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

MBR95 is the entry level N band designed for home or office.  It has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) and one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports. It has just one USB input, and utilizes internal wifi antennas. We see G band Wifi range from 50 to 150 ft, and N band in excess of that.   It also has a WiFi on/off switch, and powers natively from 12 volts, which makes it very popular with the RV crowd.   Another endearing feature for RV and boaters is the WiFi as WAN capability.   This allows you to utilize the internet connection supplied by a marina or RV park when a decent signal is available, reducing the usage on your mobile boradband modem.  The MBR95 has an integrated 4 port hub, and can also be configured for failover functions to utilize the aircard as a backup to a wired connection.

The MBR1200B is the latest version of the venerable Cradlepoint MBR1200 router.  This latest version is an N band router and will support 2 USB modems and one Express modem.  It is a "series 3" router, using the latest platform which  supports "Wifi as WAN" as well as dual SSID's.  It has the intergrated 4 port hub that all the MBR series have, and powers natively from 12 volts.   There is  an optional security enclosure to protect aircards from mischief when used in semi public areas, but the external WiFi antenna ports have been eliminated.

The MBR1400 is the latest and greatest N band router from Cradlepoint, and by far the most advanced router yet.   This beauty will support 3 USB modems and 2 Express modems.  With a total of 5 aircard inputs, the potential bandwidth available is impressive.   Like the other MBR series, it has one dedicated WAN (incoming) ethernet ports and has 4 dedicated LAN (outgoing) ports.  The unit has three external antennas and 5gHz antennas are optional.  The optional security enclosure for the MBR1200 also fits this unit.   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.

COR Products

Very compact routers with integrated modems, for highest reliabililty and maximum up time!   I deal for high security and connection M2M critical applications.

The IBR600 is the wifi version of the COR series, measuring less than an inch thick and less than 4 inches square (without antennas), providing two ethernet ports and including diversity antennas for input signal as well as wifi output.   Available in 3G for Verizon (IBR600E-VZ) 3G/4G fpr Verizon (IBR600LE-VZ), and a 3G version for Sprint (IBR600E-SP).

The IBR650 is the non-wifi variant, same diminuntive size and metal case.   Available in 3G for Verizon (IBR650E-VZ) and  3G for Sprint (IBR650E-SP).

Non-Wifi Routers
 

The CBA750 is a more elaborate 'adapter', physically it is nearly 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.  

The GlobeSurfer III+ is the latest GSM only (AT&T 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.  The new GSIII+ is configured for both North American and European frequencies.   This unit DOES NOT support T-Mobile in the USA. 

 
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