Review: CradlePoint MBR1000 'Fail Safe' Mobile Broadband Router

The Test Center spent some time with the company's new MBR1000 Mobile Broadband Router ($249 MSRP) which builds upon their previous offerings.

On the outside, the MBR1000 looks pretty much like any other 802.11 WiFi router. The thin, sleek black case is sharp looking, as well as small and light enough (7 inches by 4.8 inches by 1.2 inches, weighing 14 ounces) to fit in any available space or be packed away when on the go. Supporting the 802.11n draft, as well as b/g, it has the now obligatory three stubby antennas standing up out of the back. Not content to be just a cellular WiFi router, the MBR1000 also supports WAN and LAN Ethernet connections.

One of the biggest highlights of the MBR1000 is its capability as a fail-safe device, which makes it perfect for SMBs where up-time is critical. Besides the usual RJ-45 ports in the back (four 10/100 ports plus the WAN input), there is also a USB port. The left side houses a second USB port and an Express Card slot.

These three supplementary ports allow for the connection of up to three cellular modems. Various 3G cellular handsets can also be tethered to the router in a pinch.

Additionally, there is an SGNL mode that converts the front panel LEDs into a signal strength indicator. This can come in handy for helping decide the best location to place the cellular devices.

Although only on the market for about a month, there have already been three firmware updates -- primarily for the addition of new modem and phone compatibility -- and CradlePoint intends to keep them coming as new devices are introduced into the market.

According to a spokesman, since their firmware delivery mechanism is "intelligent" such that the router can look for updates and then apply them post purchase, the engineering team can push new device support out in real time as opposed to waiting for the next product revision.

Via the browser-based administration console, interface priority can be set among the four different options (three cellular and one land based). Following this hierarchy, the router seamlessly switches among the available connections, allowing for automatic wireless backup of a wired network (or vice-versa if desired).

During our testing, the MBR1000 behaved exactly as advertised. Connections stayed up, regardless of which cables were plugged in or disconnected. In addition, CradlePoint's trademarked WiPipe technology made Web pages from a cellular connection onto a WiFi connected laptop appear to load almost as fast as a wired, broadband link.

Per the company, WiPipe is a set of proprietary algorithms and functions that help manage bandwidth and provide additional security. From the user's perspective, WiPipe helps prioritize time-critical packets, while insuring that background tasks are finished without interruption.

Security features include a NAT firewall with SPI (Stateful Packet Inspections), multiple levels of WEP and WPA encryption, the ability to enable and disable the SSID broadcast, and Internet access control by services, URL, and MAC.

Through the administrator console there are settings for: DHCP, Virtual Server (port forwarding), Access Control (schedulable), Web Filter (white list), and the ability to allow or deny access by MAC address. The router can also be configured to send out email announcements of log files, router alert messages, and firmware update notification.

The MBR1000 is an extraordinary little device that can serve many different types of companies. In the small office, it offers insurance against network outages -- whether planned or not; businesses "on the road" such as construction, broadcasters, and the press can create a temporary office; and emergency response agencies can continue their operations at the site of crises.

CradlePoint does not yet have a formal channel program; however, the company has begun to push sales leads out to selected VARs and is in the planning stages of a channel-engagement strategy. CradlePoint executives say their initial VAR recruitment will be directed toward the hybrid store front / office backend VAR, since these specialized VARs are driving cellular networking infrastructure into small and mid-market businesses.

Eventually, they say, they hope to add an education component to help traditional VARs familiarize themselves with cellular technology as providers move from 3G to 4G networks.

As ChannelWeb was preparing to post this review, CradlePoint released the announcement that the company was being acquired by Vancouver based Sierra Wireless.

When ChannelWeb asked Gary Oliverio, CradlePoint's VP of Marketing how the acquisition will affect CradlePoint and their channel plans, he said, "(CradlePoint) will become the Mobile Broadband Router division of Sierra Wireless. Our efforts in building distribution will continue."

He added, "There is a lot of opportunity in front of us. Stay tuned as we continue to roll out products and solutions to our customers."

Completion of the acquisition is expected in July, 2008.