The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a ruggedized 5G router that delivers high-performance connectivity to vehicles, enabling the deployment of advanced applications such as AI-driven video recognition and real-time data analysis. With the increased use of these technologies in public safety and smart cities, 5G is providing reliable and agile connectivity. Designed for first responders, near-shore vessels, and school buses, the compact R980 delivers secure and persistent 5G connectivity, even in the most demanding conditions. It can also be leveraged in IoT deployments where video and mission critical applications may require higher performance and lower latency. With its 3rd generation 5G architecture, the R980 is 3GPP Release 16 compatible, ensuring readiness for standalone (SA) networks and network slicing, including public safety slices and low latency network slices for IoT. The router’s new, embedded e-SIM will enable over-the-air carrier switching in future NetCloud releases, adding deployment flexibility and operational efficiency. This forward-looking design makes the R980 an ideal solution for organizations readying to leverage 5G’s full potential in their vehicle fleets.
The R980 Series is part of a NetCloud Mobile Essentials or NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials Package. Ericsson NetCloud provides connectivity, network, security, and location services to connect everything in the vehicle or IoT deployment while providing access to IT for remote management, troubleshooting, and analytics. NetCloud Service for IoT encompasses a suite of technologies designed for IoT applications: reliability, security, management, and data orchestration. Each service includes: Centralized endpoint management with insights and visual analytics, 24×7 enterprise support and a limited lifetime warranty, and On-demand training with Ericsson's Cradlepoint University.
Enable your R980 with a cost-effective monthly data plan to ensure your router is ready to deploy. Select Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, and the data plan size from 100 MB to Unlimited GB. You are billed monthly; there’s no long-term contract. Plus, manage all of your fielded gateways from a single cloud-based web portal.
You can purchase a SIM card from this page. It will be mailed to you in 2 to 3 business days. After you receive your card, sign up for a data plan at Mobility Help Desk. The setup instructions are listed here.
The R980 does not include antennas. The R980 Antenna Page lists high-performance, rugged antennas from Parsec, Panorama, Mobile Mark, and Taoglas, compatible with the R980 router and approved by Ericsson Cradlepoint. They come with low-loss extension cables and mounting options, allowing wall, surface, and magnetic mounting for outdoor, mobile, and industrial locations.
MB01-R980-5GD-A, R980 router with Wi-Fi, 1-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials plan, no AC power supply or antennas
MB03-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 3-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials plan
MB05-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 5-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials plan
MBA1-R980-5GD-A, R980 router with Wi-Fi, 1-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials Advanced plan, no AC power supply or antennas
MBA3-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 3-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials Advanced plan
MBA3-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 5-year NetCloud Mobile Essentials Advanced plan
TC03-R980-5GD-A, R980 router with Wi-Fi, 3-year NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials plan, no AC power supply or antennas
TC05-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 5-year NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials plan
TCA3-R980-5GD-A, R980 router with Wi-Fi, 3-year NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials Advanced plan, no AC power supply or antennas
TCA5-R980-5GD-A, Same as above with a 5-year NetCloud Ruggedized IoT Essentials Advanced plan
For the FIPS 140-3 certified model see the R980-FIPS router.
The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 router is an excellent choice for boosting your network operations. For a turnkey solution with active SIM cards, data plans, high-performance antennas, and NetCloud renewals, speak with an Ericsson Cradlepoint specialist at Westward Sales. We create solutions that not only meet your networking needs but also fit your budget, too.
Cellular Interface | |
Carrier | AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon |
Category | Cellular Router |
Bands | B1, B2, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66, B71. |
SIM Holder | Dual SIM slots (4FF form factor) |
Networks | LTE, 5G NR, and WCDMA bands (frequency bands and carrier aggregation per data sheet) |
Network Management | |
Firewall Features | 940 Mbps throughput |
VPN Features | VPN Tunnel Count - 20 |
Protocols | NMEA 0183 |
Cloud Protocols | NetCloud Mobile Essentials or Ruggedized IoT Essentials cloud-based management and optional Advanced plans. |
Wireless | |
Wi-Fi Frequencies | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz (dual-band, dual-concurrent) |
Interfaces | |
LAN Ports | 2 Gigabit |
Wireless | 2x2 MU-MIMO IEEE 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with DFS |
GPS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou |
Ignition | Automatic ON and time-delay OFF |
Power | |
Power Consumption | Sleep: 15mW, Idle: 8W, Typical: 11W, Heavy: 13W |
Input Voltage | 9 - 24 VDC |
Mechanical | |
Dimensions | 5.26 x 4.78 x 1.61 in (133.6 x 121.5 x 41 mm) |
Weight | 1 lb. 5.2 oz. (601 g) |
Shock / Vibration | MIL STD 810H |
Antenna Connection | 4 cellular, 2 WiFi, GPS antenna interfaces |
Ratings | |
Operating Temperature | -30° to 70° C (-22° F to 158° F) |
Storage Temperature | -40° to 85° C (-70° F to 185° F) |
Humidity | 10 to 90% non-condensing |
RoHS Compliant | Yes along with WEEE, California Prop 65 |
Certifications | FCC, IC, CE, RCM, IP64, FirstNet Trusted, T-Mobile Connecting Heroes, Verizon Frontline |
Safety Standards | UL/CUL, CB Scheme, EN 62368-1 |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime with active NetCloud plan |
Download Name | File Size |
Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 Datasheet | 6.56MB |