Product Overview: AirCard Smart Cradle (Mobile Routers)

This Product Discontinued or Obsolete

While current owners of this device or plan may continue to find performance to be adequate for the foreseeable tech-future, we do not recommend upgrading to or purchasing it. 

Consider Alternatives

The AirCard Smart Cradle transforms a Netgear mobile hotspot into a LTE router. It also provides 5 Gigabit ethernet ports for integrating hard-wired internet (ethernet) into your set-up.

It features high-gain internal 4G/3G antennas and external Wi-Fi antennas, 1 USB port and 5 Gigabit ethernet ports.

It offers 802.11ac dual-Band and dual-concurrent Wi-Fi (DBDC) for improved performance and reduced interference.

Compatible Products

• AirCard 782S Mobile Hotspot
• AirCard 785S Mobile Hotspot
• AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot
• AirCard 810S Mobile Hotspot
• AT&T Unite Explore (NETGEAR AC815S)
• Verizon Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (NETGEAR AC791L)
• Future NETGEAR AirCard Mobile Hotspots

Specifications

• Model: Smart Cradle
• Router Specs:
  • # of Connected Devices: Up to 20
  • Wi-Fi Router: Yes
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Yes - up to 600Mbps
    • 5GHz Wi-Fi: Yes - up to 1300Mbps
    • Wi-Fi Antenna: 2 external high-gain Wi-Fi antennas (50ohm impedance)
    • Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
    • Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
    • Guest Wi-Fi Network: Unknown
  • Control Panel and Default Password: Not specified
  • USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port
  • Ethernet Ports: 4 Gigabit LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN port
• Cellular Modem Specs:
  • Supported Networks and Bands:
    • LTE Bands: 700 MHz (B28) / 850 MHz (B5) / 900 MHz (B8) / 1800 MHz (B3) / 1900 MHz (B2) / 2100 MHz (B1) / 2600MHz (B7)
  • LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
  • MIMO Support:
  • LTE Performace Category:
  • Cellular Antenna Portss: 2 TS-9 connector ports
  • SIM Slots: none (insert hotspot)
• Dimensions: 157.0 (H) x 230.4 (L) x 148.75 (W) mm
• Other Ports:
• Power Source: 12 V DC 2.5 Amp
• Outdoor Rated: No
• Special Features:
• Retail Price:  $198.99

Review & Testing Status

We had this device in for testing, but it was discontinued before we could complete our evaluation. 

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Purchasing Options

• Amazon

Further Education on Mobile Routers The 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

Using Wi-Fi as a Mobile Internet Source for RV & Boat Travels – Selecting Long Range Wi-Fi Extending Gear

Peplink SIM Injector – Create a Library of Data Plans

Peplink VLANs: Defining Multiple Local Area Networks

Peplink and Starlink for RV & Boat Mobile Internet Reliable Solutions

Selecting an RV or Boat Mobile Router for Cellular, Wi-Fi and Satellite Integration

Combining Internet Connections: Bonding, Load Balancing & Auto Failover

Networking Basics 101 For RV Mobile Internet Users

Peplink SpeedFusion Connect for RVs & Boats (Bonding)