The newly announced Cradlepoint S400 series routers from Ericsson are making waves in the IoT landscape. These cloud-managed, semi-ruggedized routers offer secure connectivity and flexible deployment options, making them ideal for a variety of IoT applications. Designed for light industrial use, digital signage, kiosks, and more, the Cradlepoint S400 router ensures reliable performance with the added benefit of cloud-based management through Ericsson’s NetCloud platform. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of the Cradlepoint S400, compare it with the S450 model, and highlight its benefits for businesses and IoT deployments.
Cradlepoint S400 vs. S450: Understanding the Difference
The Cradlepoint S400 and S450 are both part of Ericsson’s IoT router portfolio, but they differ slightly in their connectivity features. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Cradlepoint S400: Equipped with Wi-Fi 5, offering dual-band, single-radio connectivity on either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. This feature makes it more versatile for environments that require wireless networking in addition to LTE and wired options.
- Cradlepoint S450: Designed without Wi-Fi capability, this model is better suited for scenarios where Wi-Fi is unnecessary, such as environments that rely solely on LTE or Ethernet connections.
Both models support LTE Cat 6 connectivity, ensuring robust wireless connections for IoT applications. The S400’s added Wi-Fi functionality makes it an excellent choice for deployments where wireless coverage is critical.
Expansion Options: Customizable Connectivity for IoT Networks
The Cradlepoint S400 series routers offer versatile expansion options that enhance connectivity and allow for greater integration with various IoT systems. These options ensure that the router can be tailored to specific industrial or IoT use cases, making it adaptable to diverse network environments.
- USB 2.0 Type A Port: This USB port provides 5 V, 500 mA, and 2.5 W output, supporting a variety of peripherals and extending the router’s functionality. It can be used for USB-to-Ethernet adapters, offering an additional WAN connectivity option when cellular networks are unavailable.
- Expansion Module Slot: The S400 comes with an expansion slot for additional connectivity needs:
- Serial DB-9 Interface (RS232): This interface includes hardware flow control, which makes it suitable for connecting industrial devices and equipment that require serial communication.
- Dual Fast Ethernet Ports (RJ45): Two fast Ethernet (FE) RJ45 ports are available, which are LAN/WAN selectable, providing flexible wired network options for extending the router’s capability in environments where wired connectivity is essential.
- GPIO Module: The router is equipped with a 20-pin Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 connector, making it ideal for industrial applications where programmable I/O control is necessary. This feature enhances the router’s suitability for automation systems and other machine-to-machine (M2M) communication setups.
These expansion features enable the Cradlepoint S400 to integrate with a wide variety of devices, providing reliable and scalable network solutions for IoT deployments.
Key Features of the Cradlepoint S400
- Cloud Management and Zero Trust Security
The Cradlepoint S400 integrates seamlessly with Ericsson’s NetCloud platform, offering cloud-based management with a strong focus on security. With zero-trust network access (ZTNA), all devices connected to the Cradlepoint S400 are protected by secure, encrypted tunnels, ensuring that they only communicate with authorized resources. - Fast, Reliable Connectivity
The embedded Cat 6 LTE modem provides dual SIM support with automatic carrier selection, offering peak download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps. Carrier aggregation enhances this connectivity, making the S400 ideal for use in remote or mobile IoT environments. - Semi-Rugged Design for IoT Applications
Built for light industrial environments, the Cradlepoint S400 features a plastic form factor with IP30-rated housing. It is tested for shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures (-20°C to 60°C), making it a robust choice for deployments in demanding conditions. - Wi-Fi 5 Support
The S400 supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with single-radio, dual-band operation, allowing for flexibility in wireless deployments. Whether you need a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connection, the S400 offers dependable Wi-Fi coverage. - Flexible Power and Networking Options
The Cradlepoint S400 includes multiple power options, such as DC input and PoE support, providing versatility for different installation environments. It also comes with one GbE port and two additional Fast Ethernet ports for expanded networking capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Dual SIM Support: The Cradlepoint S400 provides reliable LTE connectivity with dual SIM slots for seamless carrier switching.
- Zero Trust Security: With cloud-based management via Ericsson’s NetCloud, the S400 ensures secure, encrypted connections for all IoT devices.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet Flexibility: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 makes the S400 versatile for IoT deployments that require both wired and wireless connectivity.
- Durable and Semi-Rugged: Built for light industrial and field environments, the S400 can handle extreme temperatures and vibrations, making it a dependable solution.
- Cloud-Based Management: The S400 is integrated with Ericsson’s NetCloud platform, allowing for centralized management, zero-touch deployment, and policy-driven configurations.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the Cradlepoint S400 and S450 routers?
The main difference lies in the Wi-Fi capability. The Cradlepoint S400 supports Wi-Fi 5, making it ideal for environments that require wireless connectivity. The S450, on the other hand, does not support Wi-Fi and is suited for wired or LTE-only deployments.
2. Can the Cradlepoint S400 be used in harsh environments?
Yes, the Cradlepoint S400 is designed for semi-rugged environments. It is rated for operation in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C and meets MIL STD 810H standards for vibration and shock resistance.
3. What kind of security features does the Cradlepoint S400 offer?
The S400 offers zero-trust security, meaning that all connected devices communicate through encrypted tunnels and are hidden from unauthorized access. Policies are managed through Ericsson’s NetCloud platform.
4. Does the Cradlepoint S400 support 5G?
No, the Cradlepoint S400 supports LTE Cat 6 for 4G connectivity but does not have 5G capabilities.
5. Is the Cradlepoint S400 suitable for IoT applications?
Yes, the Cradlepoint S400 is specifically designed for IoT applications, offering cloud management, secure connectivity, and rugged hardware suitable for light industrial, kiosk, and digital signage environments.
Conclusion
The Cradlepoint S400 router, part of Ericsson’s IoT-focused portfolio, provides a powerful, secure, and versatile solution for organizations looking to deploy and manage IoT devices at scale. With its cloud management, zero-trust security, and semi-rugged design, the S400 is ideal for a wide range of applications, from digital signage to light industrial use. If you’re looking for a reliable IoT router with advanced features, the Cradlepoint S400 is a top choice.