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
| Feature | IBR600C Series | S700 Series |
| Positioning | Small, semi-ruggedized LTE router for IoT | Semi-ruggedized router with GNSS/GPS and zero trust security for mission-critical IoT |
| Firewall Throughput | 75 Mbps | 480 Mbps |
| IPSec VPN Throughput | 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| WAN Connectivity | 4G Cat 4, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) | 4G Cat 4, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) |
| LAN Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4, 1x GbE | Wi-Fi 6, 2x GbE |
| SIM Card Size | 2FF Mini | 4FF Nano |
| Management | NetCloud | NetCloud |
| USB WAN Port | 1 | 1 |
| Enclosure | Metal | IP30 rated metal |
| Dual Modem Support | Yes (via expansion dock) | No |
| Public Safety Networks | FirstNet Trusted, Verizon Frontline | FirstNet Trusted, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, Verizon Frontline |
| VPN Tunnel Support | Up to 5 | Up to 10 |
| GNSS | Passive (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) | Active (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) |
| Operating Temperature | -4 °F to 140 °F | -4 °F to 140 °F |
| Private Cellular Network Support | Yes (excluding CBRS) | Yes (excluding CBRS) |
| LTE Bands | B2, B4, B5, B12, B13, B14, B66, B71 | B2, B4, B5, B12, B13, B14, B66, B71 |
| 3G Bands | B2, B4, B5 | B2, B4, B5 |
| Power Input | 9-33 VDC | 9-33 VDC |
| Dimensions | 4.6 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches | 4.8 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.