Cradlepoint is a well-respected router manufacturer focused on enterprise and fleet deployments, competing primarily with Peplink's Pepwave router lineup.
Cradlepoint used to also have options for "average" users, all of which have been discontinued over the years as Cradlepoint has focused exclusively on the higher-end segments of the market.
Individuals with particularly demanding needs though are often drawn to Cradlepoint hardware - and, in particular, Cradlepoint's COR Series of mobile routers (read our gear guide page) have earned many nomadic fans.
The Cradlepoint AER routers though are also worth a look - packing 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 really practical or advisable to try to use a Cradlepoint router without this subscription.
With this change, we dropped our 'Top Pick' designation for this product line.
Product Variations
Two primary options are likely to appeal most to our audience of nomads:
- The AER2200 is Cradlepoint's older router designed to support mid-sized branch offices.
- The E300 and E3000 are Cradlepoint's newest line, featuring better specs that are designed to support 5G connections.
- The AER1600 is the "little brother" to the AER2200 and it is now retired. The E300 replaces the AER1600 in Cradlepoint's lineup.
AER2200 Series
Cradlepoint AER2200 Series
The Cradlepoint AER2200 is a router designed for small-to-mid-sized branch offices. It comes with a Cat-11 or Cat-18 integrated LTE modem and has internal space to add an optional second LTE modem. It also comes with a plethora of Ethernet ports - including some which support power-over-ethernet for providing both power and data to supported remote devices with just a single cable.
If you need to provide wired networking and powerful Wi-Fi to an entire remote office, or you need a second dedicated cellular modem for instant failover or load-balancing - the AER2200 might be worth a look.
But for all but the most demanding users who like Cradlepoint's ecosystem, this device is likely overkill.
Specifications
- Model: AER2200
- Router Specs:
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- 1200M-B Modem: Category 18
- 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
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (5x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 18
(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA male
- 1200M Modem: Category 18 - AT&T and Verizon
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 29, 30, 46, 48, 66
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+, Bands 1, 2, 4, 5(19), 8
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (5x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 18
(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA male
- 600M-NA Modem: Category 11 AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Version
- 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+
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (2x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 11
(Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 75 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA male
- 1200M-B Modem: Category 18
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Special: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots.
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 7.3'' × 8.3'' × 1.7''
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 65 W AC/DC power adapter.
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, Supports POE over four LAN ports.
- Retail Price: $1,189
Specs Sheet: AER2200 Specs Sheet
E300/E3000 Series
Cradlepoint E300/E3000
The Cradlepoint E300 and E3000 are the newest generation of branch routers from Cradlepoint and are designed to be utilized with 5G connections. The E300 is similar to the AER1600 (and replaces it in Cradlepoint's lineup) in terms of basic features, but it includes Wi-Fi 6, an SPF+ Ethernet port (10 gigabit Ethernet), and future compatibility with 5G adapters.
The E3000 is the 'big brother' of the E300, being physically larger with more Ethernet ports and a much better processor allowing the hardware firewall to operate at a blazing 2.5Gbps. Because of these features, Cradlepoint considers this to be a "5G Optimized" router and not merely 5G ready. The only internal modem option is Cradlepoint's Category-18 modem, though a second modem can be added via the MC400 slot.
This router will be overkill for all but a small handful of the most demanding mobile users.
Specifications
- Model: E300 & E3000
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 248 via Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/n/ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- Wi-Fi Antenna:
- E300: 2x internal antennas only
- E3000: 4x External antennas
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: Unknown
- Ethernet Ports:
- E300: 5x gigabit ports and 1x SPF+ (10gigabit) port, all LAN/WAN switchable
- E3000: 9x gigabit ports, 1x 2.5GbE and 1x SPF+ (10gigabit) port, all LAN/WAN switchable
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- 18B Modem:
- 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
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (5x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- LTE Performance Category: Category 18
(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA male
- C4D Modem: Only available on the E300, not the E3000
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA+ B2, B4, B5
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4
(Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA male
- 18B Modem:
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Special: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots.
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions:
- E300: 5.3 x 10.6 x 1.7 in
- E3000: 6.3 x 12.6 x 1.7 in
- Other Ports: 1x USB 2.0 Type A, 1x Expansion (Future exp. modules), 1x RJ45 Console
- Power Source: AC Adapter included
- E300: 12v DC, 2A
- E3000: 54v DC, 3.34A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, 4x POE over LAN ports (E3000 only).
- Retail Price:
- E300: $899-$1409
- E3000: $2000+
Specs Sheets:
AER1600 Series (Retired)
Cradlepoint AER1600 Series
The AER1600 is an enterprise-level solution in Cradlepoint's AER (Advanced Edge Routing) line that was retired in 2020 and replaced with the E300 series but may still be found among some vendors and the pre-owned market.
It comes in several different configurations with embedded and plug-in modems available. The model with the LP6 modem is the one of most interest - it features an LTE-A Cat 6 capable modem with support for most North American carriers.
Do however keep an eye out in the future for an even more advanced 600M model with 600Mbps LTE support to match the AER2200 and COR IBR900.
NOTE: Be aware - the AER1650 series does not include any Wi-Fi support. The AER1600, however, does - pay attention to the "50" in the model number.
Specifications: 
- Model: AER1600
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 128
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/n/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Internal Antennas, 2x2 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel Access and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 5x 1,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- LP6 Modem: Category 6 Four Carrier version
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (2x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 6
(Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA male
- LP4 Modem: Category 4 Verizon/AT&T version
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 17
- 4G/3G: HSPA+
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4
(Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA male
- LP6 Modem: Category 6 Four Carrier version
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 8.3" x 6.6" x 1.7"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12v or 110v AC
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS
- Retail Price:
- With Cat-4 modem: $789
- With Cat-6 Modem: $889
- With no modem: $589
Specs Sheet: AER1600 Spec Sheet
News, Videos, & Status
We do not currently have plans to do any hands-on testing with the AER or E series, but we have completed an in-depth look at the Cradlepoint COR IBR900. We also have a full dive into the user interface and various Cradlepoint quirks in our Product Lineup entry.
Related News Center Articles
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
Learn More About Selecting Mobile Routers
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NOTE: Cradlepoint includes at least one year of its "NetCloud" service which is required for most router operations and configuration.
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 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:
To learn more, head on over to our guides that cover these topics further:
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