Routers, Gateways, and Modems
How Do Cradlepoint Routers Work?
Cradlepoint is popular for providing wireless SD-WAN using 4G LTE. The company has an extensive portfolio of wireless routers ideal for use in enterprises. The all-in-one routers featuring Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol provide cellular backups to the Multiprotocol Label Switching system by overlaying the network infrastructure.
If the connection goes down, the IT team can monitor it instantly. Plus, they can flow traffic through the Cradlepoint router over LTE from and to the headquarters.
What Is Cradlepoint Used For?
Cradlepoint is used at the enterprise level by businesses and large organizations for connectivity purposes. The company develops gateways, edge networking software, and routers. These products connect businesses through 4G and 5G network signals.
For instance, the E3000 edge routers from Cradlepoint let small businesses and satellite offices use gigabit LET cellular signals to form a WiFi network through WiFi 6 or IEEE 802.11ax standard.
Meanwhile, the NetCloud platform manages the M2M/IoT gateways and 4G LTE-compatible routers from Cradlepoint. The platform couples Network Function Virtualization technologies and software-defined networking.
Such a system is also called Network as a Service and helps businesses through improved maintenance, optimized network performance, enhanced security, and better-controlled costs.
Are They Enterprise-Grade Modems?
Yes, Cradlepoint's modems are enterprise-grade. They allow connectivity between businesses and mobile users through 4G and 5G wireless signals. Cradlepoint has also built-in vehicle networks and branch connectivity features to be used by businesses as endpoint solutions.
The company's modular 5G modems can also be customized to be compatible with an individual carrier's 5G network.
What Is Included in the Box?
If you buy the Cradlepoint AER2200 Branch Router, the box will include Cradlepoint AER2200 with embedded LTE Advanced (600M) or LTE Advanced Pro (1200M) modem, four external dual-band WiFi antennas (RP-SMA) (5 dBi, 2.4 GHz, 5 dBi 5 GHz), two or four finger-tighten-only external LTE 4G universal modem antennas (SMA), a finger-tighten-only +54V, 1.2 A (65 W) AC/DC power adapter, 30 W PoE budget, C8 line cord, Cat5e Ethernet patch cable, MC400 modem door screw, a Safety, Regulatory and Warranty Guide, and four rubber feet for desk mounting.
The box of the AER1600 branch router contains an MC400 3G/4G modem with antennas, a 12V 3A AC/DC power adapter, modem antennas, and an Ethernet cable.
The CR4250 router box contains a CR4250 or CR4250-PoE, four rubber feet for desk mounting, a C13 power line cord, and a Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty Guide.
Are They Rugged for Harsh Environments?
Yes, Cradlepoint makes many models that are rugged for harsh environments. With Ruggedized Metal form factors, these routers are rugged enough to withstand dust, splashing, humidity, shock, and vibration.
What Is the Difference Between a "Branch" router, an Adapter, and a "Mobile" Router?
Branch routers typically exist in an enterprise network's remote branch, a piece of network segmented through a LAN within an SD-WAN or a virtual local area network. These routers allow enterprises to increase IT efficiency and deploy integrated network services wherever they're required.
Adapters receive signals from wireless routers or similar wireless devices and translate them so that users can access the Internet if they are in the range of a wireless network or a WiFi hotspot. Cradlepoint's W4005 Series 5G adapter offers dual connectivity, LAN connectivity, and throughput of 2 Gbps.
Meanwhile, a mobile router allows users to surf wherever they go as it broadcasts an Internet connection through a mobile hotspot, a cord, or WiFi. These routers are used for in-vehicle networking applications. Cradlepoint's mobile routers are the first-ever of their kind, with Gigabit speeds for LTE, WiFi, and Ethernet for enterprise-grade high performance.
Software & Troubleshooting
What is Cradlepoint NetCloud?
Cradlepoint NetCloud is a cloud-based subscription service that combines software-defined networking, unified edge security, and cloud management with 5G cellular networking technology and LTE to power adapters and purpose-built edge routers.
The NetCloud OS provides advanced security features and routing for mobile, branch, and M2M/IoT. It connects seamlessly to NetCloud Manager for Day-1 deployments. It also offers policy-based control, making it easy to configure networks authorized to route traffic depending on application content, bandwidth, and cellular data.
Is the NetCloud Included, and Do You Have to Renew It?
NetCloud is sold as a subscription and has additional features, such as on-demand training, warranty, and support. It is not included in your router and has to be purchased as a subscription plan.
However, it may be included in the package, depending on where you buy the router. For instance, if you get the CR4250 5G Branch Performance Router w/ PoE from Novotech, it will come with 12 months of NetCloud Essentials.
Users should at least have the NetCloud Essentials Plan to license a device. To be managed through NCM via remote or local connections, the device must be licensed.
Users must keep their Cradlepoint NetCloud subscriptions active to ensure constant NetCloud Service. It lets you stay connected. Plus, the advanced security features protect your endpoints.
How to Log in to a Cradlepoint Router
To access the Setup Pages of a device:
- Log in to NetCloud Manager.
- Click on the Devices tab and choose the router whose user interface you need access to. If you want to access an access point, click on the Access Points tab.
- Choose your desired access point.
Go to the Remote Connect menu and choose Connect to Device UI. On the login screen, log in to the device. Your default username will be "admin." The default user password comes with your router.
Type in the username and the password, and you're good to go.
You can also log in to your router through an IP address. Connect your Cradlepoint router and the computer using a wireless connection or an Ethernet cable. Go to a web browser, like Internet Explorer or Chrome. In the address bar, type: http://192.168.0.1. Since your Cradlepoint router locally hosts this site, you don't need Internet access to go to this page.
You will land on a page showing the Cradlepoint logo. Enter your user name and password here, as explained above.
How to Access a Cradlepoint Router Remotely
You can use a web browser or the NCM Remote Connect menu to access Cradlepoint devices remotely. It's recommended that you use the NCM Remote Connect menu. Alternatively, you can access Cradlepoint devices remotely through a device's IP address or DNS Hostname.
Enter the [protocol][IP address]:[port number] of the device in the address bar of the web browser.
- The protocol will be HTTPS or HTTP.
- The IP address will be the public address provided to you by your carrier.
- The port number is the number you select when configuring remote management. Since HTTPS and HTTP use different ports, the port number must correspond to the relevant protocol.
An example of this entry is https://75.160.180.139:8443.
The dynamic DNS hostname can also be used in place of the IP address. For instance, my-dyndns-hostname.com:8080 is a DNS hostname. When you enter this number, you will see the login page, which is similar to what you'd see if you used a Cradlepoint device to access the router directly.
Note that if a user is connected locally to the device, you may not see the remote admin page.
What Type of Support/Warranty Is Included?
All Cradlepoint hardware products sold as NetCloud Package components, including docks and MC400 modems, have a limited warranty to cover defects in workmanship and material. The warranty only extends to the original purchaser who bought the product from Authorized Cradlepoint Partners. It's not transferable.
Batteries, power supply, and antennas come with a limited warranty against workmanship and material defects to only the exclusive purchaser for one year from the date of shipment.
The warranty does not cover product failure due to misuse, accident, wear and tear, acts of God, modification, adjustment, liquid-related damage, or improper ventilation.
Cradlepoint's support includes search documentation that you can use to help yourself if needed. The how-to guides are helpful in understanding how the products work. Cradlepoint also has community forums where you can get your questions answered by product managers, support engineers, and peers.
The "Cradlepoint University" has quick training courses and certifications for users. As for the customer support team, it is accessible through chat and calls.
Cradlepoint Will Not Connect to the Internet
If your device does not connect to the Internet, you should check the power supply first. If it's in place, check if you can get online by connecting the modem directly to the computer. If not, contact the modem manufacturers or service provider.
Do note that this test will not work if you're using a Cradlepoint modem.
If you can get online, proceed to the second option. Update your NCOS. Before you do that, make sure the new NCOS supports your modem.
The third step is to check the signal strength as a poor signal strength may restrict your connection to the Internet. If you have an unstable connection or no connection at all, you won't see any signal strength.
Finally, if you are using the network in a 3G-only region or your modem only connects to 3G, force the modem to 3G in the Cradlepoint router. Once the NCOS is up-to-date, and you're getting a strong signal strength, you can proceed to the next steps.
- Login to the NCOS page of your router.
- Go to Connection Manager and choose Devices from the drop-down menu.
- Check the modem's state on this page.
- The state will tell you what you need to do next.
Brand Questions
When Was Cradlepoint Founded?
Pat Sewall founded Cradlepoint in 2006 in Boise, Idaho. Later, co-founders Gary Oliviero and Ryan Adamson joined the company. The first products made by the company were 4G and 3G cellular routers that created WiFi hotspots for mobile users.
One of the earliest Cradlepoint customers was NORAD, an aerospace defense company. NORAD uses the Cradlepoint wide area network to connect up to 1,500 volunteers with 140,000 calls coming from kids trying to communicate with Santa Claus every year.
The NetCloud Solution, a real-time subscription model from Cradlepoint, was launched in January 2018. It bundles the software and hardware of Cradlepoint's solutions into multi-year or annual subscriptions.
Is Cradlepoint Publicly Traded?
Cradlepoint is a privately held company. Its headquarters are in Boise, Idaho. The development centers of Cradlepoint are in Silicon Valley and Kelowna, Canada. Cradlepoint also has offices in Japan, Australia, and the UK.
Does Cradlepoint Offer 5G?
Yes, Cradlepoint offers 5G services. Cradlepoint's 5G NR standard has been designed to offer ultra-low latency for everything from health service applications to enterprise network use.
Initially, the company only offered 3G and 4G-based solutions. Cradlepoint 5G came later on along with the company's mainstream routers, such as the Cradlepoint IBR900 and LTE router. The additional analytic capabilities added to the NetCloud management in 2020 enhanced enterprise network solutions.
How Much Does a Cradlepoint Router Cost?
The prices of Cradlepoint routers cover a wide price spectrum. For instance, the Cradlepoint Wireless Router MBR95 costs $45.88 and comes with 300 MB per second speed. The Cradlepoint Company Broadband Router CBR400 costs $8900 and comes with a 300 MB per second data transfer rate.
Can I Get Financing on Cradlepoint Products?
Yes, you can get 12-month financing options for Cradlepoint products. The equipment cost is divided by 12, and you have to pay the installment every month. These payment plans allow you to preserve cash flows while obtaining the product at the time of the sale.
Where Can I Buy Cradlepoint Products?
You can buy Cradlepoint products from Novotech and incorporate secure connectivity and high-performance networking in your workplace. Novotech distributes endpoints, gateways, and Cradlepoint Routers.
Browse through the website to find the Cradlepoint product that meets your requirements and get a quote today.