[AusNOG] 4G router alternatives to Cradlepoint

[Brad Peczka]

I've used 4RF gear for a number of years to drive offshore microwave links, and for wide area UHF-based telemetry networks. In my experience, the gear is absolutely bulletproof.


There's also something refreshing when, if you need support, being able to pick up the phone and (generally) getting a hold of an engineer who lives just over the ditch and actually built the product.


I've also used gear from NetModule for LTE-based telemetry - the NB1601 is a nice product in a small package that was generally set and forget, though you do have to get picky with the firmware versions depending on what kind of LTE you're using (private vs public and what kind of gear is powering the cells).


Regards,

-Brad.

________________________________
From: AusNOG <ausnog-bounces at lists.ausnog.net> on behalf of Jonathan Brewer <jon.brewer at gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, 7 December 2020 10:09:00 PM
To: Andrew Yager
Cc: <ausnog at lists.ausnog.net>
Subject: Re: [AusNOG] 4G router alternatives to Cradlepoint

This is a hard problem.

I've had quality problems with Robustel. Had good success with around 30 Multitech Conduit 3G routers but major problems with their first set of LTE hardware. Can't recommend Mikrotik for LTE (though I like them for many other things) after trying multiple models. Had success with Netcomm in-vehicle 3G but never tried their LTE.

I was just sent a data sheet for a nice looking 4RF LTE terminal. They make SCADA for utilities so I'd guess it's pretty tough. Might blow your budget but if you're buying 400 it's worth asking.

Hope to hear some more experiences.

-JB


On Mon, 7 Dec 2020, 14:51 Andrew Yager, <andrew at rwts.com.au<mailto:andrew at rwts.com.au>> wrote:
Hi,

I feel like someone is forever asking this question.

I'm looking for a solid alternative to Cradlepoint for a large rollout (about 400 sites) with 4G primary connection. The sites have unreliable power, which means things like SRXs are not a go. (I do like the 320s with LTE mPIM "mostly").

Aside from Cradlepoint's IBR commercial model becoming a bit more challenging with subscriptions,  we are keen for something that is solid, basic, and reliable, and can ideally run on DC power. It's even better if we can connect an external antenna.

Only real requirement is two ethernet ports and the ability to do IPSEC tunnelling. BGP/VRF support would be nice (yes, over the IPSEC circuit) - but honestly, it's a requirement that can be engineered around.

Customer would settle for something solid around the $800-$1k mark, so any reasonable options around this price point would be *greatly* appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew
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