Overview: CBA850 by Cradlepoint (Mobile Routers)

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.

CBA850-1200M Front — The CBA850 with the MC400-1200M modem module has 4 external SMA antenna ports for 4x4 MIMO plus one for GPS.

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:
- # of Connected Devices:
- Wi-Fi Router: N/A
- USB Tethering Support: Yes - 1x USB Port, tethering not confirmed
- Ethernet Ports: 2x 1,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (One for device management, one WAN with POE)
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
    - 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-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
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
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: $450 -799.99 (w/o antennas), includes 1 year of NetCloud Manager

Review & Testing 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:

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

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