Cradlepoint
IoT connectivity management software
WAN edge infrastructure software
SD-WAN solutions
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$899 one-year subscription
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Small
Medium
Large
- Media and communications
- Construction
- Retail and wholesale
What is Cradlepoint
Cradlepoint is a cellular-first WAN edge platform that combines LTE/5G routers and adapters with cloud-based management to connect and secure branch, vehicle, and temporary sites. It is used by IT and network teams to deploy and operate internet access, failover, and primary WAN connectivity where wired links are unavailable or impractical. The product emphasizes centralized lifecycle management of edge devices and cellular links, including configuration, monitoring, and policy enforcement. It is commonly deployed in retail, public sector, transportation, and field operations scenarios that require rapid turn-up and resilient connectivity.
Cellular-first WAN edge design
The product is built around LTE/5G connectivity as a primary or backup WAN, which fits use cases such as pop-up sites, vehicles, and remote locations. Purpose-built edge hardware supports carrier connectivity and antenna options that are important for signal quality and uptime. This focus differentiates it from platforms centered mainly on application-layer IoT messaging or device telemetry. It also supports common branch connectivity patterns such as dual-WAN and cellular failover.
Centralized cloud device management
Cradlepoint provides a cloud console for provisioning, configuration templates, firmware management, and fleet monitoring across many routers and endpoints. This reduces manual device-by-device administration for distributed deployments. It supports operational workflows such as staged rollouts and remote troubleshooting. Central management is a key requirement when scaling WAN edge deployments across many sites.
Enterprise networking and security features
The platform includes capabilities typically expected at the WAN edge, such as segmentation, VPN options, and policy controls that help standardize branch connectivity. These features support IT-managed deployments rather than purely carrier-managed connectivity. It can be used as part of an SD-WAN architecture where cellular is a transport option. This positions it closer to enterprise WAN edge infrastructure than to SIM-centric IoT connectivity management tools.
Not a full IoT CMP
Cradlepoint focuses on WAN edge connectivity and device operations, not end-to-end IoT connectivity management across multiple carriers with SIM lifecycle, rating, and billing controls. Organizations that need deep SIM management, eUICC orchestration, or carrier settlement features may require a dedicated connectivity management platform. It is also not designed to replace IoT application messaging brokers or device data platforms. As a result, IoT programs may need additional components beyond Cradlepoint.
Hardware-centric deployment model
Many deployments rely on Cradlepoint-branded edge hardware, which can increase dependency on a specific device ecosystem. Hardware refresh cycles, spares management, and regional certification requirements can add operational overhead. This can be less flexible than approaches that are primarily software-only or that support a broader range of third-party gateways. Procurement lead times can also affect rollout schedules.
Cost and complexity at scale
Large fleets typically require ongoing licensing for cloud management and support, in addition to cellular service costs. Advanced networking features and multi-site policy design can require specialized network skills to implement and operate. For smaller deployments, the operational model may be heavier than simpler cellular routers with basic management. Total cost of ownership depends on fleet size, feature set, and support requirements.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan / Package | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| NetCloud Service — Essentials (Branch, Mobile, IoT, Small Sites variants) | Not publicly listed — contact sales | Secure remote management & orchestration with NetCloud Manager; dynamic routing; zone-based firewall; insights, alerts & analytics; extensibility (API/SDK). (Official features listed on NetCloud subscription page.) |
| NetCloud Service — Advanced (Branch, Mobile, IoT variants) | Not publicly listed — contact sales | Adds web filtering & threat management, cellular health & modem dashboards, ANA AI assistant (varies by use case). |
| NetCloud Service — Security & SD‑WAN (Branch/Mobile/IoT) | Not publicly listed — contact sales | Zero-trust SD‑WAN, zero-trust network access, hybrid mesh firewall, site-to-site policies. |
| NetCloud for Enterprise Branch — E300 Series (announced Apr 9, 2020) | $899 for a one-year subscription (announced price) | E300 router packaged with NetCloud Enterprise Branch service — includes enterprise Wi‑Fi, SD‑WAN, security features; press release states pricing starting at $899 for a one‑year subscription. |
| NetCloud for Enterprise Branch — E3000 Series (announced May 15, 2020) | Pricing starting at $2,023 (announced price) | E3000 5G‑optimized router packaged with NetCloud Enterprise Branch service — press release lists pricing starting at $2,023. |
| NetCloud Mobile Solution Packages (announced Feb 13, 2018) | Pricing starting at $1,199 (announced price) | Mobile NetCloud Solution Packages (1-, 3-, or 5‑year subscriptions) combining NetCloud service, hardware & support; press release lists pricing starting at $1,199. |
Notes:
- Cradlepoint (Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions) publishes feature-level plan names (Essentials, Advanced, Security & SD‑WAN) and many product-package announcements with "pricing starting at" figures in press releases. However, the current official NetCloud subscription/pricing pages do not publish standard per‑seat or per‑user recurring rates; most commercial pricing is available via sales/reseller channels and is listed as "contact sales" on product pages. |
Seller details
Cradlepoint, Inc. (a subsidiary of Ericsson)
Boise, Idaho, USA
2006
Subsidiary
https://cradlepoint.com/
https://x.com/cradlepoint
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cradlepoint/
