The Cradlepoint ARC CBA850 is an LTE Gateway modem that can provide a cellular internet connection to any traditional router - just like one would use a cable or DSL modem.
Higher-end enterprise mobile gear Cradlepoint (and competitor Peplink) have long appealed to RVers and boaters with the most demanding mobile internet needs, particularly for those with an IT background who are not intimidated by managing a more complex device.
One advantage of the CBA850 is that it uses a module modem slot, allowing end-users the ability to easily upgrade the device. Currently, an advance-pro Gigabit-class modem is available with the 1200M-B module, but there are also Category 4 and 6 options.
ALERT - NetCloud Subscription Required:
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.
Specifications
- Model: CBA850
- Router Specs:
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands: Certified for all carriers, depending on modem option.
- MC400-1200M-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 and 4x4
- LTE Performance Category: Category 18
(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA male
- MC400-1200M 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 and 4x4
- LTE Performance Category: Category 18
(Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA male
- MC400-600M-C-AT Modem: Category 12 AT&T Firstnet version
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 29, 30, 46, 66
- 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (3x 20MHz)
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 12
(Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up) - Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA male
- MC400LP6 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
- MC400LP4 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
- MC400LPE-AT Modem: Category 4 AT&T specific version
- MC400LPE-GN Modem: Category 4 Generic Version – for use on T-Mobile and US Cellular in the U.S. and Rogers, Bell, & TELUS in Canada
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 17, 25
- 4G/3G: HSPA+/UMTS, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA EVDO
- 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
- MC400LPE-SP Modem: Category 4 Sprint Version
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 17, 25
- 4G/3G: HSPA+/UMTS, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA EVDO
- 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
- MC400-1200M-B Modem: Category 18
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Certified for all carriers, depending on modem option.
- Dimensions: 4.8 × 4.8 × 1.7 inches
- Other Ports:
- RJ-45 (Console)
- GPS Antenna Port(SMA)
- 12v Power
- Power Source: 12 V DC / 1.5 A power adapter.
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS
- Retail Price: $609-839 (w/o antennas), includes 1 year of NetCloud Manager
News, Videos & Status
We do not have a unit for testing.
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Purchasing Options
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- 5G Store
- Amazon: CBA850LP6-NA
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:
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