Tag: NetCloud

Cloud Management Services for Cellular Routers 

What They Are & Why You Should Use Them

When you purchase some sort of electronic device, you normally have the option of purchasing an extended warranty for it. This might not only give you the option of hardware replacement, but added benefits. When it comes to routers – like the ones we carry from Cradlepoint, Digi, Inseego, Peplink, and Sierra Wireless – you may also have the added benefit of a cloud management service. 

What is a Cloud Management Service? 

This is essentially a website you can log into from anywhere in the world and both monitor and manage your routers remotely. Of course, in order to be able to do this, you must have a valid warranty and or cloud subscription for each of your routers. 

Why Should I Use a Cloud Manager?

Cloud management services are somewhat similar to device registrations with the manufacturer. It proves you own the device and protects it from being added to another user’s management account. They help to keep an eye on your devices by monitoring the health of the device, its uptime, and signal strength. Configurations are streamlined, as it allows you to get devices online more quickly.

What Benefits Do Cloud Managers Provide?

Other than remote visibility of your routers’ connection status in real-time, there are several benefits to having cloud management service for your devices. 

  • Lower Overall Management Costs: Reducing the cost of configuring and deploying your devices through a single platform.
  • Increased Productivity: Manage multiple devices at the same time and reach your goals more quickly and efficiently.
  • Maintenance: Minimizing the cost of keeping your devices current and secure with easy deployment of software and security updates.
  • Security: Lock down access to your devices to authorized personnel and improve the overall security on your networks. 

Common features include:

  • Configuration by device or group
    • Save time by setting up configurations that can then be uploaded to your device or groups of devices. Most devices support Zero touch provisioning (ZTP), which allows you to automatically deploy device configurations over a network connection.
  • Data usage tracking and alerts
    • Avoid overage fees by staying up to date on how much data your device(s) are using. 
  • GPS tracking
    • Verify where your device has traveled in the past or view it in real time.
  • Firmware update
    • Ensure proper maintenance for your device(s) by upgrading firmware as needed. This can sometimes be done for a group of devices also.
  • Device diagnostics for troubleshooting
    • Use tools like ping and traceroute to verify how traffic is flowing on your network. Additionally, you may reboot your device as needed or in some cases, you may set a reboot schedule. 

Less Common Features

  • Remote access to the web UI
    • Use the management service to log into your device remotely, just like it works locally, or similarly.
  • Remote Access to devices on the LAN of the router
  • VPN Connectivity and simple configuration
    • Link devices with the use of VPN, which can easily be configured through the cloud manager.
  • API support
    • The API is an interface for developers to integrate their systems and/or scripts with the data available in the cloud manager. This may include online/offline status of routers and network interfaces, signal strength and quality of cellular modems, router logs, and more.
  • Fast Renewal Activation
    • Renewing service can be a real pain, but not when it comes to processing licenses for Peplink at 5Gstore.com. We have an automated system that allows you to enter your Peplink serial number in our website search field and it will report back compatible licenses. Once your license is purchased, it takes mere minutes to be processed.

Some warranties include these cloud services and in those cases, the cloud service is valid for as long as the warranty is. Here’s what each manufacturer offers:

Cradlepoint NetCloud 

  • Warranty, support and cloud management services are bundled under the NetCloud subscription, which is available for 1, 3 or 5 years.
    • Features include:
      • Bulk configuration and firmware updates
      • Troubleshooting and diagnostic tools
      • Custom alerts and reports
      • Location services and coverage mapping
      • Cellular plan monitoring and forecasting
      • API option

Digi Remote Manager

  • Cloud service is available through a license separate from the device warranty. Premier service plans are available for 1, 3, or 5 years.
    • Features include:
      • Configuration manager
      • Location mapping
      • Bulk firmware upgrades
      • Out of Band Management
      • Alarms and On-Demand Reports
      • Web Service APIs

Inseego Connect

  • Basic management is included for the life of the device, but has limited features compared to their Standard and Advanced plans. It is mainly for device inventory and status monitoring. Standard is best for focusing on monitoring device health and remotely configuring devices. Advanced includes all the standard features plus additional analytics and insights into how devices are being utilized. These are both available for an additional fee for 1 or 3 years. Note that when purchasing the Advanced plan, this includes warranty and support, also for 1 or 3 years.
    • Features include:
      • Bulk Configuration of groups of devices
      • Location mapping
      • Access to key health metrics
      • Data usage tracking
      • Set alerts and perform diagnostics
      • Firmware updates

Peplink InControl 2

  •  Cloud management is included with a valid warranty, of which it is 1 year standard. Optional warranty extensions are available at 1, 2 or 4 years. For non-PrimeCare Velocity and Volume-Based series devices you also have the option for 1 or 2 years of cloud management only.
    • Features include:
      • Bulk configuration
      • Remote access to web UI and devices on the LAN
      • GPS fleet management
      • Troubleshooting tools
      • API option

Sierra Wireless/ Semtech AirLink Management Service

  • Warranties include support and cloud management for 1 year. Upgrades are available for 1 year on AirLink devices.
    • Features include:
      • Mass configuration
      • Location mapping
      • Device alerts and reports
      • Firmware upgrades
      • Data usage tracking
      • Diagnostic tools
      • Web services API

How Much Data Will Cloud Manager Services Use?

You may also be wondering how much data usage the Cloud Service is going to require. This is especially important for users who have limited data plans for M2M or IoT applications. Let’s take a look at the minimum usage for each system. 

Cloud Management ServiceMinimum Data Usage
Cradlepoint NetCloudData usage ranges from 5-10 MB per router per month in typical scenarios. Settings like connection pulse intervals significantly impact usage. Faster pulses increase data usage, while slower pulses risk connection issues but save data.
Digi Remote ManagerWithout updates and default settings, it uses approximately 4.68 MB on cellular and 18.1 MB on non-cellular connections monthly. However, if all features are enabled, it can go up to 263 MB monthly. To minimize data usage, users can disable non-essential features like event logging and adjust keep-alive intervals. 
Inseego ConnectAverage is 100 MB monthly, but this can increase depending on usage. While this service doesn’t offer extensive customization options, being mindful of data-intensive activities can help minimize usage.
Peplink InControl 2Monthly data usage averages 339.7 MB with GPS enabled and 172.3 MB with GPS disabled. Users can optimize data consumption by adjusting reporting metrics. Enabling Low Data Usage Mode in particular, significantly reduces data usage, down to 6.9 MB with GPS enabled and 1.3 MB with GPS disabled.
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech AirLink Management ServiceWith default configurations, devices use around 2.7 MB/day without telemetry and 3.3 MB/day with telemetry. Disabling both telemetry and the Network Watchdog reduces usage to approximately 400 KB/day. 

What Happens When I Don’t Renew My Cloud Management Service?

Most manufacturers will include some sort of cloud service with the purchase of the hardware. This may make you more inclined to use it, but what happens when the service expires? While in most cases, you can still log in and view past data, most or all remote management features are lost. This includes the ability to log into your device or devices behind it, firmware upgrades, and GPS as well as data usage tracking. 

ManufacturerIncluded Cloud ServicePost Expiration Functionality
Cradlepoint1, 3 or 5 yearsSome, or all features become unusable. More info
DigiNoDevice reports no longer available, including data usage. Individual Device Stream data is retained, and could be accessed via the API.
InseegoBasic plan for life of deviceRemote management and data tracking is unavailable.
Peplink1 yearRemote access, configuration, and data tracking is lost. Past reports are still accessible.
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech1 yearRemote management and data tracking is lost.

How Do I Renew My Cloud Management Service?

  • Cradlepoint: Alerts are sent to the admin at 90 days before expiration and again at 30 days before expiration, if no order has been placed. If you choose to renew after your devices have expired, there may be a 10% reinstatement fee applied. Simply contact sales@5gstore.com with your device serial number(s) and email address associated with your Cradlepoint NetCloud account and we’ll follow up with a quote. 
  • Digi: When it comes time to renew your Digi devices, you may purchase subscriptions per device, right at 5Gstore.com. Note your device serial number(s) and the email on the Digi Remote Manager account is needed at checkout. 
  • Inseego: At renewal time, go to 5Gstore.com and purchase the subscription of your choice. You will need to enter the device IMEI number(s) at checkout. 
  • Peplink: Alerts are sent at least 30 days prior to expiration of your Care plan, and a 30 day grace period is provided after expiration, if needed. After the 31st day from the Care Plan expiration date, a diagnostic report is required to be submitted and verified by Peplink. You may either email sales@5gstore.com with your Diagnostic Report or submit it at checkout. Not sure what license you need? Just enter your device’s serial number in the 5Gstore.com search bar and it will populate compatible licenses. Our team can also assist you with selecting the appropriate license for your needs. 
  • Sierra Wireless/ Semtech: Contact sales@5gstore.com with your device serial number(s) and email address associated with your AirLink Management Service account, along with your account UID, and we’ll follow up with a quote. 

How Much Will it Cost to Renew Cloud Management Service?

Want to get an idea of the yearly costs for the cloud service? Here is a breakdown of the costs by manufacturer: 

Manufacturer1 year renewal3 year renewal5 year renewal
CradlepointStarts at $72Starts at $216Starts at $360
Digi$48$126$210
Inseego$19.99$49.99N/A
Peplink*$29 (cloud only)/ $49 and up (Care plans)$49 (2 year cloud only)/ $98 and up (Care plans)N/A
Sierra Wireless/ Semtech$30 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $90 (XR Series)$90 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $270 (XR series)$150 (RV, RX, LX, MP Series)/ $450 (XR Series)
*Cloud only subscriptions apply to Velocity & Volume-Based series devices. PrimeCare and PrimeCare+ or EssentialCare and EssentialCare+ prices range, depending on the device model.

Is Cloud Management Service Right For You?

Whether you have one device to manage, or multiple devices, a cloud management solution could save you both time and money. In most cases this is best for administrators that need to manage several local and/or remote devices. However it can also be helpful for single device users as well. Features like data and client data usage tracking capabilities, as well as device diagnostic tools could prove beneficial.   

If after reading this you’re still unsure as to whether or not you want to use a cloud management service, reach out to our team for assistance. We’re available Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm CT at 833-547-8673 or sales@5gstore.com. 

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SIM Management with Cradlepoint NetCloud

Establishing a seamless connection between cloud management and SIM management portals is pivotal for IT teams managing multiple SIMs across a Wireless WAN. In the conventional approach, IT professionals grapple with the complexity of juggling two distinct platforms: the cloud management system, which offers remote control over the network and security, and the Connectivity Management Platform (CMP), designed for monitoring, analyzing, and modifying cellular deployments.

The challenge arises due to the lack of intrinsic communication between CMPs and cloud management services. CMPs lack the ability to identify the precise location of SIMs, such as routers, clients, or applications, while cloud management systems lack visibility into SIM data plans. Consequently, when an issue with a specific SIM arises, IT teams find themselves entangled in a manual process that involves several steps: first obtaining the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) associated with the problematic SIM from the CMP, then inputting it into the cloud management service for troubleshooting, and finally reverting back to the CMP to resolve the issue.

This manual toggling between the CMP and cloud management service becomes exponentially challenging when dealing with a considerable number of SIMs within an enterprise network. The inefficiency of this process becomes apparent as IT teams grapple with larger-scale WAN deployments, significantly hampering their productivity and efficiency.

The ultimate solution lies in the integration of CMPs and cloud management systems into a unified, all-in-one SIM management platform. This integrated approach simplifies deployments, allowing IT teams to activate SIMs through the cloud management system, confirming their status, and ensuring the correct data plan usage. Moreover, it enhances visibility, enabling detailed tracking of cellular data usage—answering the who, what, when, where, why, and how of data consumption—across the enterprise edge.

One notable example of this integrated approach is Cradlepoint’s SIM Management feature, developed in collaboration with Simetric, a SIM management aggregator of carriers. By establishing clear communication over a single platform, Cradlepoint’s solution empowers IT teams to view SIM data plans without the need for manual navigation between disparate systems. This innovative platform not only simplifies SIM management but also provides IT professionals with the ability to deactivate and suspend lost, stolen, misplaced, and unused SIMs, all from a centralized location.

In addition to these core functionalities, Cradlepoint’s SIM Management feature offers the capability to activate SIMs in wireless edge routers during deployment. This streamlined activation process ensures that the correct data plan is utilized, further enhancing efficiency and accuracy in SIM management. 

Furthermore, the platform provides comprehensive data usage insights, presented through user-friendly dashboards. IT teams can remotely identify and understand potential problems related to connectivity and data usage, allowing for proactive troubleshooting and issue resolution.

In essence, Cradlepoint’s integrated SIM Management feature not only simplifies the complexities of managing multiple SIMs but also empowers IT teams with detailed insights and streamlined control, ensuring seamless operations in the ever-evolving landscape of Wireless WAN deployments.

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Understanding Cradlepoint NetCloud Renewals

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager (NCM) is a cloud-based network management solution that provides businesses with a single pane of glass for managing and monitoring their Cradlepoint networking devices. The platform provides IT administrators with the ability to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their network devices from a single dashboard, regardless of their location. Without NetCloud, your Cradlepoint router is quite limited in what it can do and how it can be configured. This is why renewing your subscription is so important. Let’s take a look at some common questions about NetCloud renewals to better understand how it works and where you can find assistance. 

  • Why is it necessary to renew my NetCloud Subscription?
    • A Cradlepoint NetCloud subscription offers continued access to software features, updates, 24/7 technical support, and hardware warranty. Without an active subscription, users cannot access firmware updates and have limited control over their device. Learn more about the limitations when your device is not licensed. 
  • When do I need to renew my NetCloud subscription?
    • Cradlepoint sends out reminders about 90 days prior to expiration. It’s best to renew at that time so that there are no disruptions in your management and service. This also gives you time to review the renewal notices for all your devices, allowing for cost budgeting and license prorating, if needed. 
  • How do I renew my Cradlepoint NetCloud subscription?
    • There are three ways to renew your NetCloud subscription. Through the NCM portal, from Cradlepoint’s webstore, or through a registered Cradlepoint partner like 5Gstore.com. It is recommended to renew through a Cradlepoint partner as they will have the most up to date pricing and support.
  • What happens if my NetCloud subscription expires?
    • If your subscription expires without renewal, your device goes into a non-compliant mode and certain features are limited. You have 30 days to renew before your device becomes unlicensed and loses access to more features. 
  • Can I upgrade or change my NetCloud subscription plan at the time of renewal?
    • Yes, the renewal period is a great time to review your application needs and determine if additional features may be needed.
  • Are discounts or incentives offered for long-term NetCloud renewals?
  • Can I transfer my NetCloud subscription to another device?
    • NetCloud subscriptions are typically tied to specific devices. If you need to change devices, please contact the 5Gstore sales team for guidance. 
  • Does Cradlepoint apply any fees for late NetCloud renewal? 
    • In most cases, a late fee will be applied if renewal occurs after the expiration date. 
  • Who can assist me if I need help renewing my Cradlepoint NetCloud subscription?
  • Can my Cradlepoint NetCloud Subscription integrate with other IT infrastructure and services?
    • Yes, Cradlepoint NetCloud’s flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly with various IT infrastructures and services. Through APIs and other interface capabilities, you can often connect it with other solutions you use. Always refer to Cradlepoint’s documentation or customer support for specific integration guidance and best practices.
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Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager: What Happens When Your Device is not Licensed?

What is NetCloud Manager?

Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager is a cloud-based network management solution that provides businesses with a single pane of glass for managing and monitoring their Cradlepoint networking devices. The platform allows IT administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their network devices from a single dashboard, regardless of their location.

NetCloud Manager Licensing States

At its core, Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager is designed to simplify network management for businesses. The platform provides comprehensive features and tools that make it easy to manage and monitor devices, including routers, access points and IoT gateways. Within NetCloud Manager, endpoints are categorized into one of three licensing states: Licensed, Non-Compliant and Unlicensed.

These states determine what features and tools the user has access to with their device(s).

What’s the Difference Between Licensed, Non-Compliant and Unlicensed Endpoints?

It’s important to know about the licensing states within NetCloud Manager in order to use its features correctly.

  • Licensed Devices: An endpoint that has a license to an active NetCloud Manager subscription.
  • Non-Compliant: An endpoint automatically becomes “Non-compliant” when the following occurs:
    • An endpoint (router, gateway, or access point) does not have a compatible purchased license to an active NetCloud Manager subscription.
    • OR, the number of endpoints is greater than the number of active subscription licenses for a given account. It is within the 30-day remediation period following the subscription’s expiration.
  • Unlicensed: If an endpoint does not have a license after the 30-day remediation period it becomes “Unlicensed.” Unlicensed endpoints lose additional functionality after the 30-day remediation period ends, and the NetCloud service locks the endpoint into its last known basic configuration.
    • The count for each license state is visible within NetCloud Manager on the Subscriptions dashboard. Click Account > Subscriptions to view the dashboard.
    • NOTE: NetCloud Manager Administrator permissions at the root level of the account are required to view the Subscriptions dashboard.

Reduced Functionality of Non-Compliant Endpoints

Non-compliant endpoints have a 30-day remediation period during which the licensing issue must be corrected. While in the non-compliant state, endpoints will maintain their current routing capabilities, NetCloud functionality and NetCloud Essentials functionality. They will, however, lose access to certain Advanced Add-On features.

The reduced services a customer will experience with non-compliant endpoints include:

  • Features in the Advanced Add-On plan (including advanced security packages like CP Secure Threat Management, Cradlepoint Secure Web Filter and Zscaler)
  • NetCloud Edge Connector
  • SDK, if applicable.

Refer to the following three lists for details about non-compliant endpoints’ reduced functionality during the 30-day non-compliance remediation period. Information has been included for non-compliant branch and mobile endpoints, non-compliant LTE-Adapter endpoints and non-compliant IoT endpoints.

Non-Compliant Branch and Mobile Endpoints Lose Access to:

  • Branch or Mobile Advanced Plans, including CP Secure Threat Management and CP Secure Web Filter, Zscaler, NetCloud Edge Connector and SDK, if applicable
  • Geoview and dashboards for modem usage, health and clients
  • Remote connect and Out-of-Band Management (OOBM)

Non-Compliant LTE-Adapter Endpoints Lose Access to:

  • LTE-Adapter Advanced Plan, including Remote Connect and Out-of-Band Management (OOBM)
  • Advanced, real-time endpoint and network interface status
  • Dashboards for health and modem data usage

Non-Compliant IoT endpoints lose access to:

  • IoT Advanced Plan features, including advanced VPN and tunneling, Remote Connect, Out-of-Band management (OOBM) and NetCloud Edge Connector
  • Advanced real-time endpoint and network interface status
  • Dashboards for health, client and modem data usage

Reduced Functionality of Unlicensed Endpoints

Once an endpoint is unlicensed following the 30-day remediation period, it loses access to NetCloud Manager. Certain features such as remote connect, client/traffic analytics, and location services, will also be taken away. The device will maintain basic configurations and essential routing capabilities.

An unlicensed endpoint is no longer able to do the following:

  • Be managed in NetCloud Manager (for device or group configurations)
  • Upgrade its NetCloud OS (firmware)
  • Support NetCloud Perimeter
  • Use API and SDK applications
  • Act as a hub in Auto VPN
  • Connect as a spoke
  • Configure changes
  • Run the NetCloud software at full function

For Branch and Mobile Unlicensed endpoints, the following configurations continue to work but are locked:

  • Enterprise routing
  • Some VPN protocols
  • Zone firewall
  • Basic URL web filtering
  • Most LAN protocols
  • Wi-Fi

Across all subscription plans, the following features are removed from unlicensed endpoints:

  • Remote Connect
  • Out-of-Band Management
  • Alerts/Reports/Logs
  • NetCloud API
  • All dashboards in NetCloud Manager, except the Subscription dashboard
  • Real-time diagnostics and troubleshooting (minimized)
  • Full endpoint functionality will be restored when proper licensing is applied

For more information about NetCloud Manager and to ensure your endpoints are in compliance with this service, please contact 5Gstore.

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What is Cradlepoint NetCloud Exchange?

As our businesses changed with the pandemic, the need for the Internet in remote locations, cloud computing, and security all increased and continues to do so. Among other companies, Cradlepoint was able to assist greatly in these areas. At this time, their company believes that wide area network (WAN) architectures have proven too limited. They’re also too inflexible for securely connecting distributed enterprise sites, vehicles, remote employees and devices.

5G is also quite a big factor here that will assist in evolving the industry standards. Cellular is becoming more essential as an alternative or backup WAN so it is important that it can easily be managed and secured.

As a response, Cradlepoint has released a new version of NetCloud that is designed to address common issues and help “lean IT organizations” amplify their 5G experience. This will assist with advanced SD-WAN, zero-trust capabilities, and security services.

“As organizations continue to undergo digital transformation, IT teams must evolve how they manage the network edge,” said Rohit Mehra, group vice-president of network and telecom infrastructure at leading analyst IDC. “Cradlepoint’s innovation in wireless WAN is enabling enterprises to deploy 5G with the management and security functions needed to scale.”

The new software, called NetCloud Exchange, is based on what is called an agile LTE/5G VPN-like service. More importantly, it’s been designed to enable secure end-to-end connections for thousands of locations in just three steps. Zero-trust principles include IP address cloaking and no default network access to change the traditional VPN paradigm from “connect and then secure”, to “secure and then connect” to provide least privileged-based access.

Advanced SD-WAN features are of course an extension of Cradlepoint’s current SD-WAN capabilities. The advancement is that they have added end-to-end support and advanced application optimization. This adds features such as 5G network slicing, simplified configuration at scale, more advanced cloud integration, more resilient and flexible traffic steering, and more scalable and resilient private and cloud data center terminations.

Zero-trust network access consists of a service that is simple to deploy and uses flexible, granular user, site, application and resource-based policies that use identity, context and 5G attributes to control network access.  

All services are delivered using the NetCloud Exchange Service Gateway offering for private and cloud data centers, which aggregates remote connections, provides flow-level visibility and acts as the policy-enforcement point for the services it supports.

Cradlepoint’s EMEA product manager said, “Most network solutions today are designed for wired-only deployments. With the new NetCloud Exchange extension, NetCloud now offers new 5G and security-first services to support enterprise WAN transformation, including end-to-end secure connectivity, hybrid SD-WAN and zero-trust networking – all lifecycle-managed through a single pane of glass.”

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