Ericsson Cradlepoint R980

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a compact, ruggedized 5G router for vehicles and harsh IoT sites. It runs a 3GPP Release 16 5G modem with Cat 19 LTE fallback, reaching a peak of 3.4 Gbps down in NSA mode, and it supports 5G network slicing. Two physical SIM slots plus an embedded eSIM that holds up to eight carrier profiles let you change carriers over the air. Wi-Fi 6, two gigabit ports, and GNSS fit in a housing that measures 133.6 x 121.5 x 41 mm.

Cradlepoint sells the R980 with either a NetCloud Mobile plan for vehicles or a NetCloud Ruggedized IoT plan for fixed equipment, and the SKUs on this page carry the Mobile plan. Its IP64 housing, -30 to 70 C operating range, and Class I Div 2 rating suit fleet vehicles, utility cabinets, and kiosks. The R980 is also the router inside RCN's PNK R980 Pop-Up Network Kit.

What the SKU includes: every option on this page bundles the router with its Ericsson NetCloud Mobile plan for the term you choose (Essentials, or Essentials + Advanced, for 1, 3, or 5 years). NetCloud is required to configure and manage Cradlepoint hardware, and the hardware warranty runs for as long as the plan is active. Per Cradlepoint, these part numbers ship without an AC power supply or antennas.

Specifications

Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 datasheet

Compatibility

• Works with: optional Cradlepoint accessories including the 12 V vehicle charger (170635-000), 12 VDC power supply (170716-001), mag mount kit (170718-000), DIN rail bracket (170904-000), and the R2105-5GB and R2155-5GB outdoor 5G captive modem accessories
• Antennas: cabled external antennas with SMA cellular and GNSS connectors and RP-SMA Wi-Fi connectors; the R980 is not compatible with direct-attached antennas
• Limits: the R980 has no RX30 expansion port, and SD-WAN Intelligent Bonding requires an R1900 or R2400

Right for you if

• You want 5G in a vehicle or cabinet where space is tight
• You need eSIM so you can switch carriers over the air without swapping SIM cards
• Your vehicle or site supports up to about 50 users and two wired devices
• You plan to use 5G network slicing or public-safety priority services

R980 vs. R1900 vs. R920

Choose the R980 for compact 5G with eSIM and network slicing. Step up to the R1900 when you need four gigabit ports, 100 typical clients, Bluetooth, a 400 Mbps IPsec VPN, or a second modem through the RX30-MC accessory. Choose the R920 when Cat 7 LTE is enough and cost matters most. For a portable network built around this router, see the PNK R980.

Common deployments

Public-safety and fleet vehicles, utility and oil-and-gas field equipment, smart-city cabinets, kiosks and video surveillance, and portable connectivity through the PNK R980.

What RCN adds

• Pre-provisioning: RCN can stage the unit in your NetCloud account so it ships ready to power on
• Installation nationwide through RCN's in-house install team (quoted separately)
• U.S.-based 24/7 NOC monitoring and support as a managed service (quoted separately)
• Purchase on GSA Schedule, NASPO ValuePoint, Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, or Equalis Group, or on a PO for approved accounts

FAQ

Does the R980 come with antennas and a power supply?
No. Cradlepoint ships these part numbers without an AC power supply or antennas. NetCloud Mobile packages include a 3-meter GPIO power cable for vehicle wiring and a mounting template. The R980 needs cabled external antennas for cellular, Wi-Fi, and GNSS. Cradlepoint offers an optional 12 V power supply and vehicle charger, and RCN can quote them with the router.

What does the eSIM do?
The R980 has an embedded eSIM that can hold up to eight carrier profiles, alongside two physical SIM slots. With eSIM you can change carriers over the air instead of shipping new SIM cards to every vehicle or site. That helps large fleets and remote equipment that is hard to reach once it is installed.

Is the R980 FirstNet Trusted?
Yes. Cradlepoint lists the R980 as FirstNet Trusted, with T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, T-Mobile T-Priority, Verizon Frontline Verified, and Verizon Frontline Network Slice certifications. It is carrier-certified on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Its Release 16 modem supports 5G network slicing with up to four DNN/PDN instances.

Should we choose the R980 or the R1900 for a vehicle?
Choose the R980 for a smaller vehicle or cabinet with up to about 50 users and two wired devices. Choose the R1900 for a command vehicle or apparatus with more devices, since it has four gigabit ports, a typical client count of 100, Bluetooth, a 400 Mbps IPsec VPN, and an expansion port for a second modem or a PoE switch.

Can we use the R980 at a fixed site instead of a vehicle?
Yes. Cradlepoint also sells the R980 with a NetCloud Ruggedized IoT plan for fixed equipment such as utility, oil and gas, smart-city, kiosk, and video surveillance deployments. The SKUs on this page carry the NetCloud Mobile plan for vehicles. If your deployment is fixed, ask RCN to quote the Ruggedized IoT package instead.

Can we purchase on a purchase order or government contract?
Yes. RCN sells through GSA Schedule and cooperative contracts including NASPO ValuePoint, Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, and Equalis Group, and can invoice approved accounts on a purchase order. Use the quote link below to request a formal quote you can route through procurement, or check out online with a card.