A Cradlepoint router is a networking device that provides reliable and secure internet connectivity using cellular networks (4G LTE and 5G), Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. These routers are designed to offer robust connectivity solutions for various environments, including homes, offices, vehicles, and remote locations.
3 Easy Steps for WIRELESS WAN! Redefine your “Work/Home” network!
Stop having your Work, remote applications (SAAS, etc) and the countless others add your Vacation home, Hotel IP addressing to their “Access Controls” – after you figure that all out – No need to worry if your part of a Zero Trust Architecture.
- Insert a 5G SIM Card: Obtain a 5G SIM card from your carrier (e.g., AT&T, Verizon – see below for details). Insert it into the SIM slot of your Cradlepoint device.
- Attach Antennas: Connect the provided 5G antennas to your device. Proper antenna alignment can improve signal strength.
- Power On and Connect: Plug in your device and power it on. Wait for it to boot up and establish a connection.
What Can a Cradlepoint Router Replace in a Home Network?
- Modem: If you have a broadband modem (e.g., cable or DSL), a Cradlepoint router can replace it by using a cellular connection as the primary internet source. This is particularly useful in areas with poor wired internet options.
- Router: A Cradlepoint router can replace your existing home router, providing advanced features like better security, higher speeds, and more reliable connections. It can handle all your Wi-Fi and wired networking needs (see below).
- Wi-Fi Extender: If you need to extend your Wi-Fi (up to 6) coverage, a Cradlepoint router can serve as a powerful Wi-Fi extender, ensuring strong signals throughout your home.
- Failover Device: Cradlepoint routers can act as a failover device, automatically switching to a cellular connection if your primary internet connection goes down. This ensures continuous internet access.
- VPN Endpoint: For secure remote access, a Cradlepoint router can function as a VPN endpoint, allowing you to securely connect to your home network from anywhere. VPN Types: Cradlepoint supports IPSec, OpenVPN, and GRE tunnels. Each type has specific configurations and use cases.
- Personal Hotspot – Cellphone: No more overheating or Bandwidth caps
Port Configuration by Series
- R1900 Series
- Ethernet Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports (expandable to 6 with RX30 managed accessory)
- USB Ports: 1 USB 3.0 port
- GPIO (General-Purpose Input/Output) Ports: 2 (example: connection to a Raspberry Pi)
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- E300 Series
- Ethernet Ports: 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- USB Ports: 1 USB 2.0 port
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-concurrent Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- E3000 Series
- Ethernet Ports: 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- SFP+ Ports: 2 SFP+ ports
- USB Ports: 1 USB 3.0 port
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-concurrent Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- W2005 Series
- Ethernet Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for installation only
- W1850 Series
- Ethernet Ports: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi: Not applicable
Benefits of Using a Cradlepoint Router at Home, on Vacation
- Reliable Connectivity:
- With 5G/LTE, you can maintain a stable internet connection ANYWHERE. This is crucial for video conferencing, accessing cloud services, and other remote work tasks. No more unsecure Hotel and/or Coffee Cafe Open WIFI, etc.
- With support for multiple network types (WAN & LAN), Cradlepoint routers ensure you stay connected even if one network fails.
- Easy Management:
- Local management or Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Manager allows for easy setup, monitoring, and management of your network from anywhere.
- Remote Work:
- Secure Access: Cradlepoint routers offer advanced security features, ensuring your work data remains protected while working remotely. Features like Zero Trust network security and edge security strategies help protect your “home” network from threats
- Immediate Connectivity:
- No Waiting for Installation: When you move to a new place, you don’t have to wait for a broadband installation. Your Cradlepoint router can provide instant internet access using 5G/LTE. No more cabling, reconfiguring IP, DNS (site, app), all mentioned above, and so much more.
- Flexibility:
- Temporary: If you’re staying in temporary housing or a rental while waiting for your permanent home, or you need internet for streaming, gaming, remote work, or IoT devices, Cradlepoint routers offer the flexibility to meet diverse needs.
- Multiple Locations: Easily move your internet connection between different locations, whether it’s your new home, in a café, or at a remote job site, a vacation spot, or a temporary office.
- Traveling:
- Portable Internet: Cradlepoint routers are compact and can be easily transported, providing internet access wherever you go. This is ideal for business trips, vacations, or any travel scenario.
- In-Vehicle Connectivity: Models like the R1900 are designed for use in vehicles, offering reliable internet on the move, perfect for road trips or mobile offices.
- Failover and Redundancy:
- Automatic Failover: If your primary internet connection fails, the Cradlepoint router can automatically switch to a 5G/LTE connection, ensuring uninterrupted internet access.
- Redundancy: Having a 5G/LTE connection as a backup adds an extra layer of reliability to your network.
- IoT and Smart Home Integration:
- IoT Connectivity: Cradlepoint routers can connect various IoT devices, ensuring your smart home systems remain operational even if your primary internet goes down.
- Remote Monitoring: Manage and monitor your home network and IoT devices remotely using Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Manager.
- High-Speed Internet & Provider Plans:
- 5G Speeds: Enjoy ultra-fast internet speeds with 5G, which is ideal for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
- Low Latency: 5G networks offer lower latency, improving the performance of real-time applications like online gaming and video calls.
- AT&T
- AT&T Internet Air for Business: This service uses AT&T’s 5G network to provide reliable and fast internet. It’s easy to set up yourself, making it convenient for businesses.
- AT&T Wireless Broadband: Ideal for businesses on the move, this service offers secure internet access for events, trade shows, and other mobile operations.
- Verizon
- 5G Business Internet: Verizon offers a fast and reliable 5G internet service for businesses, starting at $69 per month. It’s great for small to medium-sized offices, VoIP, and digital kiosks.
- LTE Business Internet: This service provides wireless internet that’s easy to set up, perfect for mobile business operations.
- AT&T
To configure your Cradlepoint device locally, follow these steps:
- Connect to the Device:
- Plug your computer into one of the LAN ports on the Cradlepoint router using an Ethernet cable.
- Alternatively, connect to the router’s Wi-Fi network (SSID Network Name): The default SSID is usually something like “Cradlepoint-XXXX” where “XXXX” is a unique identifier for your router. The router will assign you an IP (DHCP).
- Default IP Address Range: 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.199
- Default Subnet: 192.168.0.0/24 – 255.255.255.0
- Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1 —— CRADLEPOINT ROUTER
- Access the Setup Page:
- Open a web browser and enter the default IP address for the Cradlepoint router, typically
192.168.0.1*some have reported192.168.1.1 (above information should reflect) - Log in using the default credentials (usually
adminfor both username and password). If these have been changed, use the updated credentials.
- Open a web browser and enter the default IP address for the Cradlepoint router, typically
- Initial Setup:
- Once logged in, you may be prompted to change the default password. It’s a good idea to set a strong, unique password.
- Follow any initial setup wizard prompts to configure basic settings like time zone and system time
- Configure Network Settings:
- Navigate to the Network Settings section.
- Here, you can configure LAN settings, including IP address ranges, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) settings, and static IP assignments (network/subnet mask/DNS/Gateway)
- Set Up Wi-Fi:
- Go to the Wi-Fi / Local Networks section.
- Configure your Wi-Fi SSID (network name) and security settings (e.g., WPA2) to secure your wireless network
- WAN Configuration:
- In the WAN Interface Profile section, set up your internet connection. This could be through a wired connection, LTE, or 5G, depending on your model and available services
- Save and Reboot:
- After making all necessary changes, save your settings.
- Reboot the router to apply the new configurations.
- Test the Connection:
- Ensure that your devices can connect to the internet through the Cradlepoint router.
- Check both wired and wireless connections to verify everything is working correctly.
Cradlepoint router models with their Port Configuration & Wi-Fi LAN specifications and approx costs:
W2000 Series
- Design: Indoor use
- Connectivity: High-performance 5G
- Ports:
- 1x 2.5G Ethernet LAN/WAN port: Can be configured as either a LAN or WAN port.
- 1x 1G Ethernet LAN port: Dedicated for LAN connections.
- Wi-Fi Standard LAN: Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Cost: Around $1,499
W1855 Series
- Design: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor deployments
- Connectivity: Robust 5G performance
- Ports:
- 1x 2.5G Ethernet LAN/WAN port: Configurable as LAN or WAN.
- 1x 1G Ethernet LAN port: For LAN connections.
- Wi-Fi Standard LAN: Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Cost: Approximately $1,999
E3000 Series
- Design: Versatile, ideal for branch locations
- Connectivity: Supports 5G
- Ports:
- 8x 1G Ethernet LAN ports: For connecting multiple devices within a local network.
- 2x 2.5G Ethernet WAN ports: For high-speed internet connections.
- 1x 10G SFP+ port: For fiber connections.
- Wi-Fi Standard LAN: Tri-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
- Cost: About $1,799
R1900 Series
- Design: Ruggedized for in-vehicle and mobile applications
- Connectivity: Reliable 5G on the go
- Ports:
- 4x 1G Ethernet LAN ports: For local network connections.
- 1x 1G Ethernet WAN port: For internet connectivity.
- 1x USB port: For connecting storage devices or printers.
- Wi-Fi Standard LAN: Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Cost: Around $1,299
X10 5G Router
- Design: Enterprise-grade, suitable for service providers, SMBs, and remote workers
- Connectivity: High-performance 5G
- Ports:
- 4x 1G Ethernet LAN ports: For connecting multiple devices.
- 1x 2.5G Ethernet WAN port: For high-speed internet access.
- 1x 10G SFP+ port: For fiber connections.
- Wi-Fi Standard LAN: Tri-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
- Cost: Expected to be around $2,499
