The Ericsson Cradlepoint R980 is a compact 5G router engineered for the intersection of mobile and IoT connectivity: small enough to deploy in vehicles and field equipment, capable enough to handle demanding enterprise workloads. Where the R920 handles LTE fleet deployments, the R980 steps up to 5G for organizations that need the bandwidth and future-readiness of 5G in the field, without sacrificing the processing power for SD-WAN, security, and multi-carrier connectivity. Specifications Cellular 5G NR, multi-carrier Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 SIM eSIM and physical SIM Public safety FirstNet support Form factor Compact, ruggedized for in-vehicle and fixed-IoT installation Security Zero-trust security architecture Management Ericsson NetCloud Manager, zero-touch provisioning; RCN 24/7 NOC support Right for you if You need 5G speed and future-readiness in a compact in-vehicle or IoT form factor You want zero-touch provisioning and central management across a fleet You operate in public safety and need FirstNet support Space is limited but you still need SD-WAN and security R980 vs. R920 vs. R1900 Choose the R980 for compact 5G with Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM. Choose the R920 if LTE is sufficient and cost is the priority. Choose the R1900 for high-capacity 5G with 4x4 MIMO and FirstNet Trusted certification. The R980 also anchors RCN's PNK R980 Pop-Up Network Kit. Common deployments Public safety and fleet vehicles, mobile command, field IoT, and portable connectivity via the PNK R980 kit. FAQ Is the R980 available as a portable kit?Yes. The R980 is the router inside RCN's PNK R980 Pop-Up Network Kit, a pre-provisioned, one-button portable network. Does it support FirstNet?Yes. The R980 supports FirstNet for public safety agencies that need priority connectivity. How is it managed and supported?Through Ericsson NetCloud Manager with zero-touch provisioning, backed by RCN's U.S.-based 24/7 NOC. Can we purchase on a government contract?Yes. RCN sells through GSA Schedule and cooperative contracts including NASPO ValuePoint, Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, and Equalis Group. Not sure between the R980, R920, and R1900, or ready to order? Talk to an RCN specialist | See how our 24/7 NOC supports you
