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CradlePoint TCA3-R980-5GD-A R980 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Cellular Modem/Wireless Router - 5G/LTE - Dual SIM - Gigabit Ethernet - DIN Rail Mountable
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Product Features
Technical Overview
The R980 operates on Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11k/r/v/ax) standards across dual-band frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), supporting MU-MIMO technology for efficient multi-device communication. Cellular connectivity encompasses 5G NR along with LTE Advanced Pro, WCDMA, UMTS, and HSPA+ technologies, with support for LTE bands including 2100, 1900, 1800, 1700, 850, 2600, 900, 700, 800, 2300, 1500, 600, 2000, 2500, 3500, 3700, and 5200.
A dual-core processor and 921 MB of standard memory handle routing and management tasks, while 8 GB of flash memory stores firmware and configuration data. The total wireless transmission speed reaches 153.60 MB/s, facilitating smooth data transfer for simultaneous streaming and downloading activities.
Relevant factors for this section include Wi-Fi Generation, Network Band, Processor Core, Broadband Transmission Technology. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This modem/router excels in providing resilient connectivity through its hybrid Ethernet and cellular design, making it suitable for locations where traditional broadband may be unreliable or unavailable.
Dual SIM Flexibility
Support for two SIM cards enables seamless carrier switching or redundant cellular links, enhancing uptime for critical applications.
- Nano/eSim compatibility
- Multi-carrier deployment options
Industrial-Grade Mounting
The DIN rail mountable form factor allows for secure installation in control panels, network cabinets, or industrial environments, saving space and simplifying deployment.
- Compact footprint
- Secure rail mounting
Advanced Wireless Features
Wi-Fi 6 with MU-MIMO and support for IEEE 802.11k/r/vax standards improves network efficiency, roaming, and overall wireless performance in dense device environments.
- Improved multi-user throughput
- Enhanced roaming support
Deployment / Use Cases
The CradlePoint R980 is ideal for scenarios demanding reliable internet connectivity with flexible deployment options. Its cellular capabilities make it a strong choice for temporary sites, mobile deployments, or locations lacking wired infrastructure.
Common applications include retail point-of-sale systems, remote monitoring stations, transportation hubs, and industrial IoT deployments where continuous connectivity is essential. The DIN rail mounting facilitates integration into existing industrial control systems or network racks, while dual SIM support allows for cost-effective data plan management across different carriers.
Remote Site Connectivity
Deploy in construction sites, agricultural fields, or temporary offices where cellular networks provide the primary or backup internet link.
Failover and Redundancy
Use as a failover solution for businesses requiring uninterrupted internet access, automatically switching to cellular when primary Ethernet connections fail.
Physical Profile
Designed for practical installation, the R980 measures 5.26 inches wide by 4.78 inches deep by 1.61 inches high (133.60 x 121.50 x 41 mm) and weighs approximately 1.32 pounds (601 grams). The DIN rail mountable form factor enables secure attachment to standard industrial rails, making it suitable for panel enclosures, network cabinets, or wall-mounted applications where space optimization is critical.
- Width
- 5.26" (133.60 mm)
- Depth
- 4.78" (121.50 mm)
- Height
- 1.61" (41 mm)
- Weight
- 1.32 lb (601 g)
Highlights
- Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11k/r/v/ax) dual-band wireless router with MU-MIMO technology
- 5G and extensive LTE cellular support across multiple global frequency bands
- Dual SIM slots compatible with Nano and eSim formats for carrier flexibility
- Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed wired network connectivity
- USB port for connecting peripheral devices or storage
- DIN rail mountable form factor for industrial and space-constrained installations
- VPN support for secure remote access and site-to-site connections
- Dual-core processor with 921 MB memory for efficient routing performance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | ERICSSON |
| Manufacturer Part Number | TCA3-R980-5GD-A |
| Brand Name | CradlePoint |
| Product Series | R980 |
| Product Name | R980 Modem/Wireless Router |
| Product Type | Modem/Wireless Router |
| Technical Information | |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Network Band | Dual Band |
| Processor Core | Dual-core (2 Core) |
| Standard Memory | 921 MB |
| MU-MIMO Technology | Yes |
| Wireless Specifications | |
| Broadband Transmission Technology | Ethernet,Cellular |
| Wireless LAN Standard | IEEE 802.11k/r/v/ax |
| ISM Band | Yes |
| UNII Band | Yes |
| ISM Maximum Frequency | 2.40 GHz |
| UNII Maximum Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Cellular Generation | 5G |
| Cellular Network Supported | LTE 2100,LTE 1900,LTE 1800,LTE 1700,LTE 850,LTE 2600,LTE 900,LTE 700,LTE 800,LTE 2300,LTE 1500,LTE 600,LTE 2000,LTE 2500,LTE 3500,LTE 3700,LTE 5200 |
| Cellular Data Connectivity Technology | 5G NR,LTE,WCDMA,UMTS,HSPA+,LTE Advanced Pro |
| Total Wireless Transmission Speed | 153.60 MB/s |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Network Ports | 2 |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| USB | Yes |
| Number of Broadband (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet |
| VPN Supported | Yes |
| Multi-SIM Supported | Yes |
| Number of SIM Card Supported | 2 |
| SIM Size Supported | Nano/eSim |
| Storage | |
| Flash Memory Capacity | 8 GB |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | DIN Rail Mountable |
| Height | 1.61" (41 mm) |
| Width | 5.26" (133.60 mm) |
| Depth | 4.78" (121.50 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.32 lb (601 g) |
User Manual
FAQ
What wireless standards does this CradlePoint router support?
This router supports Wi-Fi 6, also known as IEEE 802.11ax, along with IEEE 802.11k, r, and v standards. These enhancements improve roaming, network efficiency, and overall performance in environments with multiple connected devices.
How many SIM cards can the R980 modem/router accommodate?
The R980 supports two SIM cards, compatible with both Nano and eSim formats. This dual SIM capability allows for multi-carrier deployments, backup cellular links, or flexible data plan management across different network providers.
What cellular networks and technologies are compatible with this device?
The device supports 5G NR and a wide range of LTE bands including 2100, 1900, 1800, 1700, 850, 2600, 900, 700, 800, 2300, 1500, 600, 2000, 2500, 3500, 3700, and 5200. It also works with WCDMA, UMTS, HSPA+, and LTE Advanced Pro technologies for broad global compatibility.
Can this router be mounted in industrial environments?
Yes, the R980 features a DIN rail mountable form factor, allowing secure installation on standard industrial rails. This makes it suitable for control panels, network cabinets, or other space-constrained industrial settings where traditional desktop placement isn't practical.
What wired connectivity options are available on the R980?
The router includes two network ports: one Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed LAN connectivity and one broadband RJ-45 port for WAN connections. Additionally, a USB port is provided for connecting peripheral devices such as storage drives or printers.
Does this modem/router support VPN for secure connections?
Yes, the R980 supports VPN functionality, enabling secure remote access and site-to-site connections. This feature is essential for businesses requiring encrypted data transmission over public or cellular networks.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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