Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Private Networks (NCPN) is an end-to-end private cellular network solution designed for the needs of today’s dynamic enterprise IT ecosystems. Initially based on the 4G LTE Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum in the USA, NetCloud Private Networks is a cloud-native solution packaged to make it easy for enterprises to prioritize security and Quality of Service (QoS) while also enabling plug-and-play deployments that scale with an API-first design philosophy.
NetCloud Private Networks provides an added layer of security over and above SIM-based authentication. The added layer of security is built from the ground up using zero-trust principles and is based on a granular and dynamic policy framework that is core to the architecture. The policies are applied based on the connection’s context which includes network, user, device, environment, application, and cellular attributes.
NetCloud Private Networks utilizes a unified cloud management and orchestration experience that delivers SD-WAN, enterprise-class security, cellular intelligence, and advanced analytics at the edge through full interoperability with NetCloud Manager — all managed through a single pane of glass. NetCloud Manager intelligently integrates the CBRS Spectrum Access System (SAS) to manage and prevent interference. To optimize network coverage and QoS, RF planning tools are included as part of NetCloud Manager.
Built around a converged 4G cellular core, NetCloud Private Networks have the flexibility to be deployed on the enterprise premises, thus enabling enterprises to maintain their data locally while still benefitting from the power of cloud-based configuration and policy management. With this inherent flexibility, the NetCloud Private Networks Mobility Gateway enables secure access to enterprise data services from authenticated cellular endpoints.
The NetCloud Private Network solution includes plug-and-play Cellular Access Points (CAPs) that support the 4G LTE CBRS spectrum band 48. Sometimes referred to as small cells, these CAPs form the private Radio Access Network (RAN) that cellular endpoints and clients connect to and are authenticated through the Mobility Gateway. CAPs rated for indoor locations (A2400) and outdoor environments (A2405) work together to create contiguous private network connectivity across the entire enterprise location.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards are critically required by every cellular network to authenticate edge devices such as cellular routers/adapters and cellular clients such as cell phones, tablets, and barcode scanners. In fact, any device that incorporates a Cradlepoint Private SIM card can gain controlled access to the NetCloud Private Networks — including third-party endpoints and routers. However, to realize the benefits of a fully converged and centrally managed system, Cradlepoint CBRS routers and adapters are the preferred endpoint solution for connections to the LAN or SIM-less edge devices.
The WAN Edge Router connects the on-premises equipment, including the Mobility Gateway and Cellular Access Points (CAPs), to the Internet and remote data centers. Depending on the deployed NetCloud Private Network architecture, the WAN Edge Router may also connect remote CAPs at a site to a centralized Mobility Gateway in a datacenter. For the best end-to-end management, policy orchestration, and user experience, this WAN Edge Router may be a Cradlepoint device, but third-party devices are also compatible with NCPN and may be a better fit for some network architectures.
Notice: All specifications subject to change without notice.
The Mobility Gateway is a virtual machine image that is installed on customer provided third-party hardware which meets the following system requirements.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS (ALL CAPACITIES) |
KVM |
VMware |
Software Version: |
Ubuntu 18.04 |
ESXi 6.7 or newer |
Instance: |
N/A |
N/A |
vCPUs: |
8 Refer to hardware compatibility. |
8 Refer to hardware compatibility. |
Memory: |
16 GB |
16 GB |
Minimum Disk Space: |
24 GB |
24 GB |
vNICs: |
3 Refer to DPDK Hardware Compatibility. |
3 Refer to DPDK Hardware Compatibility. |
Minimum NetCloud Private Network Release: |
7.22.120 |
7.22.120 |
PERFORMANCE |
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Concurrent Cellular Access Points: |
Up to 100 |
Up to 100 |
Concurrent Cellular Clients: |
Up to 3,000 |
Up to 3,000 |
Maximum Throughput (Subscription Options)†: |
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†Maximum throughput is bidirectional UDP traffic and assumes MTU 1500-byte packets.
The Cellular Access Point (CAP) is a TDD-LTE small cell with integrated antennas that provides connectivity to the SIM-authenticated devices in the private network.
INTERFACES |
A2400 (Indoor) |
A2405 (Outdoor) |
Ethernet: |
2 x GbE |
2 x GbE |
GNSS / GPS: |
Inbuilt with external antenna support through SMA |
Inbuilt with internal antenna |
ENVIRONMENTAL |
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Temperature: |
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Humidity: |
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Ingress Protection: |
IP30 |
IP65 |
PHYSICAL |
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Size: |
265 mm x 210 mm x 80 mm (10.4 in x 8.3 in x 3.1 in) |
410 mm x 286 mm x 115 mm (16.14 in x 11.25 in x 4.5 in) |
Weight: |
2.2 kg (4.9 lbs) |
5.5 kg (12.1 lbs) |
POWER |
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Input: |
One of the following:
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One of the following:
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Maximum Load: |
21 W |
21 W |
RADIO SPECIFICATIONS |
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Active Clients: |
Up to 64 |
Up to 64 |
Carrier Aggregation: |
Up to 2CA |
Up to 2CA |
MIMO: |
2x2 |
2x2 |
Modulation: |
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4G/LTE Bands: |
B48 |
B48 |
Cellular Power: |
30 dBm EIRP |
40 dBm EIRP |
Cellular Antennas: |
4 internal (omni-directional) |
4 internal (60 degree semi-directional) |
Channel Bandwidth: |
10, 20 MHz |
10, 20 MHz |
Private SIMs are required for each edge device that participates in the private network.
SIM CARD SPECIFICATIONS |
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Form Factor: |
Tri-cut (2FF, 3FF, 4FF) |
Temperature Range: |
-25 °C to 85 °C (-13 °F to 185 °F) |
NetCloud Private Networks is comprised of a Mobility Gateway, Cellular Access Point(s), and Private SIMs which all have corresponding NetCloud Service plans. For a complete end-to-end management solution, Cradlepoint routers and adapters should be added to the system. For details on NCPN features, refer to the summary on the NetCloud Service webpage and the detail in the NetCloud Service Features document. For more details on how to order NetCloud Private Networks, refer to the following:
STEPS |
COMPONENT |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
Mobility Gateway |
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2 |
Cellular Access Point(s) |
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3 |
Private SIMs |
Packs of 10 |
4 (optional) |
Cradlepoint CBRS endpoints |
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5 (optional) |
Cradlepoint WAN edge router |
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REGION |
NCPN PACKAGE PLAN |
DESCRIPTION† |
PART NUMBER |
U.S. only: |
Mobility Gateway (self-hosted virtual appliance) |
PROMO — 500 Mbps
PROMO — 2 Gbps
PROMO — 5 Gbps |
NCPN-000y-MG500MBPS
NCPN-000y-MG2GBPS
NCPN-000y-MG5GBPS |
SIM Management for NetCloud Private Networks |
PROMO — Private SIMs, 10 pack |
SA0y-SIM10-CB |
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CBRS Cellular Access Points — Essentials |
PROMO — Indoor A2400 CAP with AC power supply and line cord
PROMO — Outdoor A2405 CAP with PoE injector and line cord |
PA0y-2400NM-CN
PB0y-2405NM-CC |
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Renewal — Mobility Gateway |
500 Mbps — 1 year |
NCPN-0001-MG500MBPS-R |
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Renewal — Cellular Access Point |
Indoor — 1 year
Outdoor — 1 year |
PA01-NCESS-R
PB01-NCESS-R |
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Renewal — SIM Management |
10 pack — 1 year |
SA01-NCPNSIM10-R |
y = 4 or 6 years
†PROMO SKUs (promotional SKUs) are available for a limited time and add an extra year to the standard 3 or 5-year NetCloud Service Plan. Starting 01/01/2024, new subscriptions revert to the standard 3 or 5-year NetCloud Service Plan. All renewals have a 1-year duration.
All NCPN hardware and software are sold as part of a NetCloud Service package, which includes: