Product Overview: AER and E-Series Routers by Cradlepoint (Mobile Routers)

Cradlepoint is a well-respected router manufacturer focused on enterprise and fleet deployments, competing primarily with Peplink's Pepwave router lineup.

Cradlepoint used to have options for "average" users, all of which have been discontinued over the years as Cradlepoint has focused exclusively on the higher-end market segments.

The Cradlepoint AER routers may be 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

The primary options that are likely to appeal most to our audience of nomads:

The E300 and E3000 are Cradlepoint's newest line, featuring better specs that are designed to support 5G connections.
The E320 is a variant of the E300 for T-Mobile business/enterprise users.
The E100 is Cradlepoint's SOHO (small/home office) enterprise branch router.
The AER1600 is the "little brother" to the AER2200 and it is now retired. The E300 replaces the AER1600 in Cradlepoint's lineup.
The AER2200 is now retired and is replaced with the E300 series.

E300/E3000/E320 Series

Cradlepoint E300/E3000/E320

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 E320 is a T-Mobile version of the E300 intended for business customers. The hardware is the same as the E300, but it comes with T-Mobile business cloud features in concert with Cradlepoint's NetCloud. This isn't a router you can buy from T-Mobile, it's provided on a "device as a service" basis.

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: 248
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports:
    - E300: 2x internal antennas only
    - E3000: 4x External antennas
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  - Address: Not Specified
  - Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Not Specified
- 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
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
Cellular Modem Specs:
- 5GB Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 5G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
    - 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
    - LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
    - 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+, Bands 1, 2, 4, 5(19), 8
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 4x4
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 316 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 7x Download, 3x Upload
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- 18B Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T
    - 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
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 4x4
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-18 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 5x Download, 3x Upload
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- C7C Modem: (Only available on the E300, not the E3000)
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71
    - 4G/3G: WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA+ B2, B4, B5
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-7 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 150Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: Yes
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA male
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
Dimensions:
- E300: 5.3 x 10.6 x 1.7 inches
- E3000: 6.3 x 12.6 x 1.7 inches
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: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots. Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, 4x POE over LAN ports (E3000 only).
Retail Price:
- E300: $899.00-$1409.00
- E3000: $2000.00+

Specs Sheets:

E100

Cradlepoint E100

The Cradlepoint E100 is a much more basic version of the E300/E3000 routers with lower-tier modems, Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6 networking, and fewer advanced hardware capabilities.

This router is marketed for the small/home office market.

Model: E100
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 5
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x Internal
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  - Address: Not Specified
  - Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Not Specified
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit ports (LAN/WAN Switchable)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
Cellular Modem Specs:
- C7C Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71
    - 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+, Bands 2, 4, 5
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-7 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download, 2x Upload
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- C4D Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, 71
    - 4G/3G: WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA+ B2, B4, B5
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
Dimensions: 10.6 x 1.9 x 5.3 inches
Other Ports: 1x USB 2.0 Type A
Power Source: 3A, 12v DC (option battery backup available)
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, 4x POE over LAN ports (E3000 only).
Retail Price: $999.00-1599.00

Specs Sheet:

E100 Spec Sheet

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: 128
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x2 MU-MIMO
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  - Address: Not Specified
  - Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
Cellular Modem Specs:
- LP6 Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint
    - LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
    - 4G/3G: WCDMA/DC-HSPA+
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- LP4 Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon & AT&T
    - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 13, 17
    - 4G/3G: HSPA+
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.6 x 1.7 inches
Other Ports: Not Specified
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: $789.00
- With Cat-6 Modem: $889.00
- With no modem: $589.00

Specs Sheet: AER1600 Spec Sheet

AER2200 Series (Retired)

Cradlepoint AER2200 Series

The AER2200 is a router designed for small-to-mid-sized branch offices in Cradlepoint's AER (Advanced Edge Routing) line that was retired in 2023 and replaced with the E300 series but may still be found among some vendors and the pre-owned market.

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.

aer2200-front

Specifications

Model: AER2200
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 248
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 - MU-MIMO. 4x External dual-band high-gain WiFi antennas (reverse SMA) included
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  - Address: Not Specified
  - Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port (USB Modems only - no hotspots!)
- Ethernet Ports: 10x LAN/WAN switchable - 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
Cellular Modem Specs:
- 1200M-B Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T
    - 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
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-18 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1,200 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 5x Download, 3x Upload
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
- 600M-NA Modem:
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
  - Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint
    - 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+
  - Carrier Certification: Not Specified
  - MIMO Support: 2x2
  - LTE Performance:
    - LTE Performance Category: Cat-11 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 75 Mbps Up)
    - LTE Carrier Aggregation: 3x Download
  - Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA male ports
  - SIM Slots: 2x Mini
Dimensions: 7.3 × 8.3 × 1.7 inches
Other Ports: Not Specified
Power Source: 65 W AC/DC power adapter.
Outdoor Rated: No
Special Features: Space for an MC400 modem, enabling a second internal LTE modem with 2x additional SIM card slots. Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing, Integrated GPS, Supports POE over four LAN ports.
Retail Price: $1,189.00

Specs Sheet: AER2200 Specs Sheet

News, Videos, & Status

We do not currently have plans to do any hands-on testing with the AER series but we do currently have and E300 in our testing lineup.

We also have completed an in-depth look at the Cradlepoint COR IBR900, as well as a full dive into the user interface and various Cradlepoint quirks in our Product Lineup entry.

Member can following along with our testing notes here: Testing In Progress: Cradlepoint E300/E320 5G Router

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NOTE: Cradlepoint includes at least one year of its "NetCloud" service which is required for most router operations and configuration.

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: