Ericsson Cradlepoint R980
Small, versatile 5G router for advanced vehicle and IoT connectivity
Ericsson Cradlepoint R980
The Cradlepoint R980 keeps mission-critical teams connected with secure 5G performance in any environment.
The purpose-built router
Ericsson Cradlepoint endpoints provide industry-leading, 5G and Gigabit-Class LTE connectivity as well as Ethernet and Wi-Fi. These purpose-built endpoints are sold with a subscription to Ericsson NetCloud Service for vehicles which provides streamlined configuration and continuous cloud, modem, and router software feature enhancements.
The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a ruggedized 5G router that delivers high-performance connectivity to vehicles, enabling the deployment of advanced applications such as AI-driven video recognition and real-time data analysis. With the increased use of these technologies in public safety and smart cities, 5G is providing reliable and agile connectivity. Designed for first responders, near-shore vessels, and school buses, the compact R980 delivers secure and persistent 5G connectivity, even in the most demanding conditions. It can also be leveraged in IoT deployments where video and mission-critical applications require higher performance and lower latency. With its 3rd generation 5G architecture, the R980 is compatible with 3GPP Release 16, ensuring readiness for standalone (SA) networks and network slicing, including public safety and low latency network slices for IoT. The router’s new, embedded e-SIM will enable over-the-air carrier switching in future NetCloud releases, adding deployment flexibility and operational efficiency. This forward-looking design makes the R980 an ideal solution for organizations readying to leverage 5G’s full potential in their vehicle fleets.
Hardware specs
| Category | Mobile & IoT |
| Cloud management | Yes |
| Wireless connectivity | Dual Connectivity 5G & Cat 19 LTE |
| 5G status | 5G embedded |
| Form factor | Ruggedized Metal |
| Ethernet ports | 2 GbE (LAN/WAN switchable) |
| USB ports | 1 |
| Serial ports | Yes — with adapter |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dual-modem support | Yes — with captive modem |
| Network operator standards | PTCRB (U.S.), GCF (global) |
| Network operator certifications | AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon |
| Regions | North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Asia-Pacific See country and model availability |
| Public safety networks | FirstNet Trusted, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, Verizon Frontline See data sheet for model applicability |
| Throughput | 940 Mbps (Firewall) |
| VPN tunnel count | 20 |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band, dual-concurrent; 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
| GNSS | Active |
| PoE | No |
| Operating temperature | -30 °C to 70 °C (-22 °F to 158 °F) |
| Private cellular network | Yes – CBRS, 4G LTE, 5G |
Compact networking solution for vehicles and IoT
SASE options including zero trust security and SD-WAN
Robust network management features for centralized troubleshooting
Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager
Manage connectivity and security from anywhere through Ericsson NetCloud Manager
Ericsson NetCloud Manager allows you to accomplish more, faster, and with fewer resources. It’s an intuitive, easy-to-use cloud management and orchestration platform designed to simplify the configuration, deployment, operation, and troubleshooting of far-flung wireless routers. With browser and mobile application access, Ericsson NetCloud Manager enables effective management — from anywhere!
Key Features
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Centralized Cloud Management: Configure, monitor, and update all your Cradlepoint devices from a single dashboard.
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Zero-Touch Deployment: Automatically push policies and firmware to new devices without manual setup.
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Real-Time Analytics: Gain insights into data usage, signal quality, and network health across all endpoints.
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Advanced Security Tools: Built-in VPN, zero-trust frameworks, and threat detection powered by Cradlepoint NetCloud Perimeter.
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Remote Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues quickly without on-site visits.
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Flexible Licensing: Choose plans tailored for mobile, branch, or IoT applications.
Stay connected
when you want
where you want.
Get high-speed results with Digital Navigator and Cradlepoint high performance routers and adapters