management tools.
The GC31 makes cellular deployments truly plug-and-play. Feed it any power input and it will send both power and data to any Verkada device via PoE. And like all Verkada products, the GC31 is cloud-managed and natively integrates with other devices in our ecosystem. With the GC31, customers can effortlessly deploy Verkada wherever they need. Here’s a real-world example from one of our beta customers.
How It Works
Plug-and-play setup
Until now, most cellular deployments required at least four distinct components: an LTE router to provide data, a PoE switch to power connected devices, a NEMA enclosure for weather proofing, and a data plan from a cell carrier. The GC31 combines all of these elements into a single device. Every detail has been designed to create the simple, seamless experience that you’ve come to expect from us, starting with setup.
The GC31 takes nearly any power input, including terminal block, barrel jack, and PoE, making it easy to install without an electrician. The outdoor model can also draw power from a light pole via 7-pin power tap, eliminating the need to run wires up and down the pole. The GC31’s dual PoE outputs supply up to 60W total, allowing customers to power up to two devices without a PoE switch. The outdoor model is IP66 certified, making it weather proof, dust proof, and power wash resistant.
Verkada data plan or BYO plan
Bringing the gateway online is effortless. Instead of spending time working with carriers, customers just add on Verkada’s unlimited data plan, which works out of the box in many countries across the world. The Verkada data plan offers multi-carrier redundancy and 24/7 customer support. And unlike most providers, which throttle your speed after you’ve hit a threshold, Verkada offers truly unlimited data.
Customers also have the option to bring their own data plan from the carrier of their choice. The gateway’s dual SIM slots allow customers to insert their own SIM card while using the Verkada SIM for automatic failover in case their main provider is down.
Cloud-managed in Command
Customers can easily set up and manage the GC31 in Verkada Command, our cloud-based software platform, from any device and any location. Users can run diagnostics like packet capture and speed tests, receive alerts if connectivity is lost, and see the GPS location of their gateways. The map view even shows which cell tower the GC31 is using, allowing installers to orient the gateway optimally.
Seamless integration with Verkada products
The GC31 natively integrates with Verkada products to enable faster setup, remote troubleshooting, and more efficient data usage. The gateway instantly recognizes any Verkada device you connect to it, eliminating the need to input serial numbers or scan QR codes during device setup. Customers can track data usage for each connected device and receive alerts if a device is offline.
Troubleshooting remote deployments can be cumbersome, often requiring customers to travel all the way to the install site just to perform a reboot. With the GC31, administrators can remotely power cycle connected devices wherever they are. If the gateway itself is offline, it will automatically power cycle itself after 30 minutes.
The GC31 also integrates with Verkada cameras to improve the viewing experience and reduce data consumption. For example, we show thumbnails in grids and viewing stations when there’s no motion, and stream only when there’s movement. This type of integration is something only Verkada can do. And like all of our features, it will only get better over time.
Example Use Cases
Parking lots: The GC31 allows customers to easily install Verkada cameras in parking lots without expensive underground cable runs.
Gates and guard houses: Security gates and guard houses are often hard to wire due their distance from the main building. A single GC31 can connect both a Verkada camera and access controller, enabling use cases like LPR unlock.
Parks and fields: With the GC31, cities and schools can secure their parks and fields by installing Verkada cameras on a light pole using nothing but the power from the lamp itself.
Construction and new sites: The GC31 allows cameras to be installed at construction sites for theft deterrence and worker safety. The gateway can also provide temporary connectivity for Verkada devices at newly completed sites before the internet service provider is able to activate the connection.
City-wide LPR monitoring: With the GC31, municipalities easily deploy cameras on streetlight poles for license plate recognition.
Remote locations: The GC31 allows customers to secure remote locations like national parks, ski resorts, and oil rigs.
Learn More
The GC31 indoor model starts shipping in the US and Canada on February 12th, and the GC31-E outdoor model on March 15th. Additional countries will be available later this year.
The GC31 indoor cellular gateway will be available for $899, and the GC31-E outdoor cellular gateway for $1,299. Software licensing starts at $299 for one year, and Verkada’s unlimited data plan is available for $999/year per video device.
For more information, please see the product datasheet. For a personalized demo or quote, contact your Verkada sales representative or email sales@verkada.com. To see the GC31 in action, be sure to watch our launch event.
