Product Overview
The Ericsson Cradlepoint W1850-5GC is an indoor 5G wideband adapter: a managed 5G modem with two 2.5 GbE ports that hands a cellular WAN to the router, firewall, or SD-WAN edge you already run. Keep your existing security stack; add a 3.4 Gbps-class 5G circuit in an afternoon, as the primary link, as failover behind fiber, or as a second WAN for SD-WAN.
It runs in IP passthrough, NAT, or captive-modem mode at 2 Gbps, powers over 802.3at PoE or the included AC supply, and is FirstNet Trusted. RCN deploys it wherever a customer wants 5G without replacing a firewall they trust.
What the SKU includes: every option on this page bundles the adapter with its Ericsson NetCloud plan for the term you choose (Branch 5G Adapter 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.
Specifications
| Cellular | 5G FR1 NSA/SA (3GPP Rel. 16) with LTE Cat 19 fallback; 4x4 MIMO; peak NSA 3.4 Gbps DL / 550 Mbps UL, SA 2.4 Gbps / 450 Mbps, LTE 1.6 Gbps / 200 Mbps |
|---|---|
| SIM | Dual 4FF SIM slots; automatic carrier selection |
| Ethernet | 2x 2.5 GbE RJ45, LAN/WAN switchable; RJ45 console; 1x USB 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Antennas / GNSS | 4x SMA cellular paddle antennas included; passive GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS) |
| Modes / throughput | IP passthrough, standard NAT, or captive modem: 2.0 Gbps |
| Power | 802.3at PoE (Class 4, 30 W) or included AC supply |
| Environmental | 0 to 50 C operating; indoor |
| Size / weight | 165 x 165 x 38 mm (6.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 in); 0.86 kg (1 lb 14 oz) |
| Certifications | FirstNet Trusted, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, Verizon Frontline; AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon; PTCRB/GCF; FCC; UL/cUL; CBRS Band 48 |
| Management | Ericsson NetCloud Manager, Branch 5G Adapter plan (included in each SKU); RCN's U.S.-based 24/7 NOC is available as a managed service (quoted separately) |
Ericsson Cradlepoint W1850 series datasheet
Right for you if
- You want 5G behind an existing firewall or SD-WAN edge, not a new router
- The modem can live indoors near the network closet with the paddle antennas or a wall antenna
- PoE from the switch is the cleanest power path
- You need FirstNet Trusted 5G for a public-safety facility
W1850 vs. W1855 vs. E300
Choose the W1850 when the signal is good indoors. The W1855 is the same modem in an IP67 housing for a rooftop or exterior wall, which is where 5G mid-band usually wins. If you actually want to replace the router, the E300-5G combines 5G, firewall, switch, and Wi-Fi 6. A pre-owned W1850-5GB is also available.
Common deployments
Fiber failover for government and enterprise offices, primary 5G for new sites waiting on wired service, second WAN for SD-WAN, and POTS-replacement gateways that need a managed cellular uplink.
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
Will it work with my Fortinet, Palo Alto, Meraki, or SonicWall?
Yes. In IP passthrough mode the W1850 hands the carrier IP straight to your firewall's WAN port, so the firewall sees an ordinary Ethernet WAN. NetCloud manages the adapter; your firewall keeps managing security.
Is this the 5GB or 5GC modem?
RCN sells the W1850-5GC (part numbers BE0x-1850-5GC), the current Release 16 modem rated to 3.4 Gbps NSA. The older 5GB modem (4.14 Gbps NSA) is end of life and available only pre-owned.
Is the NetCloud subscription included?
Yes. Each SKU pairs the W1850-5GC with the NetCloud plan and term shown in the option name. Renewals are quoted before the term ends so the device never drops off management.
Does it come with antennas and a power supply?
Yes. Cradlepoint ships the cellular paddle antennas and the power supply in the box for these part numbers; see the specifications above for what is included with this model.
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 PO.
What if it turns out to be the wrong model?
Talk to RCN before you order. We deploy this hardware every week and will tell you if a smaller or larger unit fits better; the comparison section above is a good start.
Antennas that fit the W1850
The W1850 comes with four cellular paddle antennas. When it sits in a metal building, a basement closet, or a rack, moving the antennas to a window or an outside wall usually improves signal. These Panorama 4x4 MIMO antennas connect to its four SMA cellular ports:
- Panorama DMM4-6-60 desk antenna: 4x4 MIMO cellular on a desk, wall, or adhesive mount, for moving signal pickup to a window. Covers 617–960 and 1427–6000 MHz, with 2 m cables.
- Panorama WMM4-7-49 wall/mast antenna: 4x4 MIMO cellular for an outside wall or mast, rated IP55. Covers 698–960 and 1710–4900 MHz. Choose the 5 m SMA Male option.
- Panorama DWMM4-6-60 omnidirectional antenna: 4x4 MIMO omnidirectional antenna for a desk, wall, mast, or pole, rated IP66. Choose the SMA Male, 5 m option.
- Panorama WMM4G-6-60 directional antenna: 4x4 MIMO directional panel with up to 9 dBi gain, for aiming at a distant tower from a wall or mast, rated IP65. Choose the SMA Male, 5 m option.
Compare more options in the antenna finder, or request a quote and we will confirm the right antenna and cable length for your install.
Need a formal quote, want to pay by PO, or not sure which model fits?
Request a quote or pay by PO | Call an RCN specialist: (865) 315-7373
Shipping is calculated by weight at checkout. Return requests are accepted within 30 days of purchase. See the shipping policy and return policy.