MTBF is a number expressed in hours that represents the expected average time between hardware failures during normal operation. A router with a 100,000-hour MTBF is estimated to run for around 11 years of continuous operation before experiencing a component failure.
MTBF is calculated from component failure rate data using industry standards like MIL-HDBK-217. It is a useful comparison metric between competing products, though actual field life varies with operating temperature and environment.
- Fanless design – eliminates the most common mechanical failure point in networking hardware
- Industrial-grade components – wider temperature range ratings extend component life in hot panels
- Conformal coating – PCB coating protects against humidity and condensation
- 100,000+ hours – the minimum standard for industrial-grade IoT hardware, equivalent to 11+ years continuous operation