First Look at the MBR1200

The latest 3G/4G router from Cradlepoint is a pretty impressive performer.  Larger than the previous routers in the MBR line, it has some serious capabilities that the others do not.   Gone are the triple antennnas on the back of the unit.

This router can manage one PCMCIA modem, one Express card modem, plus three USB aircard/modems!   That is a total of 5, more than any router we know of by anyone!  Also has the traditional WAN input, and the option to program one of the four traditional output LAN ports to function even as an additional load balanced or failover incoming WAN.  

All these sources can be configured to a variety of failover functions, or can be formatted to load balance between inputs.  The Ethernet Gigabit (1000mbp/s) capability is ten times the speed of a typical 10/100 connection, not likely the average Joe will even notice the difference of such speeds.  But those users in the publishing, recording, or film industries will appreciate the blindingly fast network transfer speeds.

A couple of really trick accessories are available, the Modem Security Enclosure which will cover five of the wireless modem inputs, discouraging theft or tampering.  We expect that will make the MBR1200 a hit with those needing remote access where the router will be located in semi-public area.   There is also a reasonably priced external antenna array, to extend the WiFi range significantly. 

The MBR1200 has security capabilities for just about anyone, including the traditional WEP, WPA, WPA2, MAC Address Filter, and advanced VPN, up to five concurrent tsessions.   In all the MBR1200 will support a total of 64 clients, double the 32 provided by previous routers in the MBR series. 

This is probably the most versatile and capable 3G/4G router available to date.  Once again Cradlepoint has exhibited their leadership and cemented their dominance in this arena.

KMH

10/1/09