Product Overview: AER Routers by Cradlepoint (Mobile Routers)

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 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.

ALERT: In June 2019 Cradlepoint announced a new policy where an active $180/year 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.

Product Overviews
Review & Testing Status
AER1600 vs AER2200 Comparison Chart
Thoughts & Analysis (Member Exclusive)
Purchasing Options

Cradlepoint AER1600 Series

The AER1600 is an enterprise-level solution in Cradlepoint's AER (Advanced Edge Routing) line.

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
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
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 Specs Sheet

Cradlepoint AER2200

The Cradlepoint AER2200 is the 'big brother' of the AER1600. It is a physically large, has a more advanced LTE-A modem, has internal space to add an optional second LTE modem, and has many more 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, this device is likely overkill.

Specifications: AER2200

Model: AER2200
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 248
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
  - 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/n/ac
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: 4x External dual-band high-gain WiFi antennas (reverse SMA) included
  - 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: 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 10x LAN/WAN switchable - 10/100/1000 Mbps
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
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Special: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots.
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

Comparison of Cradlepoint's two most popular AER Routers:

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 in terms of basic features, but it includes Wi-Fi 6, a 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: E300 & E3000

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
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Special: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots.
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:

Review & Testing Status

We do not currently have plans to do any hands-on testing with the AER series, but we have completed an in-depth look at the Cradlepoint COR IBR900. We've also have a full dive into the user interface and various Cradlepoint quirks in our Product Lineup entry.

Potential Alternatives to Consider:

For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:

Winegard ConnecT 2.0

$209-$369

WiFiRanger Product Lineup

Pepwave by Peplink Product Lineup

Cradlepoint Product Lineup

Varies

GL iNet Cellular Routers

$139+

MOFI4500-SIM4/SIM7

$285+

MikroTik Routers

$49-$129

Pepwave Surf SOHO

$199

Learn More About Selecting Mobile Routers

This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content

We are honored to be able to present the above overview for free without 3rd party advertising or sponsorships. We are not paid by the manufacturer of this product to provide this listing or review, and nor are we selling this equipment or plan (purchasing links are provided below as a courtesy and some may be affiliates).

Our members have funded this resource center and any extensive hands on time
we have spent with the product to review it.

The in-depth portions of this review are made available to them which might contain: hands on testing notes, field testing data, user interface tour, product analysis, comparison to alternatives, setup tips, video tutorial, insider tips, vendor discounts and fellow member experiences.

If you're a member, please log in to continue with this review.
If you're not a member.. please consider joining us!

Learn About Membership

Purchasing Options

5G Store

NOTE: Cradlepoint includes one year of access to its "NetCloud" service which provides for remote management, GPS tracking, and ongoing 24/7 support. Extending beyond the first year, however, requires an expensive service contract - so don't get too hooked on any of these features. More worrying - in June 2019 Cradlepoint announced a new policy where an active $180/year NetCloud subscription would be required to even maintain access to basic firmware security updates.