Choosing a Router

Determining which router best suits your needs.

First of all, check the compatibility list of any router you are considering to make certain that the aircard, modem, or cellphone you are using is supported. 

Wifi Routers

The Cradlepoint CTR350 is our entry level router, it has one RJ45 ethernet port that can operate as a WAN (incoming) or LAN (outgoing). The CTR350 is very small and accepts only USB aircards/modems. It will support up to 16 Wifi connections, and has a range between 40-100 feet, depending on surroundings and environmental factors.

The CTR500 will accept one USB and one Express card modem. It has a selectable RJ45 that can be used for WAN (incoming internet) or LAN (outgoing to a desktop or other wired client), and a switch to turn the WiFi off when not in use.  It supports 16 connections and also has a port for an optional external antenna which can increase WiFi range by about 35%.  There are other antennas available as well that can extend WiFi range to specific areas. 

The Cradlepoint PHS300 has an internal battery that will operate the router for 2 hours or so while not plugged in. Great for someone that needs connectivity for short periods whilst away from a power source, or someone that needs to maintain connectivity moving between locations.  Ideal for use in a vehicle with frequent starts and stops, this router smooths out the reboots that can be caused when the vehicle engine is started.   It is strictly a USB in and WiFi out device, there is no RJ45 ethernet port.

All of the above Cradlepoint routers are very small, almost pocket size. 

The GlobeSurfer X.1 is an very compact N band router that supports numerous modems wordwide.  Support for EVDO cards is somewhat limted now, but it is new to the US, and we expect firmware updates to expand the number of devices that are supported.  This is the only production router we handle that has a USB output for a printer or can be configured as a file server.  Also provided are 2 ethernet ports, both default as LAN outputs, or one can be configured for a WAN input, and the entire router can be configured for failover.

The MBR900 is an entry level N band and has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) and one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports.    Input is limited with only one USB input, and wifi range is slightly less than the MBR1000.  The MBR900 has none of the failover capabilities of the MBR1000.   

The MBR1000 is the top of the line N band (range on N band up to 2000 feet) and has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) and one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports. It has 2 USB inputs and also accepts Express cards. Due to the external antenna array we see G band Wifi range from 60 to 200 ft. It also has the WiFi switch, and it powers natively from 12 volts, which makes it very popular with the RV crowd.  Firmware updates provide a type of load balancing between multiple aircards, it won't increase speed by having multiple aircards, but it will increase capacity.   The MBR1000 can be configured for failover functions to utilize the aircard as a backup connection.

The MBR1100 is an expanded N band router from Cradlepoint, in addition to all of the features of the MBR1000, it will support more of the new4G modems, plus 5 concurrent VPN tunnels.  This is pretty specialized and not necessary for most consumer applications.    THE MBR1100 has been replace by the MBR1200 below.

The MBR1200 is the latest and greatest N band router from Cradlepoint, and the most advanced router yet.   This beauty will support 3 USB modems, one Express modem, and one PCMCIA modem.  With a total of 5 aircard inputs, the potential bandwidth available will be impressive.   Like the other MBR series, it has one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports and has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) ports.  Larger still than previous routers, it has no external antennas and utilizes internal antennas.  There is  an optional security enclosure to protect aircards from mischief, as well as an external WiFi antenna array.  The enclosure is particularly appealing for use in semi public areas, or on transit buses and trains.  This unit will support up to 64 simultaneous connections, and supports all the VPN and security functions.  

Non-Wifi Routers

The MBR800 shares all the features of the MBR1000 but with no Wifi capability.  We have many government agencies that use this router because security concerns will not allow Wifi.  It is ideal for a small office of desktops or integrating with an existing Wifi network.   An existing WiFi router can operate on one of the LAN connections from the MBR800. 

The CBA250 is a Cellular Broadband 'Adapter', the purpose is to convert a cellular aircard/modem signal to an ethernet capable system.   It allows full pass through of IP address and other functions and is pretty specialized for certain applications.  

The CBA750 is a more elaborate 'adapter', physically it is identical to the MBR1200, the purpose is to convert a cellular aircard/modem signal to an ethernet capable system.   It allows full pass through of IP address and other functions.   It is a pretty specialized device, that will support 3 USB modems, one Express modem, and one PCMCIA modem.  With a total of 5 aircard inputs, the potential bandwidth available will be impressive.   It has one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports and has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) ports, there is not WiFI capability.  There is  an optional security enclosure to protect aircards from mischief, as well as an external WiFi antenna array.   This unit will support all the VPN and security functions.

"Gateway" Devices

These devices are a combination of both modem and router into a single device. 

The Novatel MiFi 2200 is a tiny little device, about the size of three credit cards stacked, and units are being produced for both Sprint and Verizon.  They are very limited in both range (15-20 ft), and in th number of supported connections (5).  Users have described them as more of a toy than a tool.   Both can be connected to a USB port directly on a computer, or to a more capable router, the cable is included with the Verizon version and optional for the Sprint version.   The WiFi capabilities of the MiFi units is disabled when connected via the USB connector.  NOTE:  Due to the high failure rate, we have suspended offering both the Verizon and Sprint MiFi units indefinitely.  We are monitoring the situation and may resume them if the reliability can be improved. 

The GlobeSurfer III is a GSM only (AT&T & T-Mobile in the USA) combination aircard/router.  Using a data enabled SIM, the GS III grabs the internet from your carrier, provides WiFi output, 2 ethernet outputs, plus a USB output that can be configured as a print or file server.   There is also a RJ-11 telephone jack, for standard telephone connections, check with your carrier for charges related to the telephone usage.  We stock both the North American and European version of this device.  

Please don't hesitate to call us 877-642-9168, or click "contact us" if you need additional help making your selection.

Thank You

Wireless N Wifi