• Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 – Small and versatile 5G router designed for advanced vehicle and IoT connectivity.
  • Font view of the Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 showcasing its compact design for seamless integration in vehicle and IoT applications.
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Ericsson Cradlepoint R980

Ericsson Cradlepoint R980

SKU: MB03-R980-5GD-A

$1,476.00
$1,476.00
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Product Overview

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a compact 5G router engineered for the intersection of mobile and IoT connectivity — small enough to deploy in vehicles and field equipment, capable enough to handle demanding enterprise workloads.

Where the R920 handles LTE fleet deployments, the R980 steps up to 5G for organizations that need the bandwidth and future-readiness that 5G delivers in the field. The compact form factor fits vehicle installations where space is limited, without sacrificing the processing power needed for SD-WAN, security, and multi-carrier connectivity.

Integrates with Ericsson NetCloud Manager for zero-touch provisioning and centralized management. Zero-trust security architecture makes it suitable for organizations with strict data protection requirements.

Available as part of RCN's PNK R980 portable Wi-Fi kit or as a standalone router. RCN provides expert deployment guidance for vehicle and fixed-IoT installations.

Need help choosing or ready to order? Contact RCN for a quote  |  Learn about our NOC support

Explore the essential specifications and features of this product to make an informed purchase decision!

Product Details

Description

The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a compact 5G router engineered for the intersection of mobile and IoT connectivity — small enough to deploy in vehicles and field equipment, capable enough to handle demanding enterprise workloads.

Where the R920 handles LTE fleet deployments, the R980 steps up to 5G for organizations that need the bandwidth and future-readiness that 5G delivers in the field. The compact form factor fits vehicle installations where space is limited, without sacrificing the processing power needed for SD-WAN, security, and multi-carrier connectivity.

Integrates with Ericsson NetCloud Manager for zero-touch provisioning and centralized management. Zero-trust security architecture makes it suitable for organizations with strict data protection requirements.

Available as part of RCN's PNK R980 portable Wi-Fi kit or as a standalone router. RCN provides expert deployment guidance for vehicle and fixed-IoT installations.

Need help choosing or ready to order? Contact RCN for a quote  |  Learn about our NOC support

Hardware Specs

Specifications Details
Cellular
  • 5G NR (Sub-6 GHz)
  • Cat 20 LTE fallback
  • Embedded MFF2 eSIM (up to 8 carrier profiles)
Wifi
  • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz
Ethernet
  • 2x GbE LAN/WAN switchable ports
Gnss
  • Integrated GPS/GNSS
Operating temp
  • -30°C to 75°C (-22°F to 167°F)
Ingress protection
  • IP64 rated
Certifications
  • MIL-STD-810H
  • FirstNet Trusted
  • Verizon Frontline
  • T-Mobile Connecting Heroes
  • PTCRB
Security
  • FIPS 140-3
  • Zero Trust SD-WAN
  • IDS/IPS
  • Zone-based firewall

Software features

Cellular intelligence

  • Cellular health with live stats and diagnostics
  • Carrier Selection Intelligence
  • Location services with serving cell tower
  • Advanced logic on failover and failback connections
  • Carrier data usage management and alerting
  • Coverage map

5g sase

  • Zero Trust Private Access
  • Zero Trust Internet Access
  • Zero Trust SD-WAN

Private network compatibility

  • CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service)
  • 4G LTE private networks
  • 5G private networks
  • NetCloud Private Networks
  • Ericsson Private 5G

Cellular bonding

  • Up to 2 WAN connections (with RX30-MC)

Network slicing

  • Native 5G network slicing support
  • Up to 4 DNN/PDN instances

Benefits

  • ✓ always_on_connectivityDual-carrier eSIM ensures connectivity even if a carrier has an outage.
  • ✓ public_safety_certifiedPriority access on FirstNet, Verizon Frontline, and T-Mobile Connecting Heroes during emergencies.
  • ✓ compact_deploymentSmallest footprint in the Cradlepoint ruggedized lineup.
  • ✓ future_proof5G NR, network slicing, and eSIM designed for carrier and technology evolution.
  • ✓ enterprise_securityFIPS 140-3 and Zero Trust architecture meets federal and enterprise compliance requirements.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ericsson Cradlepoint R980, and what makes it stand out for mobile deployments?
The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a 5G in-vehicle router designed for high-performance mobile connectivity in demanding environments. It combines 5G Sub-6 GHz cellular, Wi-Fi 6, and embedded eSIM capabilities in a single ruggedized platform — making it one of the most feature-complete in-vehicle routers available. The R980 is deployed by RCN Technologies for law enforcement, transit, fleet, and IoT applications requiring always-on, enterprise-managed connectivity.
Does the R980 support eSIM and over-the-air carrier switching?
Yes. The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 includes embedded MFF2 eSIM hardware capable of storing up to eight carrier profiles, enabling remote, over-the-air (OTA) carrier switching without physical SIM changes. This is particularly valuable for fleet operators, government agencies, and RCN customers who need flexibility across multiple carriers or require seamless FirstNet activation and management at scale.
Is the R980 Wi-Fi 6 capable, and what does that mean for in-vehicle deployments?
Yes. The R980 supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, delivering significantly higher throughput and improved performance in high-device-density environments. For in-vehicle use, this means stable, fast connectivity for multiple passengers, crew members, IoT endpoints, and mission-critical devices simultaneously — ideal for transit vehicles, command units, and fleet deployments with heavy wireless demand.
Is the R980 ruggedized for harsh vehicle environments?
Yes. The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is rated for extended temperature operation and vibration resistance, built to withstand the demands of in-vehicle deployments in extreme climates. Exact IP rating and operating temperature range: (need to verify with Ericsson datasheet). RCN recommends contacting us directly for full environmental specifications relevant to your deployment conditions.
What are the primary use cases RCN deploys the R980 for?
RCN Technologies deploys the R980 across three primary use cases: (1) law enforcement and first responder vehicles requiring FirstNet-ready 5G connectivity with priority and preemption; (2) transit and fleet operators needing reliable mobile Wi-Fi for passengers and crew; and (3) IoT and telematics applications in vehicles requiring always-on, remotely managed cellular connectivity. RCN provides full Ericsson NetCloud management, optional NOC support, and GSA contract availability for all R980 deployments.
What is the difference between the standard R980 and the PNK R980?
The standard R980 is the base Ericsson Cradlepoint hardware sold as a standalone device. The PNK R980, offered exclusively by RCN Technologies, is a bundled deployment kit that pairs the R980 hardware with an Ericsson NetCloud Mobile Essentials license — pre-activated and pre-configured for rapid field deployment. The PNK version is designed for agencies and operators who need a turnkey solution with minimal setup time and no on-site IT expertise required.