Price point was excellent. No one came close

As Martz continued to explore options, their vendor pointed the company to CradlePoint routers. “The solution of an economical router came to us from the Gateway software people, who were helping us with the paperless ticketing system. When we investigated CradlePoint, the price point was excellent. No one else came close,” says Bob. “In addition, the CradlePoint CTR-500 that we chose is about the size of a BlackBerry PDA, and the air card doesn’t stick way out, so we could install it in a concealed, out-of-the-way spot where no one could tamper with it.”

“The price point was excellent. No one came close.”

The company plans to have the backend of the paperless ticketing system in place by summer. In the meantime, the CradlePoint mobile broadband infrastructure is the first piece to be put into place. “With paperless ticketing, our drivers will just scan a bar code on the ticket and the information will go through the CradlePoint router, over the Internet and right to our back office,” notes Bob. “We’ll be able to view data in real-time, instead of the two-week lag that the current manual process entails.“

Bob continues: “In addition, our customers had been asking for Wi-Fi access for a while, but the cost was just too prohibitive. But now, CradlePoint makes it affordable. In fact, we use Wi-Fi as a marketing tool to attract new riders. Customers have positively commented on the free Wi-Fi we offer. Better yet, our competition does not offer it.”

BENEFITS

•Simple. “Installation was very simple,” notes Bob. “We wired it to a “keyed-on” power source, so it will reset on every start.”

•Reliable. “We’ve been using the CradlePoint routers for over 6 months now on our motorcoaches,” reports Bob, “and we have had no failures.”

•Performance. “The fact that we’ve had no complaints from customers about speed or performance speaks for itself,” says Bob.

•Robust Feature Set. “With the functionality offered in the admin menu, we were able to lock out certain websites that eat up a lot of bandwidth, like YouTube, while still allowing customers normal Internet and email use,” explains Bob. “This enables us to stay under the 5GB/ month data plans that are offered.”

•Support. “On the initial setup, the one broadband card from Verizon was not compatible with the router,” reports Bob. “CradlePoint went to Verizon and was able to have that as a compatible card within a few days. That is pretty good support!”

•Affordable. “CradlePoint was the most economical choice when we first got them,” says Bob. “And they’re still the most economical choice.”

Bob adds one final thought: “The CradlePoint routers were small enough that we could install them out of sight. That helps us maintain a clean, professional look inside our motorcoaches.”

MBR1200, CBA250, PHS300 specifications

Cradlepoint is renowned for its robust mobile and wireless networking solutions, and its products like the PHS300, CBA250, and MBR1200 are representative of this innovation. These devices cater to different networking needs, making them essential in a variety of environments.

The Cradlepoint PHS300 is a portable 3G mobile hotspot designed for users who require reliable internet access on the go. This device supports multiple connections simultaneously, typically allowing up to 32 Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect. What sets the PHS300 apart is its compact design, making it ideal for travel or use in remote locations. It operates on a rechargeable battery, which can provide several hours of connectivity. With its user-friendly interface, setup becomes seamless, often eliminating the need for extensive technical knowledge. Additionally, the device supports USB connectivity for easier charging and provides support for various 3G networks, broadening its usage.

The CBA250, on the other hand, is tailored for branch and small business environments. This device functions as a fixed cellular broadband router, integrating various functionalities to ensure seamless connectivity. The CBA250 supports LTE networks, providing users with enhanced speed and reliability. One of its standout features is the ability to easily switch between cellular and Ethernet WAN connections, offering redundancy and ensuring a continuous internet experience. The device is equipped with advanced security features, including VPN, firewall, and IPSec encryption, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of business data. Furthermore, its cloud management capabilities allow administrators to manage and monitor the network remotely, optimizing performance and security measures effortlessly.

Lastly, the MBR1200 offers a versatile WAN optimization solution, ideal for both home and business use. This router supports 3G/4G LTE, making it a suitable option for users in areas with unreliable broadband. It features dual WAN capability, allowing users to combine multiple internet sources for increased speed and reliability. With support for up to 32 devices simultaneously, the MBR1200 caters to various needs while also maintaining high throughput speeds. Its built-in firewall, along with advanced security protocols, ensures a safe networking environment. With easy setup and management through a web interface, users experience straightforward deployment of their networks.

Each of these Cradlepoint devices brings unique features and capabilities, designed to meet the connectivity demands of an increasingly mobile and digitally-driven world. Whether for individual use, small businesses, or branch offices, Cradlepoint provides versatile solutions that ensure reliable internet connectivity.