cradlepoint R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router User Guide

: October 30, 2023
: Cradlepoint

Table of Contents

cradlepoint R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router
Introduction
R2105 Series 5G Ruggedized Router models
Before you begin
Setup
Accessories
Understanding LEDs
Troubleshooting
Resources
Terms of Service

cradlepoint R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router

Introduction

This document provides a brief overview of the R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router, discusses what is inside the box, and provides basic setup and install instructions.

NOTE: The Verify app includes many of the same instructions with an alternate order. This document supports the Verify app instructions. Use the Navigation section below to locate the topics most applicable to troubleshooting your setup issues. For additional setup support, contact a professional installer or refer to our Contact Us page.

Intended Audience
This article is intended for professional networking hardware installers. It provides basic knowledge and should be used only as a reference guide for installing the router. Due to the unique nature of each installation, potential for RF exposure, and enhanced separation requirements, customers must have a professional install their 5G hardware. This article is a reference guide and is intended only to provide best practices. Refer to the Cradlepoint Product Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability section for further information.

R2105 Series 5G Ruggedized Router models

This document applies to all of the following products:

CRADLEPOINT R2105 (with Wi-Fi) MODEL: S5A237A
CRADLEPOINT R2155 (no Wi-Fi) MODEL: S5A237A

Before you begin

Read the following before setting up the router.

External device components

cradlepoint-R2100-Series-5G-Ruggedized-Router-fig-1

Overall length: 15.2 in (386 mm)
Thermal pads
Cable inlet
Touch sensor
Recessed logo
LEDs
SIM door
SIM door screws
Recessed logo

Location considerations

The following includes best practice considerations for identifying a mounting location:

Ensure the router is positioned to receive optimal signal. A location on the trunk/boot or roof of the vehicle is recommended.

NOTE: Cradlepoint recommends selecting a flat section on the exterior of the vehicle to ensure the best adhesion and prevent leaks.

Avoid installing the device in enclosed spaces.
Ensure that the heat sink pads are in full contact with the metal of the vehicle exterior to help dissipate heat. Extreme heat or cold can reduce the router’s performance.
Mount in locations compliant with the Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty guide, included in the product shipping box.

SIM card for wireless connectivity

A wireless broadband data plan must be added to the router for wireless broadband connectivity. Network providers must provision a SIM card to provide wireless broadband data plans compatible for use with the router. Contact your network provider for further details.

Required tools for setup

Security Torx size T10 (for SIM door cover)
Drill with 22mm (or 15/16″) drill bit

Setup

Read through the following to set up the router or use the Verify installation app.

STEP 1: Check box contents
The following should be included in the box:

[1] R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router
[1] Power cable
[1] Ethernet Cable
[1] Mounting template
[1] Small accessories kit which includes:
- [1] Hex nut
- [1] Tooth lock washer
- [1] Flat washer
[1] Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty Guide

Optional accessories, available separately:

[1] Slatted roof mount adapter. For more information see Mounting R2100 Series 5G Ruggedized Router on Slatted Vehicle Roofs (article TBD).

Accessories

To enable cellular connectivity, at least one activated 4FF-sized SIM card with an active cellular data plan is needed.

STEP 2: Install SIM (if not pre-installed)

Loosen the two torx security screws until the captive screws and SIM door can be removed.
Install SIM card, with contacts up and notch facing toward the router.
Replace door and secure the torx screws.

STEP 3: Mount the router

The router must be mounted on a relatively flat exterior vehicle surface. Very mildly curved surfaces can be accommodated, if the curve allows the entire adhesive surface of the router to engage, and produces no gaps between the gasket and mount surface.

Place the mounting template on the chosen spot on the exterior of the vehicle.
Align mounting template in desired location on vehicle making sure device footprint and hole placement are in desired locations with no obstructions (above or below).
Tape or otherwise temporarily secure the mounting template to the roof panel.
Drill the cable routing hole using a “hole saw” bit, 28mm or 1-1/8” diameter hole saw sizes are recommended. When finished, remove the mounting template.
Remove both pieces of the adhesive protective liner from the contact surface of the router.
Route the cables and cable inlet through the drilled hole, and then install the device in the footprint determined by the mounting template. Do not press the router down yet; let the router rest on the gasket as you determine final placement.
Make sure device is properly aligned, and then press down firmly and hold the top of the device so that the collar gasket compresses and the adhesive adheres to the vehicle exterior.
IMPORTANT: The router contact surface must be as fully engaged with the surface of the vehicle as possible, and the gasket must be compressed, to avoid water seepage.
Install fasteners from the interior of vehicle:
- Star lock washer
- Flat washer
- Hex nut

STEP 4: Connect power
Connect power depending on the chosen installation:

If using PoE, thread the PoE cable to the PoE source.
If using a power adapter, thread the power cable to reach the power source.

Power socket pinouts
When creating a custom cable, you can find the proper pinouts below.

NOTE: The diagram is shown as looking at the socket on the cable descending from the router, or the back of the connector on the custom cable. cradlepoint-R2100-Series-5G-Ruggedized-Router-
fig-10

STEP 5: Power up the router
The router powers up automatically once power is supplied to the unit from the source.

Tap the touch sensitive button to verify the power LED lights up (all LEDs will go dark a few moments after touching the panel).

STEP 6: Activate the router in NetCloud Manager
Activate the router through NetCloud Manager (NCM). Device activation requires that you log into your NetCloud Manager account. Refer to Getting Started with NetCloud Manager for more information.

Understanding LEDs

cradlepoint-R2100-Series-5G-Ruggedized-Router-fig-12

The router uses LED lights to communicate various status conditions. Use the tables below to verify the status of the router after touching the sensor.

cradlepoint-R2100-Series-5G-Ruggedized-Router-fig-13 cradlepoint-R2100-Series-5G-
Ruggedized-Router-fig-15

Troubleshooting

If the device takes longer than five minutes to connect to the Internet, log into the local UI of the device to make configuration changes or to start the troubleshooting process. You must be physically co-located with the device to do this. Refer to No Internet or Connection Issues for more information. Once the device connects to the Internet, it should then connect to your NetCloud Manager account and start its configuration download.

Resources

R2105 Series 5G Ruggedized Router Webpage R2105 Series 5G Ruggedized Router Data Sheet

Terms of Service

Terms of Service &License Agreement Privacy Policy GDPR Privacy Policy

Help and Support

Cradlepoint Connect Customer Community Cradlepoint Support Services

Cradlepoint Product Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

Disclaimer
Cradlepoint, Inc. (“Cradlepoint”) does not warrant that the hardware will work properly in all environments or applications, and makes no warranty or representation, either implied or expressed, with respect to the quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of the R2105 Series 5G Ruggedized Router even when installed in accordance with this installation guide. This installation guide is provided “AS IS,” without any warranty of any kind. Without limiting the foregoing, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law Cradlepoint expressly disclaims all representations, warranties and conditions, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise, with respect to this installation guide, including without limitation any warranty of title, non-infringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. While Cradlepoint has made every effort to ensure this installation guide is accurate, Cradlepoint disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or omissions that may have occurred and shall not be liable for any adverse results caused, in whole or in part, by the installer’s reliance upon the instructions in this installation guide. Information in this installation guide is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Cradlepoint. Cradlepoint assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this installation guide. Cradlepoint makes no commitment to update or keep current the information in this installation guide and reserves the right to make improvements to this installation guide and/or to the products described in this installation guide, at any time without notice. If you find information in this installation guide that is incorrect, misleading, or incomplete, Cradlepoint would appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Installer Responsibility
Cradlepoint hereby disclaims any liability for failure of the installer to install the hardware properly and for any other acts and omissions of the installer. By using this installation guide, you agree to indemnify and hold Cradlepoint harmless from and against any and all, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred by Cradlepoint arising out of or in connection with any installation work that is done other than in accordance with the instructions in this installation guide.

Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL CRADLEPOINT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR TO ANYONE CLAIMING THROUGH OR UNDER YOU FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, EQUIPMENT DOWNTIME, OR LOSS OF DATA OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER CAUSED AND UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES, EVEN IF CRADLEPOINT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. SOME JURISDICTIONS (SUCH AS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY) DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AGGREGATE LIABILITY OF CRADLEPOINT AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES ARISING UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT, HOWEVER ARISING, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF EVENTS, OCCURRENCES, OR CLAIMS GIVING RISE TO LIABILITY, EXCEED THE PRICE PAID BY THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT. THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY EVEN IF THE ABOVE STATED REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

Professional Installer Network
Email our Professional Installer Network for assistance in locating a professional installer in your service area at installernetwork@cradlepoint.com.