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Cradlepoint Modem Cap or Security Enclosure?

Cradlepoint has moved into Enterprise geared solutions with their ARC CBA/MBR routers, which are more rugged than their consumer grade solutions. You’ll find higher temperature thresholds, embedded modems and enhanced cellular antennas for increased performance. Some customers can get confused between the “Modem Caps” and “Security Enclosures”, so read on to find out which solution is the best fit for you.

What exactly is a modem cap?

Back in July of 2011 Cradlepoint began offering modem caps, which have an integrated modem built into a self contained cap that screws into the ARC CBA750/MBR1400 series. At this time you can choose either Verizon or Sprint service, with a T-Mobile modem cap in the works. For Verizon 3G or Sprint 3G or 4G all you need to do is supply the ESN to the carrier to activate, while the Verizon 3G/4G caps use a sim slot.

With a modem cap you don’t need to worry about finding a compatible modem since everything is embedded into a single solution. You also don’t have to worry about someone walking off with your modem because it bolts directly to the router with special screws. The major downside to the ARC series modem caps are the inability to utilize multiple modems for load balancing because the additional USB ports are blocked by the cap.

Comparing the ARC Modem Cap to the Security Enclosure:

The picture above shows the backside of the two units and one dramatic difference. The Security Enclosure has two prefabricated plastic pop outs to allow for an external antenna, while the Modem Caps come with two SMA style connectors with 5dBi cellular antennas. The SMA connectors hold a significant advantage allowing you to add a high gain external antenna that is much more rugged than the TS9 connector found on traditional USB modems.

The only downside to the modem cap is it covers the other USB inputs (pictured above) on the front side of the CBA750/MBR1400, which means you can’t load balance multiple USB connections. If your intent is to use more than one USB modem you must go with the standard CBA750 or MBR1400 and use the security enclosure instead. This makes the security cover about three times larger than the modem cap to accommodate USB and or ExpressCard modems.

Conclusion:

Both the ARC CBA/MBR series Modem Cap’s and Security Enclosures provide security to keep someone from walking off with your modem. The bottom line comes down to do you want to load balance or not? If so, you must go with the security enclosure, otherwise we give the edge to the ARC Modem Caps because they offer enhanced performance through external cellular antennas and the modems are physically embedded into the Modem Cap.

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Related Links:

• Order ARC CBA/MBR Series Cradlepoint Routers

• Order Cradlepoint Security Enclosure

• View all router accessories