Introduction
This is the digital age! Internet connectivity is definitely an essential for business, and even individuals. In order to stay competitive and meet customer demands, these businesses rely on reliable and secure connectivity.This is where cradlepoint comes in! With Cradlepoint, companies can enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity with a range of products that suits their needs.
Overview of Cradlepoint
Located in Boise, Idaho, Cradlepoint has become a leading provider of wireless edge solutions. The company is popular for its diverse products that help businesses to connect, secure and manage their network infrastructure. (Cradlepoint)
As a pioneer of the Wireless WAN, the company provides advanced 4G and 5G routers. Its advanced system has become a platform for enterprises to build a reliable, secure network regardless of location. Their solutions can be used in a range of industries, like retail, healthcare energy, public safety and many more. (Telit). The mission is to empower customers to leverage wireless edge technologies to transform their business models and enhance their customers' experiences. They aim to achieve this by providing industry-leading wireless edge solutions that are secure, reliable, and easy to manage. Let's take a look at the popular Cradlepoint router models and their unique features.
Popular Models
Cradlepoint offers a variety of routers to meet different business needs. From high-performance routers for mission-critical applications to ruggedized routers for harsh environments .Here, we'll explore some of the most popular Cradlepoint router models and their unique features.
Cradlepoint IBR1700:
The Cradlepoint IBR1700 is one of the most popular routers in the Cradlepoint product portfolio.
For anyone looking for a router that can handle the demands of mission-critical applications, the Cradlepoint IBR1700 is an excellent choice. It features an embedded 4G LTE modem and supports dual-band Wi-Fi, making it ideal for use in remote locations or areas with poor connectivity.
The IBR1700 also has advanced security features, including VPN and firewall capabilities, to protect your business from cyber threats. It is designed to be easy to deploy and manage, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Cradlepoint IBR1700 Source: amazon.com
Benefits:
- Advanced location-based applications are possible thanks to precision GPS with dead-reckoning.
- The product is 5G ready and can be used to control %G adapters. (Cradlepoint)
Cradlepoint E300 series:
The E300 Series Enterprise Router is a game-changer when it comes to connectivity. It provides lightning-fast Gigabit-Class LTE connectivity, which can serve as a primary or failover connection combined with a wired link, ensuring uninterrupted internet access for your business.
With advanced VPN support, Wi-Fi 6, optional Bluetooth, and integrated switching, the E300 is a router that is built to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape. It is also 5G-ready, which means it's future-proof and can support the latest technologies as they emerge. One of the standout features of the E300 is its compact form factor. Despite being packed with features, it is portable and easy to deploy, making it a popular choice for businesses that need reliable and secure connectivity on the go. (cradlepoint)
Cradlepoint E300 Source: USAT
Benefits:
- The product enables secure and reliable temporary locations.
- Broadband link termination with 5G or LTE failover ensures reliable hybrid connectivity.
- NCX Secure Connect and WAN Edge Security VPN support encrypted tunnels.
- Rapid connection.
- Dual 5G/LTE connectivity possible with a second cellular modem.
- Can act as controller for Cradlepoint 5G Wideband Adapters
Cradlepoint E100 series:
Looking for a comprehensive all-in-one office network in a portable form factor? Then the E100 is the best option. The E100 router provides essential features like LTE, and VPN support ensuring remote workers stay connected and productive. Moreover, the E100 router provides more security functions to ensure the organization's security and compliance are upheld. GPS allows for easy equipment tracking and location identification, improving asset management. When paired with the Cradlepoint's NetCloud Service, you have everything you need to connect your remote workers to the needed services from anywhere.
Cradlepoint E100 Source: USAT
Benefits:
- Product extends secure and reliable office network to remote workers.
- It can blend with current networks using, security, traffic shaping, VPN tunnel support and standard dynamic routing
- Work assets can be segmented and isolated from household networks and devices for improved security.
- Preconfigured routers with pre-inserted SIMs enable zero-touch deployment for faster installation.
- The product also comes with an optional battery for uninterrupted power. (Cradlepoint)
Cradlepoint w1850:
The Cradlepoint W1850 Series is a high-performance wireless adapter perfect for branches that need reliable and fast connectivity. It is designed to support Cat 20 LTE and low- and mid-band 5G. The W1850 adapters are compatible with Cradlepoint routers in captive modem mode for easy deployment and control. Alternatively, you can connect them to a third-party router with Ethernet for instant WAN upgrade Troubleshooting is made easy with NetCloud Remote Connect, which provides Out-of-Band and In-Band Management capabilities. The W1850's stylish plastic design makes it perfect for indoor use.
Cradlepoint W1850 source: 5Gstore.com
Benefits:
- The product allows for Dual Connectivity, which means that it can simultaneously connect to 5G and LTE networks.
- The "captive modem mode" enables singular router/adapter control and management.
- Deep wireless analytics are available, assisted by machine learning.
- The product offers carrier-class connectivity with multiple levels of test and recovery.
- The product is adaptive to any networking and SD-WAN environment. (Cradlepoint)
Cradlepoint cba550:
The Cradlepoint CBA550 a turnkey branch continuity solution that provides LTE failover with seamless integration into your existing network and SD-WAN infrastructure. The CBA550 is designed to be flexible and unobtrusive with Power-over-Ethernet for optimal cellular reception, so you can place it wherever it works best for your business.What sets the CBA550 apart is its comprehensive NetCloud Package.Get long-lasting assurance with the CBA550 package, as it comes with a NetCloud Service subscription. You'll receive continuous software and modem improvements, total customer support, training, and a warranty, ensuring that you can depend on it for years to come with the backing of Cradlepoint's exceptional support.
Cradlepoint CBA550 Source: USAT
Benefits:
- Dual Connectivity is available, with plug-and-play failover that is adaptive to any networking and SD-WAN environment.
- The product has Embedded LTE with SIM-based Auto-Carrier Selection.
- Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is supported.
- External antenna options are available.
- The product is cloud-managed, which makes it easy to deploy, manage remotely, and generate reports. (Cradlepoint)
Cradlepoint r1900
The R1900 Series router is a powerhouse designed to handle high-performance mobile 5G connectivity and edge computing. It was purpose-built to withstand extreme environments and is the ultimate all-in-one mobile networking solution. The R1900 is ideal for various vehicles like buses, fleets, and emergency vehicles such as police and ambulances. It ensures a dependable mobile network, wherever you are.
Cradlepoint R1900 source: verizon
Benefits:
- Dual connectivity allows for plug-and-play failover, which is adaptive to any networking and SD-WAN environment.
- The product has embedded LTE with SIM-based auto-carrier selection for added convenience.
- Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is supported.
- External antenna options are available.
- The product is cloud-managed, making it easy to deploy, remotely manage, and report on. (Cradlepoint)
Differences Between the Routers' Features
|
Router Model |
Maximum Throughput |
Wi-Fi Standard |
PoE |
Ethernet ports |
Embedded LTE Modem |
Pricing |
|
Cradlepoint IBR1700 |
940 Mbps (Firewall) |
Dual-band, tri-radio Wi-Fi; 802.11ac Wave 2 (Wi-Fi 5) |
No |
5 GbE (LAN/WAN switchable) |
Yes |
$1,609.00 – $3,758.83 |
|
Cradlepoint E300 series |
940 Mbps (Firewall) |
Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
No |
5 GbE (LAN/WAN switchable), 1 SFP |
Yes |
$899.00 – $4,079.00 |
|
Cradlepoint E100 series |
850 Mbps (Firewall) |
Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) |
No |
5 x GbE |
Yes |
$754.00 – $1,887.00 |
|
Cradlepoint w1850 |
2.3 Gbps (Passthrough Throughput) |
NILL |
802.3at |
2 x 2.5 GbE (LAN/WAN switchable |
Yes |
$1,299.00 – $2,399.00 |
|
Cradlepoint cba550 |
95 Mbps (Passthrough Throughput) |
NILL |
Uses PoE |
1 10/100 (LAN only) |
Yes |
$471.00 – $683.00 |
|
Cradlepoint r1900 |
940 Mbps(Firewall Throughput) |
Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6
|
Yes, with RX30-PoE |
4 GbE (LAN/WAN switchable) |
Yes |
$1,999.00 – $3,999.00 |
Recommended Industries for These Routers
Retail and Hospitality:
a. Cradlepoint IBR1700:
This router is ideal for retail and hospitality industries as it provides high-speed internet connectivity to support critical applications like point of sale (POS) systems, digital signage, and guest Wi-Fi. Its advanced security features ensure secure transactions and customer privacy.
b. Cradlepoint E300 series:
The cradlepoint E300 is designed to provide reliable and secure connectivity in high-traffic areas like shopping malls, airports, and hotels. Its cloud-managed feature allows IT administrators to manage multiple locations from a single dashboard, ensuring network consistency and easy troubleshooting.
c. Cradlepoint E100 series:
This is perfect for small retail stores and cafes that require reliable and secure internet connectivity for their POS systems and guest Wi-Fi. Its compact design makes it easy to install and manage.
d. Cradlepoint W1850:
This wireless access point is also perfect for small to medium-sized retail and hospitality businesses that need to provide secure guest Wi-Fi access. Its easy-to-use interface allows business owners to customize the guest Wi-Fi experience and set up splash pages, vouchers, and social login.
Transportation and logistics:
a. Cradlepoint IBR1700:
This router is ideal for the transportation and logistics industry as it provides reliable and secure connectivity for mission-critical applications like GPS tracking, dispatching, and fleet management. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for use in trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
b. Cradlepoint E300 series:
This router is perfect for logistics and transportation companies that need to manage multiple remote locations. Its cloud-managed feature allows IT administrators to monitor and troubleshoot network issues from a central location, ensuring network consistency and uptime.
c. Cradlepoint CBA550:
This router is designed for use in vehicles like trucks and trains, providing reliable and secure internet connectivity for mission-critical applications like asset tracking, route optimization, and fleet management.
Healthcare:
a. Cradlepoint IBR1700:
This router is ideal for healthcare facilities that require reliable and secure connectivity for mission-critical applications like electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and patient monitoring. Its advanced security features ensure patient privacy and compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA.
b. Cradlepoint E300 series:
This router is designed to provide reliable and secure connectivity in hospital environments, allowing doctors and nurses to access critical patient information from anywhere in the facility. Its cloud-managed feature allows IT administrators to manage multiple locations from a single dashboard, ensuring network consistency and easy troubleshooting.
Public safety:
a. Cradlepoint IBR1700:
This router is ideal for public safety agencies like police, fire, and EMS, providing reliable and secure connectivity for mission-critical applications like dispatching, vehicle tracking, and incident response. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for use in emergency vehicles.
b. Cradlepoint R1900:
This router is designed for use in mobile command trailers, providing reliable and secure connectivity for emergency response teams. Its all-in-one mobile networking solution ensures seamless connectivity in extreme environments and critical situations.
Energy and utilities:
a. Cradlepoint IBR1700:
This router is ideal for energy and utility companies that require reliable and secure connectivity for mission-critical applications like SCADA systems, smart grid management, and remote monitoring. Its rugged design ensures it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for use in remote locations.
b. Cradlepoint E300 series:
This router is perfect for utility companies that need to manage multiple remote locations. Its cloud-managed feature allows IT administrators to monitor and troubleshoot network issues from a central location, ensuring network consistency and uptime.
Difference Between Netcloud Essentials and Advanced Plans
NetCloud Essentials and Advanced are two subscription plans offered by Cradlepoint that offer additional features to help businesses better manage their networks.
NetCloud Essentials includes features such as:
- 24/7 support
- Cloud-based management
- Advanced security features
It is best suited for businesses that need reliable and secure connectivity but don't require advanced network management features.( Cradlepoint)
NetCloud Advanced, on the other hand, provides all the features of NetCloud Essentials plus additional network management and analytics tools. This plan is ideal for businesses that need advanced network management features like:
- Application-level visibility
- Traffic shaping
- Policy-based routing (Cradlepoint)
The main advantage of NetCloud Essentials is that it allows you to manage and monitor your network from anywhere using cloud-based tools. This makes it easy to quickly identify and fix any issues, reducing network downtime and improving uptime. NetCloud Advanced offers even more advanced network management tools, allowing you to have more granular control over your network. This can lead to improved network performance and increased productivity.The pricing for NetCloud Essentials and Advanced plans varies depending on the number of devices and the duration of the subscription. Here's a comparison of the pricing for each plan:
- NetCloud Essentials: Starting at $135 per year per device
- NetCloud Advanced: Starting at $270 per year per device
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Cradlepoint offers a wide range of routers with varying features and capabilities to meet the needs of different industries and businesses. Their NetCloud subscription plans provide additional management and security features to ensure a reliable and secure network. By choosing the right router and subscription plan for your business, you can ensure seamless connectivity and maximize productivity.
References:
- https://www.telit.com/partners/cradlepoint/
- https://cradlepoint.com/about-us/#:~:text=Cradlepoint%20is%20a%20Boise%2C%20Idaho,We%20call%20it%20Elastic%20Edge.
- https://novotech.com/learn/m2m-blog/blog/2023/02/27/need-a-cradlepoint-routers-101-here-are-all-the-top-questions-and-answers/
- https://cradlepoint.com/product/endpoints/aer2200/
- https://resources.cradlepoint.com/product-resources/e300-product-brief?_ga=2.78497936.524070283.1678367069-60094810.1677253114#page=1
- https://resources.cradlepoint.com/product-resources/w1850-product-brief?_ga=2.70772244.524070283.1678367069-60094810.1677253114#page=1
- https://resources.cradlepoint.com/product-resources/product-brief-cba550?_ga=2.86360988.524070283.1678367069-60094810.1677253114#page=1
- https://cradlepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Cradlepoint-NASPO-master-price-summary.pdf
- https://usatcorp.com/
