The Cradlepoint R980 router, powered by Ericsson technology, is the latest addition to the Cradlepoint lineup, designed to meet the demanding needs of mobile and IoT environments. This ruggedized 5G networking platform is built to withstand harsh conditions while offering high-speed connectivity, advanced security, and comprehensive management capabilities. With dual 5G and Cat 19 LTE support, the Cradlepoint R980 provides versatile connectivity, making it ideal for enterprises, public safety, and industries requiring reliable and secure mobile communications.
Key Features and Benefits of the Cradlepoint R980
The Cradlepoint R980 router is packed with features to support mission-critical applications and secure communications in mobile, IoT, and industrial deployments. Some of its most notable capabilities include:
- Dual Connectivity: The R980 offers embedded 5G and Cat 19 LTE dual connectivity, ensuring fast upload and download speeds for high-bandwidth applications like video streaming, data transfer, and real-time communications.
- Public Safety Ready: Prioritize secure access to public safety networks, including FirstNet, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, and Verizon Frontline, ensuring connectivity during critical operations.
- Advanced Security: With built-in Zero Trust Security and SD-WAN capabilities, the Cradlepoint R980 offers enhanced security measures such as stateful firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and application-aware firewall features.
- eSIM Support: The device includes future-ready eSIM capabilities, allowing for carrier switching without the need for physical SIM changes. This feature will be enabled in future NetCloud OS updates, providing flexibility in carrier management.
- Private Networks and 5G Slicing: The R980 is compatible with CBRS, 4G LTE, and 5G private networks, making it ideal for enterprises seeking greater control over their wireless network services. Network slicing allows users to isolate applications or devices and prioritize traffic across different network segments.
- Rugged Design: The Cradlepoint R980 is built to operate in extreme environments, with an operating temperature range from -30 °C to 75 °C (-22 °F to 167 °F). Its ruggedized metal form factor makes it suitable for deployments in hazardous and industrial settings.
Hardware Specifications of the Cradlepoint R980
- Ethernet Ports: 2 GbE ports (LAN/WAN switchable)
- USB Ports: 1
- Serial Ports: Yes (with adapter)
- Dual Modem Support: Yes (with captive modem)
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band, dual-concurrent Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- GNSS: Active GNSS for precise location tracking and cellular coverage mapping
- PoE: Not supported
- Operating Temperature: -30 °C to 75 °C (-22 °F to 167 °F)
- VPN Tunnel Support: 20 VPN tunnels
NetCloud Services and Software Capabilities
The Cradlepoint R980 pairs with Cradlepoint’s NetCloud service plans, which unlock the router’s full potential through cloud management and edge computing capabilities. With NetCloud IoT or Mobile service plans, users can manage deployments at scale, ensuring robust connectivity and security for mobile and IoT applications.
Key Software Capabilities:
- NetCloud SASE: Offers secure access service edge (SASE) functionality, combining SD-WAN with zero-trust security principles to simplify the management of mobile and IoT networks.
- Zero Trust Security: Enforce micro-segmented network access with encrypted tunnels to restrict device communication to authorized resources only.
- Advanced Analytics: Leverage GNSS data to create coverage maps, monitor cellular health, and gain operational insights into mobile or remote deployments.
High-Performance Connectivity for Vehicles and IoT
The Cradlepoint R980 is versatile, catering to both vehicle and IoT deployments:
- Vehicle Connectivity: The R980 provides reliable in-vehicle networking with dual-modem support for uninterrupted connections across 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, and satellite networks. It supports advanced GNSS for precise location tracking and includes web filtering, threat management, and analytics to secure the vehicle’s communications.
- Ruggedized IoT Solution: For IoT deployments, the R980 excels in harsh environments such as oil fields, utility sites, and smart cities. Its rugged design and support for CBRS and private 5G networks make it ideal for deploying at scale while maintaining security and performance.
Key Takeaways
- The Cradlepoint R980 provides high-performance 5G connectivity, optimized for both mobile and IoT deployments.
- With built-in Zero Trust Security and SD-WAN, the R980 offers top-tier protection for critical communications, enabling secure and flexible networking solutions.
- Its ruggedized design allows the router to function in extreme environments, making it suitable for industrial and public safety applications.
- The R980 supports carrier flexibility through eSIM, enhancing deployment flexibility.
- Cradlepoint’s NetCloud services extend the router’s capabilities, providing cloud-based management, security, and edge computing solutions.
FAQs
What is the maximum throughput of the Cradlepoint R980?
The Cradlepoint R980 supports up to 940 Mbps of firewall throughput, ensuring fast and reliable performance for high-bandwidth applications.
Can the Cradlepoint R980 operate on private networks?
Yes, the R980 supports private cellular networks, including CBRS, 4G LTE, and 5G, making it suitable for enterprises and industries looking to deploy secure, isolated networks.
Does the Cradlepoint R980 have eSIM support?
Yes, the R980 includes eSIM capability, allowing users to switch carriers over the air without physically changing SIM cards. This feature will be fully functional with future NetCloud OS updates.
Is the Cradlepoint R980 suitable for vehicle deployments?
Yes, the R980, when paired with a NetCloud Mobile service plan, is optimized for in-vehicle deployments, offering dual-modem support, GNSS functionality, and resilient connectivity across multiple networks.
What security features are available with the Cradlepoint R980?
The R980 supports Zero Trust Security, SASE, SD-WAN, stateful firewalls, intrusion detection, web filtering, and other advanced security services through Cradlepoint’s NetCloud platform.
The Cradlepoint R980 router, with its rugged design and advanced 5G connectivity, is an ideal solution for enterprises, public safety, and IoT deployments that require reliable, secure communications in even the harshest conditions. Whether in vehicles, industrial sites, or IoT applications, the R980 delivers the performance and flexibility needed to support critical applications today and into the 5G future.