CradlePoint IBR900 Series Rugged LTE Router with Wi‑Fi 5, 2 SIMs, Ethernet, and TAA Compliance

The CradlePoint IBR900 Series is a rugged, Gigabit-class LTE networking platform engineered for relentless connectivity in demanding environments. Designed for in-vehicle deployments, mobile applications, portable IoT installations, and fixed sites where resilience matters, this router delivers dependable broadband access where standard consumer equipment fails. With dual SIM capability, Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) support, and robust Ethernet options, the IBR900 keeps fleets, field teams, and critical devices online even when networks change or conditions deteriorate. It’s built to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and the grime of real-world use while giving administrators centralized control through Cradlepoint’s cloud-based management tools.

From mobile command centers to remote monitoring stations, the IBR900 Series blends enterprise-grade security, flexible connectivity, and simple provisioning. Its rugged metal chassis is designed for mounting in vehicles, on industrial equipment, or in outdoor cabinets, ensuring stable performance in environments that would challenge less-capable routers. Dual-SIM support enables automatic failover and carrier diversity, so a single network disruption won’t interrupt mission-critical applications. Combine that with fast Wi‑Fi 5 access for on-site devices and guests, plus Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed LAN connectivity, and you have a versatile platform that scales from a single site to distributed deployments across regions or borders.

• Rugged, vehicle-ready design – Engineered for harsh environments, with a durable chassis that resists shock, vibration, and temperature swings, ideal for mobile fleets and industrial installations.
• Dual SIM LTE modem for failover – Automatic carrier failover and selection across two SIMs deliver persistent connectivity, reducing downtime in remote or congested coverage areas.
• Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band – Fast and reliable wireless access on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for client devices, field tablets, and nearby equipment, with options for AP or client modes.
• Gigabit-class Ethernet and flexible interfaces – High-speed wired connectivity to LANs and devices, plus options for USB or GPS as needed for fleet tracking and localized services.
• Enterprise-grade security and management – Centralized management with secure VPN capabilities, firewalling, and policy-based controls through Cradlepoint NetCloud, plus remote diagnostics and firmware updates for streamlined operations.

Technical Details of CradlePoint IBR900 Series

• Product family: CradlePoint IBR900 Series – Rugged LTE router designed for mobile, in-vehicle, and fixed IoT deployments.
• Wireless standards: Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac) on dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for robust client connectivity and flexible deployment scenarios.
• Cellular connectivity: LTE modem with dual SIM capability for failover and carrier diversity to maximize uptime.
• Ethernet: Gigabit-class Ethernet ports for fast wired LAN/WAN connectivity to devices, sensors, and networks.
• Power and environment: Designed for vehicle power and harsh environments, with a broad operating range suitable for on-the-move use cases.
• Security and management: Embedded security features, remote management, VPN support, and policy-based controls through cloud-based NetCloud Manager.
• Compliance: TAA compliant, making it suitable for government and regulated industries.
• Physical construction: Rugged enclosure engineered to resist vibration, dust, and temperature extremes common in mobile deployments.

How to install CradlePoint IBR900 Series

Installing the IBR900 Series is a straightforward process designed for quick deployment in vehicles, remote sites, or fixed installations. Follow these general steps to get online quickly while ensuring long-term reliability:

Preparation and mounting

Identify a secure mounting location with adequate ventilation, access to a power source, and clear antenna placement for optimal signal reception. Ensure there is space for the device, cables, and any antennas you’ll use for cellular and Wi‑Fi access. If mounting in a vehicle, plan cable routing so power and antenna leads stay protected from movement and wear.

Power and connections

Connect the router to the appropriate power source using the vehicle’s power input or the designated DC supply per your installation. Attach the carrier SIM cards to the dual SIM slots and insert the antennas for cellular, GPS (if used), and Wi‑Fi as required. If you’re using external Ethernet devices, connect them to the router’s Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Initial configuration

Power on the device and use Cradlepoint NetCloud Manager or the local management interface to configure basic settings. Create or select a policy that defines how the router will prioritize cellular connectivity, Wi‑Fi access, VPN tunnels, and firewall rules. Set up SIM failover and preferred carriers to ensure continuous service, even when one network is weak or temporarily unavailable.

Security and optimization

Enable security features such as firewall rules, VPN tunnels, and device authentication. If you’re deploying at scale, use NetCloud Manager to provision multiple devices, monitor performance, and deploy firmware updates remotely. For mobility, ensure your Wi‑Fi access point settings balance coverage and capacity for on-site devices and roaming clients, and enable guest networks if needed to keep corporate devices secure.

Validation and testing

Test failover behavior by simulating a network outage and confirming that traffic seamlessly shifts to the backup SIM. Verify Ethernet devices can communicate through the router, and confirm Wi‑Fi performance on both bands under load. Finally, confirm remote management connectivity so ongoing maintenance and monitoring remain uninterrupted.

The IBR900 Series delivers a practical, scalable path from a single rugged router to a fleet-wide, centrally managed networking solution. It integrates well with Cradlepoint NetCloud for streamlined deployment, monitoring, and updates, helping IT teams reduce the time to provisioning and ensure consistent performance across environments—from a single vehicle to an entire mobile workforce.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What networks does the CradlePoint IBR900 support? A: It supports LTE networks with dual-SIM capability for automatic failover, providing robust coverage across carrier networks. Wi‑Fi 5 is available to connect client devices on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Q: Is the IBR900 suitable for in-vehicle use? A: Yes. It is built for rugged, mobile environments and is commonly deployed in vehicles, fleets, and mobile command centers where persistent connectivity is essential.
• Q: How is management handled? A: Management is enabled through Cradlepoint NetCloud, which offers centralized provisioning, monitoring, policy enforcement, and firmware updates across multiple devices from a single console.
• Q: Does this router support VPN and security features? A: Yes. The IBR900 includes enterprise-grade security options, including VPN capability and firewall controls to protect data and devices on the network.
• Q: Is the device compliant with government procurement requirements? A: The IBR900 Series is TAA compliant, making it suitable for government and regulated industries that require traceability and compliance.
• Q: Can I use it in fixed installations outside of vehicles? A: Absolutely. While it excels in mobile scenarios, the rugged design and flexible networking also make it a strong option for fixed IoT installations and remote sites.