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Cradlepoint AER1600 Series - User Manual

Cradlepoint AER1600 Series
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11/2/2020 AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router Quick Start Guide
https://customer.cradlepoint.com/s/article/AER1600-Series-Micro-Branch-Networking-Router 1/6
AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router Quick Start Guide
Sep 16, 2020 Knowledge
ROUTING
(/S/TOPIC/0TO38000000Q3MCGA
Content
AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router Quick Start Guide
Introduction
This document provides a brief overview of the AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router, discusses what's inside the box, and provides basic setup and
installation instructions for the device.
Navigation
Use the following links to quickly navigate through this document.
AER1600 Series Models
Before You Begin
Location Considerations
WiFi Capability
SIM Setup for Connectivity
Installing an External (Modular) Modem
Required Tools
Setup
STEP 1: Check box contents.
STEP 2: Insert an activated SIM.
STEP 3 (Optional): Insert a modular MC400 modem.
STEP 4: Attach the antennas.
STEP 5: Connect the power source.
STEP 6: Connect to NetCloud.
Understanding LEDs
Troubleshooting
Resources
Help and Support
Terms of Service
AER1600 Series Models
This document applies to the following AER1600 Series models.
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Home (/s/) TECHNICAL SUPPORT (/s/contactsupport) FORUMS (/s/forums) TRAINING (/s/cpu) NETCLOUD (/s/NetCloud)
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

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Summary

AER1600 Series Models

Supported AER1600 Models

Lists the specific Cradlepoint AER1600 series models covered by this guide.

Before You Begin

Location Considerations

Guidelines for positioning the AER1600 for optimal signal and performance, avoiding interference.

Wi-Fi Capability

Information on which AER1600 models support Wi-Fi functionality.

SIM Setup for Connectivity

Requirements for setting up a SIM card for cellular data connectivity.

Installing Optional External Modem

Instructions for installing the optional MC400 modem for enhanced capabilities.

Required Tools

Lists the necessary tools for the installation process.

Setup and Installation

Check Box Contents

Verify all components are included in the AER1600 Series router package.

Insert SIM Card

Guide for inserting the activated SIM card(s) into the AER1600 router.

Install Optional MC400 Modem

Steps for installing the optional MC400 modem into the AER1600 Series device.

Attach Antennas

Instructions on how to connect the antennas to the AER1600 router for optimal signal.

Connect Power Source

Procedure for connecting the AER1600 to a power source and powering it on.

Connect to NetCloud

Steps to activate the router by logging into your NetCloud account.

Understanding LEDs

LED Indicator Behavior

Explanation of the LED indicators and their corresponding status meanings.

Troubleshooting and Resources

Troubleshooting Guide

Steps to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues if the router takes time to connect.

Product Resources

Links to additional documentation, webpages, and spec sheets for the AER1600.

Help and Support

Information on how to get assistance and access community support.

Summary

AER1600 Series Models

Supported AER1600 Models

Lists the specific Cradlepoint AER1600 series models covered by this guide.

Before You Begin

Location Considerations

Guidelines for positioning the AER1600 for optimal signal and performance, avoiding interference.

Wi-Fi Capability

Information on which AER1600 models support Wi-Fi functionality.

SIM Setup for Connectivity

Requirements for setting up a SIM card for cellular data connectivity.

Installing Optional External Modem

Instructions for installing the optional MC400 modem for enhanced capabilities.

Required Tools

Lists the necessary tools for the installation process.

Setup and Installation

Check Box Contents

Verify all components are included in the AER1600 Series router package.

Insert SIM Card

Guide for inserting the activated SIM card(s) into the AER1600 router.

Install Optional MC400 Modem

Steps for installing the optional MC400 modem into the AER1600 Series device.

Attach Antennas

Instructions on how to connect the antennas to the AER1600 router for optimal signal.

Connect Power Source

Procedure for connecting the AER1600 to a power source and powering it on.

Connect to NetCloud

Steps to activate the router by logging into your NetCloud account.

Understanding LEDs

LED Indicator Behavior

Explanation of the LED indicators and their corresponding status meanings.

Troubleshooting and Resources

Troubleshooting Guide

Steps to diagnose and resolve connectivity issues if the router takes time to connect.

Product Resources

Links to additional documentation, webpages, and spec sheets for the AER1600.

Help and Support

Information on how to get assistance and access community support.

Overview

The AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router is a versatile networking device designed for branch endpoints, offering robust connectivity and advanced features. This quick start guide provides an overview of its functions, setup, and maintenance, ensuring efficient operation.

Function Description

The AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router serves as a central hub for network connectivity in micro-branch environments. Its primary function is to provide reliable internet access through various means, including cellular data plans and Ethernet WAN. The router supports an optional modular MC400 modem, enhancing its capabilities with redundancy, advanced configuration, failover, and upgradability. It is designed to be managed through NetCloud, a service that allows for activation, configuration downloads, and ongoing management of the device. The router's ability to integrate cellular and wired connections makes it ideal for scenarios requiring flexible and resilient network solutions. It also features Wi-Fi broadcast capabilities for specific models, enabling local wireless connectivity.

Usage Features

Setting up the AER1600 involves several straightforward steps to ensure optimal performance.

Initial Setup:

  1. Check Box Contents: Verify that all components are present, including the AER1600 Series Router, power adapter, modem antennas (quantities vary by model), Ethernet cable, and the Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty Guide. Some models include an MC400 LTE Modem, while for others, it is optional.
  2. Location Considerations: Proper placement is crucial for efficient operation. The device should be positioned to receive optimal signal, away from concrete walls, metal, or reflective surfaces that might interfere with RF reception. Adequate ventilation is necessary, so avoid enclosed spaces. Do not install the device in direct exposure to extreme elements, as heat or cold can impact performance.
  3. SIM Setup for Connectivity: For cellular connectivity, at least one activated 2FF-sized SIM card with an active cellular data plan is required. SIMs are available from wireless carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The SIM must be provisioned by the carrier. To insert the SIM, turn the router over, remove the screw to the SIM door, lift the SIM 1 card slot, and insert the activated SIM card with metal contacts facing the interior and the notch end up. A second SIM card can be inserted into the SIM 2 card slot if desired. Flip the SIM slot(s) down, close, and secure the SIM door with the screw.
  4. Optional Modular MC400 Modem Installation: The AER1600 includes a slot for an additional MC400 modem (MC400-600M or MC400-1200M). To install, insert an activated 2FF-sized SIM card into the MC400 modem (metal contacts down, notch end first). Remove the modem door on the AER1600 Series device, then slide the MC400 modem into the available slot, USB plug first, with the Cradlepoint logo facing up. Replace the MC400 modem door cover, ensuring to remove plastic SMA covers from the modem door cover for additional antenna ports. Secure the door cover screw. Note that the modem door cover must be on the router for the embedded modem to power on.
  5. Attach Antennas: Attach the included Wi-Fi antennas to the connectors. Hold the antenna straight and twist the base onto the SMA port on the device, being careful not to over-tighten (maximum recommended torque is 4 in-lbs). Bend each antenna at the joint for optimal signal reception.
  6. Connect Power Source: Connect the power supply to the router and then plug the other end into an electrical outlet. Switch the device to ON. The LED lights will begin lighting up.
  7. Connect to NetCloud: Once powered on, log into your NetCloud account to activate the router. NetCloud services are required for device activation and configuration downloads.

LED Indicators:

The router features several LED indicators to provide status information:

  • Power LED: No light indicates no power; green indicates powered on; amber indicates attention, requiring a check of router status and default password changes.
  • WAN LED: Blue indicates a connection to an Ethernet WAN interface.
  • VPN LED: Green indicates an active VPN tunnel.
  • Embedded Modem LED: Green indicates an active connection; blinking green indicates connecting; blinking amber indicates a data connection error; blinking red indicates modem resetting.
  • Removable MC400 Modem LED: No light indicates no modem detected; blue indicates an active MC400 connection.
  • External USB Modem LED: No light indicates no modem detected; blue indicates an active USB modem connection.
  • Signal Strength LED: Blue LED bars indicate modem signal strength (4 solid bars for strongest, 1 blinking bar for weakest).
  • WiFi Broadcast LED: Green indicates 2.4 GHz WiFi is on and operating normally; blue indicates 5 GHz WiFi is on and operating normally (AER1600 only).

Maintenance Features

Troubleshooting:

If the router takes longer than 5 minutes to connect to the Internet, it may be necessary to log into the local UI of the device to make configuration changes or to start the troubleshooting process. Physical co-location with the device is required for this. Once the router connects to the Internet, it should then connect to your NetCloud account and download its configuration. Resources are available for "No Internet or Connection Issues" for further troubleshooting.

Required Tools:

A #1 Philips head screwdriver is needed for installation and maintenance tasks, specifically for opening the SIM door and securing the modem door cover.

Support and Resources:

Cradlepoint offers various resources for ongoing support:

  • Cradlepoint Customer Connect Community: An online community for peer support and information exchange.
  • Cradlepoint Support Services: Direct support from Cradlepoint for technical assistance.
  • AER1600 Series Webpage and Spec Sheet: Detailed product information and specifications are available online.
  • Terms of Service and Privacy Policy: Important documents outlining the terms of use and data handling practices.

By following these guidelines, users can effectively deploy, operate, and maintain their AER1600 Series Micro Branch Router, ensuring reliable and secure network connectivity for their branch locations.

Cradlepoint AER1600 Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
CategoryNetwork Router
ManufacturerCradlepoint
ModelAER1600 Series
LAN Ports4 x Gigabit Ethernet
CellularYes
GPSYes
Serial Ports1 x RS-232
USB Ports2 x USB 2.0
Power Input12V DC
Cloud ManagementNetCloud Manager
WAN InterfaceEthernet
WiFi802.11ac
Cellular Connectivity4G LTE
Operating Temperature-20°C to 60°C
SecurityFirewall, VPN
ManagementWeb UI, CLI

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