Data sheet

Ericsson Cradlepoint R980

2026-09-09

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a ruggedized, secure appliance and router that broadens access to the increased speed and performance of 5G to support advanced applications and critical communications. Designed for the 5G future, it is 5G network slicing capable with the deployment flexibility of eSIMs which allow carrier switching without changing physical SIMs. It is a ruggedized 5G networking platform able to withstand wide temperature extremes, harsh environments, and hazardous locations while delivering enterprise-class standards of reliability, scalability, comprehensive management, and security.

The R980 is available with either Mobile or Ruggedized IoT NetCloud service plans, providing features optimized for the needs of the differing deployments. The R980 also supports NetCloud Exchange and SASE services, which provide select zero-trust and SD-WAN features.

High-Performance Vehicle Connectivity

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 router with an Ericsson NetCloud Mobile service plan provides a ruggedized GNSS/GPS-enabled in-vehicle network solution. When coupled with the Advanced Mobile service plan, it provides threat management, web filtering, application visibility, analytics, and advanced GNSS/GPS functionality such as location tracking and cellular coverage maps. The R980 with an SD-WAN license provides resilient in-vehicle networking for multi-WAN environments with support for traffic steering and fast link failover capabilities.

Ruggedized IoT Solution

When combined with an Ericsson NetCloud Ruggedized IoT service plan, the R980 provides a versatile, ruggedized 5G router solution for connecting and protecting IoT devices at scale. It can be deployed in a wide range of environmentally harsh IoT use cases such as oil and gas, utility, and smart city infrastructure, in addition to next-gen kiosks, and video surveillance, deployments. The ruggedized design and CBRS band support make it ideal for private networks. In addition, the solution is highly extensible with APIs, SDKs, and integrations into IoT platforms, and the generous memory supports onboard edge containers.

Product Page Ericsson NetCloud Service Quick Start Guide

Ericsson NetCloud Service for the R980 provides everything needed to unlock the power of 5G and connect vehicles, users, and IoT to critical applications and services. The available Ericsson NetCloud IoT or Mobile service plans include the appropriate router software with powerful cloud management features for managing IoT at scale or specific mobile features like coverage maps, integrated content filtering, intrusion detection and protection, analytics and networking. Everything within Ericsson NetCloud works together, making it easy to deploy, connect, and secure edge applications at scale across the organization.

Coverage Map

Ericsson NetCloud uses GNSS/GPS and cellular health to provide precise location and signal strength analytics. Data can be mapped to display both a vehicle's current and historical locations, as well as generate detailed coverage maps that display cellular health, allowing users to gain operational insights and solve problems.

Security Services

Ericsson NetCloud Service includes security features and options to optimize the R980 router to meet the evolving security needs of mobile and IoT environments. The service includes a stateful zone-based firewall with the ability to add an application-aware zone-based firewall, threat management (IPS/IDS), and web filtering with the Advanced Mobile Service plan.

The R980 also supports NetCloud SASE and NetCloud Exchange, a unified network and security WAN architecture built upon zero-trust principles and optimized for cellular. With Secure Connect organizations have the ability to replace complex VPN and Private APN networks with a simpler zero-trust approach. Application-based traffic steering with fast failover between WAN can be applied to a multi-WAN R980 deployment through SD-WAN. Finally, Zero-Trust Network Access provides secure application access for internal users and third parties, with support for client and clientless access.

Extensibility and Integrations

Ericsson NetCloud Service and the R980 can provide higher levels of insights and control by exchanging network data with third-party applications. Leverage pre-built connections to partner applications or create custom connections across a variety of use cases using the NetCloud Container Orchestrator, NetCloud SDK, or NetCloud API.

Routing and Select SD-WAN Services

The Ericsson NetCloud Service plus R980 provides local processing power to handle routing, and traffic steering. An optional SD-WAN license can be applied to support traffic steering based on application and/ or WAN performance and fast failover between WAN links. Note that other SD-WAN features such as Intelligent Bonding, require the deployment of an R1900 or R2400 mobile device.

The following features are delivered through the hardware.

INTERFACES
Modem:	Embedded 5G NR FR1 and 4G LTE modem 4 x SMA cellular antenna connectors 2 x 4FF SIM slots 1 x MFF2 eSIM hardware
Ethernet:	2 x GbE RJ45 (LAN/WAN switchable)
Wi-Fi:	Dual-radio, dual-band, concurrent operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with DFS Modes: AP, Wireless Client, and Wi-Fi as WAN 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 1.2 Gbps (5 GHz) 2 x RP-SMA Wi-Fi antenna connectors^† Global Optimized Wi-Fi and International SDR WPA/WPA2/WPA3 Personal, WPA2/WPA3 Enterprise, Open 802.11k, 802.11v Wi-Fi Alliance Certified
Bluetooth:	N/A
Expansion:	1 x USB 2.0 Type A (Output: 5 V, 500 mA, 2.5 W) with screw lock feature for mechanically secure connections
GNSS / GPS:	1 x SMA GNSS antenna connector
GNSS / GPS
Acquisition: (Time to First Fix)	30 seconds (cold start)
Protocols:	NMEA 0183 TAIP
Constellations:	GPS Galileo GLONASS BeiDou (concurrent reception)
Accuracy:	Autonomous 1 meter
Update Rate:	1 Hz (once per second)
Sensitivity:	Acquisition: -148 dBm Tracking: -161 dBmCold start: -146 dBm
Frequencies:	L1
Power:	Voltage Supply: 2.9-3.15 VDC Max Current: 100 mA
ENVIRONMENTAL
Temperature:	Operating: -30 °C to 70 °C (-22 °F to 158 °F)^†† Storage: -40 °C to 85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F)
Humidity:	Operating: 10% to 95% Storage: 5% to 95%
Ingress Protection:	IP64 (dust tight and splashing water)
POWER
Required:	DC input steady state voltage range: 9–36 VDC (requires in-line fuse for vehicle installations) For 9–24 VDC installations, use a 3 A fuse For > 24 VDC installations, use a 2 A fuse Connector type: 4-pin 2x2 Molex micro-fit For light rail applications: 24 VDC nominal
Features:	ISO 7637-2 reverse polarity and transient voltage protection Ignition sensing (automatic ON and time-delay OFF)
Consumption:	Sleep: 15 mW Idle: 8 W Typical: 11 W Heavy: 13 W
PHYSICAL
Size:	133.6 x 121.5 x 41 mm (5.26 x 4.78 x 1.61 in)
Weight:	601 g (1 lb 5.2 oz)
RELIABILITY
Calculated MTBF:	1,407,191 hours (Telcordia SR332 at 25 °C)
CERTIFICATIONS
Safety:	UL/cUL CB Scheme EN 62368-1
Vehicle:	E-Mark SAE J1455
Substance Compliance:	WEEE RoHS REACH California Prop 65
Security:	FIPS 140-3 Level 1 Module in Process (R980 FIPS models only)
Shock/Vibration/Humidity:	MIL STD 810H Method 514.8, Annex C-1, Category 4 (Vibration) MIL STD 810H Method 516.8, Procedure I (Shock) MIL STD 810H Method 516.8, Procedure V (Shock)
Hazardous Locations:	Class I Div 2
North American Fire Safety:	NFPA 130
Flame Smoke Toxicity Test:	BSS 7239
EDGE COMPUTING
CPU:	Dual-core ARMv8 64-bit
Memory:	Up to 921 MB See Adjusting Memory Resources for NetCloud Container Orchestrator for more information.
Flash Storage:	Up to 8 GB See Adjusting Memory Resources for NetCloud Container Orchestrator for more information.
Applications:	Docker containerized applications
CLOUD SERVICES
Service Plans:	Ericsson NetCloud Service for Mobile, Ericsson NetCloud Service for Ruggedized IoT
Service Add-Ons:	NetCloud Exchange, Ericsson NetCloud Advanced
Support:	Ericsson NetCloud packages include support for the full subscription term.
Warranty:	All Ericsson Cradlepoint hardware products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty for as long as they have a subscription license to an active Ericsson NetCloud Service plan.
Device Management:	NetCloud Manager for the full subscription term.
Software Updates:	NetCloud Manager for the full subscription term.
WI-FI POWER
FCC:	2412-2462 MHz (2.4 GHz): 26.42 dBm Conducted 5180–5250 MHz: 21.63 dBm Conducted 5250–5350 MHz: 21.20 dBm Conducted 5470–5725 MHz: 22.17 dBm Conducted 5725–5835 MHz: 23.14 dBm Conducted
IC:	2412-2462 MHz (2.4 GHz): 26.42 dBm Conducted 5180–5250 MHz: 16.48 dBm Conducted 5250–5350 MHz: 18.33 dBm Conducted 5470–5725 MHz: 22.17 dBm Conducted 5725–5835 MHz: 23.14 dBm Conducted
CE/UKCA:	2412-2472 MHz (2.4 GHz): 13.91 dBm Conducted 5180–5250 MHz: 18.04 dBm Conducted 5250–5320 MHz: 17.92 dBm Conducted 5500–5700 MHz: 21.48 dBm Conducted
RCM:	2412-2472 MHz (2.4 GHz): 13.91 dBm Conducted 5180–5250 MHz: 18.04 dBm Conducted 5250–5320 MHz: 17.92 dBm Conducted 5500–5700 MHz: 21.48 dBm Conducted 5725–5835 MHz: 23.14 dBm Conducted
PERFORMANCE^†††
Stateful Firewall:	940 Mbps
IPS/Application Aware Services:	940 Mbps
Client/Traffic Analytics:	100 Mbps
Point-to-Point IPsec VPN:	200 Mbps
SASE/Secure Connect/SD-WAN:	85 Mbps
Concurrent VPN Tunnels:	20
Concurrent Sessions (TCP):	32,000
Typical Client Count:	50
Layer 2 / Layer 3 VLANs:	Up to 64
LEDs
	See the Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 Quick Start Guide.

^†NOTE: All antenna interfaces require cabled out external antennas and are not compatible with direct-attached antennas.
^††Wi-Fi and cellular performance may degrade when operating above 70 °C.
^†††Performance testing conducted based on requirements as defined in RFC2544 using fixed-frame 1518-byte packets. Throughput results reflect uni-directional UDP traffic with less than 1% packet loss as tested with wired connections. Results do not reflect performance of the cellular wireless operator networks.

SPECIFICATION	R980-5GD
Technology:	5G NR low-, mid-band, and 4G LTE 600 MHz-6 GHz spectrum 5G non-standalone (NSA) and 5G standalone (SA) networks LTE Advanced Pro Category 19 fallback Dual SIM slots, 4FF form factor Embedded MFF2 eSIM hardware 5G network slicing 3GPP Release 16
3G:	WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA+
Carrier Aggregation:	5G NR Only Downlink: Up to 2 CA Uplink: 1 CA LTE + 5G NR ENDC Downlink: Up to 4 CA (LTE) + Up to 1 CA (5G NR) Uplink: Up to 2 CA (LTE) + Up to 2 CA (5G NR) LTE Only Downlink: Up to 5 CA Uplink: Up to 2 CA See Understanding Carrier Aggregation.
Peak Rates:	NSA Downlink: Up to 3.4 Gbps Uplink: Up to 550 Mbps SA Downlink: Up to 2.4 Gbps Uplink: Up to 450 Mbps LTE Downlink: Up to 1.6 Gbps Uplink: Up to 200 Mbps
MIMO:	4x4 MIMO
Modulation:	5G FR1 Downlink: Up to 256 QAM Uplink: Up to 256 QAM
eSIM:	Up to eight carrier profiles
5G Network Slicing:	Up to four DNN/PDN instances
5G NR Bands:	NSA and SA n1 (2100), n2 (1900), n3 (1800), n5 (850), n7 (2600), n8 (900), n12 (700), n13 (746-756), n14 (758-768), n18 (860-875), n20 (800), n25 (1900), n26 (850), n28 (700), n29 (717-728), n30 (2300), n38 (2600), n40 (2300), n41 (2500), n48 (3500), n66 (1700/2100), n71 (600), n75 (1500), n76 (1427-1432), n77 (3700), n78 (3500), n79 (4900)
4G/LTE Bands:	FDD B1 (2100), B2 (1900), B3 (1800), B4 (1700), B5 (850), B7 (2600), B8 (900), B12 (700), B13 (700), B14 (700), B17 (700), B18 (850), B19 (850), B20 (800), B25 (1900), B26 (850), B28 (700), B29 (700), B30 (2300), B32 (1500), B66 (1700), B71 (600) TDD B34 (2000), B38 (2600), B39 (1900), B40 (2300), B41 (2500), B42 (3500), B43 (3700), B46 (5200), B48 (3500)
3G Bands^†:	1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 19
Power:	5G NR 5G NR Power Class 3 bands: 23 dBm ± 2 (typical conducted) 5G NR Power Class 1.5 bands: 29 dBm ± 2 (typical conducted) LTE LTE Power Class 3 bands: 23 dBm ± 2 (typical conducted) LTE Power Class 2 bands: 26 dBm ± 2 (typical conducted)
Antennas:	SMA female connectors, external 600 MHz - 6 GHz cellular paddle antennas (not included)
GNSS/GPS:	Active GNSS GPS Galileo GLONASS BeiDou
SMS:	Yes
Regulatory:	FCC (U.S.) IC (Canada) CE (EU) RCM (AU/NZ) UKCA (UK)
Network Operator Standards:	PTCRB (U.S., Canada) GCF (Worldwide)
GCF Global Operators:	https://www.globalcertificationforum.org/membership/gcf-members-directory.html^††
PTCRB North America Operators:	https://www.ptcrb.com/about/
Network Operator Certifications^††:	AT&T T-Mobile Verizon Telstra
Public Safety Network Certifications:	ESN (4G) FirstNet Trusted™ T-Mobile Connecting Heroes T-Mobile T-Priority Verizon Frontline Verified Verizon Frontline Network Slice
Private Cellular Network:	Yes, includes FCC Part 96 (CBRS Band 48)

^†Carrier Certification may affect band support.
^††Cellular carriers and operators throughout the world may only require telecom industry certifications, like PTCRB or GCF, to operate on their network. Some carriers require additional testing and approval, beyond telecom certifications. A carrier listed in the approvals section means Cradlepoint completed additional testing and acquired technical approval for that given carrier. Any carrier not listed may not require additional testing or approval beyond telecom industry certifications to operate on their network.

SIM Card Info

Ericsson NetCloud Mobile and Ericsson NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials packages and plans contain all the features and capabilities required for a broad range of mobile, in-vehicle, and IoT applications. Essentials packages include 24x7 support (phone support: 24-hour weekdays with emergency response on weekends, web: 24x7, chat: 24x5) and a limited lifetime warranty.

For additional capabilities, an Ericsson NetCloud Mobile Advanced Plan or Ericsson NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Advanced Plan can be added to the Ericsson NetCloud Mobile or Ruggedized IoT Essentials package at any time.

See additional details of what is included in the Essential and Advanced Ericsson NetCloud software: cradlepoint.com/netcloud-service

Ericsson NetCloud Packages for the R980

REGION	MODEM	PACKAGE PLAN	PART NUMBER
Global: U.S., Australia, Canada, European Union, New Zealand, and United Kingdom	R980 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power supply or antennas	Mobile — Essentials Mobile — Essentials + Advanced	MB0x-R980-5GD-A MBAx-R980-5GD-A
	R980 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power supply or antennas	Ruggedized IoT — Essentials Ruggedized IoT — Essentials + Advanced	TC0y-R980-5GD-A TCAy-R980-5GD-A
United States: Federal Government	R980 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power supply or antennas	Mobile TAA Compliant NC — Essentials Mobile TAA Compliant NC — Essentials + Advanced	TAA-MB0x-R980-5GD-A TAA-MBAx-R980-5GD-A
	R980 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power supply or antennas	Ruggedized IoT TAA Compliant NC — Essentials Ruggedized IoT TAA Compliant NC — Essentials + Advanced	TAA-TC0y-R980-5GD-A TAA-TCAy-R980-5GD-FA
	R980 FIPS 140-3 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power or antennas	FIPS TAA Compliant NC Mobile — Essentials + Advanced	TAA-MBAx-R980-5GD-FA
	R980 FIPS 140-3 Router with Wi-Fi (5G modem 4FF SIM slots, and embedded eSIM), no AC power or antennas	FIPS TAA Compliant NC Ruggedized IoT — Essentials + Advanced	TAA-TCAy-R980-5GD-FA
		Mobile FIPS only — Essentials + Advanced	MAAx-NCESSF
		Renewal — Mobile FIPS only Essentials + Advanced	MAAx-NCESSF-R
All Regions:		Mobile — Renewal Essentials Advanced Upgrade (requires Essentials) Advanced Renewal (requires Essentials)	MB0x-NCESS-R MB0x-NCADV MB0x-NCADV-R
		Ruggedized IoT — Renewal Essentials Advanced Upgrade (requires Essentials) Advanced Renewal (requires Essentials)	TC0x-NCESS-R TC0x-NCADV TC0x-NCADV-R

x = 1, 3, or 5 years
y = 3 or 5 years

INCLUDED	PART NUMBER
NetCloud Mobile Packages only: GPIO Cable, small 2x2, black, 3 meters, 20 AWG Mounting Template	170864-000
OPTIONAL	PART NUMBER
Vehicle Charger, 12 V, 2x2, 2 meters	170635-000
Small 2x2 Power to Barrel Adapter, 152 mm	170665-000
Power Supply, 12 VDC, 2x2, 1.5 meters (North America)	170716-001
Power Supply, 12 VDC, 2x2, 1.5 meters (International)	170717-000
Mag Mount Kit	170718-000
Cellular Antenna, charcoal, 600 MHz - 6 GHz, SMA, 180 mm	170801-000
Wi-Fi Antenna, Charcoal, Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz, RPSMA	170836-000
Power Supply, 12 V Out, small 2x2 (C7 line cord not included), -30 °C to 70 °C (-22 °F to 158 °F)	170869-000
USB to RS232 Extensibility Cable	170873-000
5G Captive Modem and Wi-Fi Accessory, outdoor, R2105-5GB (4.1 Gbps modem), Global	170900-014
5G Captive Modem Accessory, outdoor, R2155-5GB (4.1 Gbps modem), Global	170900-015
DIN Rail Mounting Bracket	170904-000
UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INCLUDED	PART NUMBER
Power Supply, vehicle, 12 V, 2x2, 2 meters	TAA-170635-000
Small 2x2 Power to Barrel Adapter, 152 mm	TAA-170665-000
Power Supply, 12 V, small 2x2, 1.5 meters (North America)	TAA-170716-001
Power Supply, 12 V, small 2x2, 1.5 meters (International)	TAA-170717-000
GPIO Cable, small 2x2 black, 3 meters, 20 AWG	TAA-170864-000
UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPTIONAL	PART NUMBER
Mag Mount Kit	TAA-170718-000
Cellular Antenna, charcoal, 600 MHz - 6 GHz, SMA, 180 mm	TAA-170801-000
Wi-Fi Antenna, Charcoal, Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz, RPSMA	TAA-170836-000
5G Captive Modem and Wi-Fi Accessory, outdoor, R2105-5GB (4.1 Gbps modem), Global	TAA-170900-014
5G Captive Modem Accessory, outdoor, R2155-5GB (4.1 Gbps modem), Global	TAA-170900-015

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 mobile router is only sold as a component of Ericsson NetCloud Mobile/Ericsson NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials or Essentials and Advanced packages.

Ericsson NetCloud packages include support for the full subscription term.
All Ericsson Cradlepoint hardware products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty for as long as they have a subscription license to an active Ericsson NetCloud Service plan.