Comparing the Cradlepoint IBR600C Series and the S700 Series Routers

CP 600C S700 comparison

With the discontinuation of the Cradlepoint IBR600C series, the new Cradlepoint S700 series routers have stepped in as their replacements. Both are very similar IoT focused routers that use a Cat 4 LTE modem. So what sets them apart from each other? This article provides a detailed comparison of the specifications and features of both series to help users understand the advancements and changes.

Key Differences

Performance

  • Firewall Throughput: The S700 series significantly improves firewall throughput at 480 Mbps compared to the IBR600C’s 75 Mbps.
  • IPSec VPN Throughput: The S700 series also enhances IPSec VPN throughput at 50 Mbps, up from the IBR600C’s 10 Mbps.
  • GNSS Support: The S700 series offers active GNSS support, which generally provides better accuracy and reliability compared to the passive GNSS support in the IBR600C series.

Connectivity

  • LAN Connectivity: The S700 series supports the latest WiFi 6 standard and includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports, whereas the IBR600C supports WiFi 4 and a single GbE port.
  • Dual Modem Support: The IBR600C supports dual modems via an expansion dock, while the S700 series does not offer dual modem support.

Security and Management

  • VPN Tunnel Support: The S700 series doubles the VPN tunnel support to 10, compared to the IBR600C’s 5.
  • Zero Trust Security: The S700 series includes enhanced security with zero trust networking through NetCloud Exchange (NCX) Secure Connect. This feature is not available in the IBR600C series.
  • Public Safety Networks: Both series support FirstNet Trusted and Verizon Frontline, but the S700 series additionally supports T-Mobile Connecting Heroes.

Design and Build

  • Enclosure: The S700 series features an IP30 rated metal enclosure, providing a higher level of protection compared to the IBR600C’s standard metal build.
  • Dimensions: The S700 series is slightly larger, measuring 4.8 x 4.6 x 1.3 inches compared to the IBR600C’s 4.6 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches.

Overview

FeatureIBR600C SeriesS700 Series
PositioningSmall, semi-ruggedized LTE router for IoTSemi-ruggedized router with GNSS/GPS and zero trust security for mission-critical IoT
Firewall Throughput75 Mbps480 Mbps
IPSec VPN Throughput10 Mbps50 Mbps
WAN Connectivity4G Cat 4, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)4G Cat 4, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE)
LAN ConnectivityWi-Fi 4, 1x GbEWi-Fi 6, 2x GbE
SIM Card Size2FF Mini4FF Nano
ManagementNetCloudNetCloud
USB WAN Port11
EnclosureMetalIP30 rated metal
Dual Modem SupportYes (via expansion dock)No
Public Safety NetworksFirstNet Trusted, Verizon FrontlineFirstNet Trusted, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, Verizon Frontline
VPN Tunnel SupportUp to 5Up to 10
GNSSPassive (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo)Active (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo)
Operating Temperature-4 °F to 140 °F-4 °F to 140 °F
Private Cellular Network SupportYes (excluding CBRS)Yes (excluding CBRS)
LTE BandsB2, B4, B5, B12, B13, B14, B66, B71B2, B4, B5, B12, B13, B14, B66, B71
3G BandsB2, B4, B5B2, B4, B5
Power Input9-33 VDC9-33 VDC
Dimensions4.6 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches4.8 x 4.6 x 1.3 inches

The Cradlepoint S700 series routers bring significant improvements in performance, security, and connectivity over the discontinued IBR600C series. With higher throughput capabilities, advanced Wi-Fi 6 support, and zero trust security, the S700 series is well-suited for mission-critical IoT applications. Despite the lack of dual modem support, the S700 series offers robust features and enhanced security to meet the demands of modern IoT deployments.