Hands-On ReviewTop PickFeatured
Released Around: January, 2017 /
Cradlepoint is a well-respected mobile router manufacturer focused on enterprise and fleet deployments, competing primarily with Peplink's Pepwave router lineup.
Cradlepoint used to have options for "average" users, all of which have been discontinued over the years as Cradlepoint move its business to focus exclusively on the higher-end segments of the market and enterprise customers, becoming more consumer-unfriendly.
Individuals with particularly demanding needs though are often drawn to Cradlepoint hardware. In particular, Cradlepoint's COR Series and R1900 mobile routers are ruggedized, compact, and offer a variety of functions integrated into a single device.
Product Variations
Three primary options are likely to appeal most to our audience of nomads:
- The R1900 is Cradlepoint's newest mobile router released in early 2021, the R1900 offers more performance than the older COR series including a 5G modem option and includes the option for an extensibility dock, similar to the dock on the COR series.
- The R2100 is an exterior-mounted router primarily intended for vehicles and IOT enclosures.
- The COR IBR1700 is the flagship of the COR series, offering many high-end features in a ruggedized housing.
- The COR IBR900 is a "little brother" to the IBR1700, coming in a smaller package designed specifically for mobile applications.
The Cradlepoint AER routers (read our gear guide page) may also be worth a look - they pack similar functionality into a less rugged package.
But Cradlepoint routers come with a potentially major downside:
ALERT - NetCloud Subscription Required:
In June 2019 Cradlepoint announced a new policy where an active NetCloud subscription would be required to maintain access to basic firmware security updates. Everyone considering purchasing a Cradlepoint router should keep this new requirement in mind.
Without an active NetCloud subscription, user access to even basic router settings is blocked. It's not practical or advisable to try using a Cradlepoint router without this subscription.
With this change, we dropped our 'Top Pick' designation for this product line.
For the detailed specifications of these models, explore the tabs below.
R1900
The R1900 was released in mid-2021 and is Cradlepoint's most advanced ruggedized router. Only a 5G modem option is available.
Specifications
- Model: R1900
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard:802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports:2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Ports (2x2 MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN:Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: Not Specified
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Not Specified (1x USB 2.0 Port)
- Ethernet Ports: 4x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem:Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Sierra Wireless EM9190)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G Bands:: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance:4.1 Gbps Down / 660 Mbps Up
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: Not Specified
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category:Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Nano
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.8 x 1.61 inches
- Other Ports:GPS/GNSS (F-SMA), Bluetooth (Female RP-SMA), Serial RS-232, USB 2.0, RX30 Dock Connector
- Power Source: 9–36v DC /GPIO
- Outdoor Rated:No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking,Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS
Optional extensibility dock options via RX30 connector offer options for additional Ethernet ports (including POE) and a second MC400-based cellular modem. - Retail Price: $1,999.00 (includes one year of NetCloud service but no antennas)
COR IBR1700
The Cradlepoint COR IBR1700 is the 'big brother' of the COR IBR900. It is a physically larger and substantially more expensive dual-modem-capable unit with even more ethernet ports and additional Wi-Fi capabilities.
If you need to provide Wi-Fi to an entire tour bus full of passengers or a second dedicated cellular modem for instant failover or load-balancing, the IBR1700 might be worth a look.
But for all but the most demanding users, the IBR900 (potentially with the Extensibility Dock) strikes a better balance of capabilities.
Cradlepoint has updated the IBR1700 over time with more advanced integrated cellular modems - the most recent update being the Cat-18 1200M-B model, which is near the peak for 4G/LTE performance capabilities.
Cradlepoint also states the router is "5G ready" meaning it can utilize a 5G modem in the MC400 expansion slot, which provides the option for a second modem for the router.
Specifications
- Models:
- COR IBR1700-1200M-B (Cat-18)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 100
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports:2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN:Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes - 6 total SSIDs supported
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: Not Specified
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes - 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- 1200M-B Modem:
- Cellular Modem:Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands:AT&T and Verizon
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+, Bands 1, 2, 4, 5(19), 8
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTEPerformance Category:Category 18(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation:5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA Male Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- 1200M-B Modem:
- Dimensions: 8.8 × 7.5 × 1.7 inches
- Other Ports: 15-pin dock port for COR Extensibility Dock, 9-wire GPIO cable, or COR Extensibility Port to Serial Cable
- Power Source: 9v - 33v Direct DC Input, 110v AC Adapter Optional
- Outdoor Rated:No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, MC400 slot for a second cellular modem.
- Retail Price: $1369.00 (Cat-11) or $1609.00 (Cat-18) - includes 1 year of NetCloud service but no antennas
COR IBR900
Cradlepoint COR IBR900
We've long considered the IBR900 the most appropriate model for consumers, so our review in the member area below is focused on this particular model. However, those looking for a dedicated integrated 5G modem should check out the R1900 above, although that router is twice the price of the IBR900.
Cradlepoint launched IBR900 mobile router in January 2017 and has updated it annually with more advanced integrated cellular modems. As of mid-2021, Cat-11 and Cat-18 options are available.
Additionally, a second modem can be added to the router with the addition of a COR Extensibility Dock and a Cradlepoint MC400 modem module. For a list of MC400 modem options, see our CBA850 Gear Center entry. Cradlepoint has not marketed the IBR900 as "5G Ready" so it may not be able to use the 5G MC400 modem option.
Specifications
- Models:
- COR IBR900-1200M-B (Cat-18)
- COR IBR1700-600M-NA (Cat-11)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 10
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports:2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN:Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes - 4 total SSIDs supported
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: Not Specified
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes - 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- 1200M-B Modem: (Cat 18)
- Cellular Modem:Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands:AT&T and Verizon
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+, Bands 1, 2, 4, 5(19), 8
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTEPerformance Category:Category 18(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation:5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA Male Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- 600M-NA Modem: (Cat 11)
- Cellular Modem:Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands:AT&T and Verizon
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTEPerformance Category:Category 11(Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 75 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Yes
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA Male Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- 1200M-B Modem: (Cat 18)
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches
- Other Ports: 15-pin dock port for COR Extensibility Dock, 9-wire GPIO cable, or COR Extensibility Port to Serial Cable
- Power Source: 9v - 33v Direct DC Input, 110v AC Adapter Optional
- Outdoor Rated:No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, Optional "Extensibility Dock" adds a slot for adding a second cellular modem and provides two additional 10/100 ethernet ports.
- Retail Price: $869.00 (Cat-11), $999.00 (Cat-18) - includes 1 year of NetCloud service but no antennas
News, Videos & Status
We purchased the LP6 LTE-A Cat-6 (300Mbps cellular) version of the IBR900 in December 2017. We felt this product was worthy of the expense at the time, and are thankful that our premium membership funding allows us the budget for acquiring review gear when evaluation equipment is not available.
We have not had any hands-on time with the newer -600M (Cat-11) or -1200M/1200M-B versions of the IBR900, and we're not likely to, given the high acquisition cost and new requirements for NetCloud subscriptions. But other than the integrated cellular modem module, the functionality we reviewed & documented below should be nearly identical.
In early 2018, we took this unit along with the comparable Pepwave MAX BR1 MK2 on the road for some in-depth head-to-head testing.
Members can find our raw field testing results in the Testing Lab:
Members also have access to a more in-depth review of the IBR900 below.
Unboxing Video & First Impressions
Here is our unboxing video and first impressions of the IBR900:
Related News Center Articles
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts and Analysis
- In Depth Review: COR IBR900
- LTE Modem & Swapping SIM Cards
- What is 802.11ac "Wave 2" All About?
- Cradlepoint IBR900 Performance Notes
- User Interface Tour & Video
- Should You Consider the IBR900?
Purchasing Options
NOTE: Cradlepoint includes one year of access to its "NetCloud" service which is required for even basic router functionality. It also provides for remote management, GPS tracking, and ongoing 24/7 support. Extending beyond the first year, however, requires an expensive service contract (you can prepurchase future years much less expensively).
Further Education on Mobile RoutersThe Central Conductor of a Local Area Network
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources:
Mobile Routers Resources
Peplink SpeedFusion VPN / PepVPN – Connecting Two Routers in Different Locations
Cellular Data Devices: Smartphone, Hotspot, Router or Tablet?
Peplink Synergy Mode: Connecting Multiple Routers Together
Peplink Captive Portals & Guest Networks: Sharing Your Connection
Peplink PrimeCare – Extended Warranty, InControl, SpeedFusion, Synergy, vWAN
Using Peplink Wi-Fi as WAN, Access Points, CPEs & Synergy Mode
Peplink Outbound Policies – Juggling Internet Traffic
Fundamentals of Wi-Fi Technology – Wireless Networking
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