Upgrading to 5G with the Ericsson Cradlepoint R980
Written by Noah Lamb
September 30, 2024
For businesses looking to upgrade to 5G without the high cost typically associated with hardware replacement, the Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 offers a perfect balance of affordability and advanced technology. This versatile 5G router is designed for vehicle and IoT connectivity, allowing users still relying on 4G devices to easily make the leap to 5G at a lower price point and unlock several advanced networking features.
Key Features of the Cradlepoint R980
One of the standout features of the R980 is its new 5G modem. It supports 5G NR FR1 low and mid bands and Cat 19 LTE, ensuring backward compatibility with 4G LTE while providing blazing-fast 5G speeds. Additionally, the R980 features two physical SIM slots and embedded eSIM compatibility, which makes changing carriers as simple as an over-the-air update — perfect for teams on the go.
Another major highlight is its support for network slicing, a key feature being rolled out by many carriers. This technology allows multiple virtual networks to be created on a single physical network, enabling improved performance for critical applications like public safety and emergency response. This capability will be particularly valuable as 5G networks continue to expand.
Built for Tough Conditions
The Cradlepoint R980 isn’t just about upgrading to 5G — it’s built to sustain that connectivity as well. As an addition to Ericsson’s “R” series of routers, the R980 is ruggedized, making it suitable for harsh environments, whether it’s mounted in a vehicle or used in outdoor IoT applications. Features like power and ignition sensing make the R980 perfect for mobile deployments, while GPIO ports make it easy to integrate with external systems, IoT sensors, and monitoring devices like security cameras.
Advanced Networking Capabilities
In addition to its hardware, the R980 brings a suite of software features, including support for SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), SD-WAN, and Zero Trust security. These features ensure that your network is not only fast but also secure, with built-in safeguards to protect sensitive data and manage traffic intelligently.
For physical connectivity, the R980 is equipped with two GbE RJ45 ethernet ports, ensuring seamless integration with other networking equipment, and Wi-Fi 6 support provides high-speed wireless connectivity for nearby devices. Plus, the router’s active GNSS capabilities allow for precise location tracking, ideal for fleet or asset management.
Affordable 5G Performance
The Cradlepoint R980 stands out as an affordable, versatile 5G router that offers powerful features like eSIM compatibility, network slicing, and robust security protocols—all in a ruggedized design. Whether you’re upgrading vehicle connectivity or deploying in industrial IoT environments, the R980 unlocks access to cost-effective 5G performance and reliability. It’s the ideal choice for organizations looking to future-proof their networks.
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