Knowledge Base › Cellular & Connectivity

Does Nimbio need Wi-Fi to work?

No. Nimbio’s built-in multi-carrier SIM connects directly to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — no router, no ethernet run, no property internet dependency.

For: Administrators Category: Security & Connectivity

Does Nimbio require Wi-Fi or a wired network at the gate?

No. Nimbio’s cellular controller has a built-in multi-carrier SIM that connects directly to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. It automatically selects the strongest available signal. There’s no Wi-Fi to configure, no router to maintain, and no ethernet run to install.

Why cellular instead of Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi bridges introduce two failure points: your property’s internet connection and your router. If either goes down, so does your gate access. Cellular bypasses both — the controller talks directly to the network. It’s also more secure: there’s no local network for an attacker to probe, and the controller is tucked inside the gate box rather than exposed at the surface.

Carriers, coverage, and data

Carriers: the pre-installed multi-carrier SIM supports AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, automatically connecting to whichever has the strongest signal at your gate’s location
Data: multi-carrier LTE data is fully included in your Nimbio subscription — you never manage a separate SIM plan, activate a carrier, or pay a separate data bill
Rural/remote coverage: as long as any one of AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile has signal at your gate’s location, Nimbio will work in most cases — our team can help verify coverage for your specific address before purchase
Firmware: all updates are delivered over-the-air over the cellular connection, so your hardware always runs the latest version with no service calls, no USB connections, and no extra cost

Frequently asked questions

Is cellular data included in my subscription? +

Yes. Multi-carrier LTE data is fully included. You never manage a separate SIM plan, activate a carrier, or pay a separate data bill — cellular coverage is handled automatically.

Which carriers does Nimbio use? +

The controller’s pre-installed SIM supports AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile simultaneously, automatically connecting to whichever carrier has the strongest signal at your gate’s location. This multi-carrier approach provides 99.9% uptime even in areas where a single carrier may have gaps. The SIM works internationally too — international customers should contact us to confirm which networks are supported in their region.

Will Nimbio work in a rural or remote location? +

Yes, in most cases. As long as any one of AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile has signal at your gate’s location, Nimbio will work. Our team can help verify coverage for your specific address before purchase.

Are firmware updates automatic? +

Yes. All firmware updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA) over the cellular connection. Your hardware always runs the latest version with no service calls, no USB connections, and no extra cost.

How secure is Nimbio’s cellular access? → Will Nimbio work with my existing gate? →