Ericsson has introduced a new in-vehicle 5G router aimed at enhancing connectivity for public safety agencies, transit operators, and commercial fleets. The Ericsson Cradlepoint R2400 was unveiled this week, designed to deliver robust connectivity, precise positioning, and on-board edge AI capabilities tailored for high-mobility, high-risk environments.
Key Features of the R2400 Router
The R2400 features a dual-SIM/dual-standby (DSDS) capability integrated into a single modem, along with support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology. This router also offers centimeter-level positioning and modular hardware that can evolve alongside carrier networks. The launch expands on Ericsson’s strategy following its acquisition of Cradlepoint for $1.1 billion in 2020, reinforcing its stance in the enterprise WAN market.
One of the standout features of the R2400 is its DSDS capability, which allows for carrier failover approximately ten times faster than traditional methods, according to Ericsson. This rapid response is particularly beneficial for applications such as live video feeds, vehicle-to-command communications, and both autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.
The router can manage up to five simultaneous cellular connections and integrate low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite links, enhancing its versatility in various operational contexts. In terms of positioning, the R2400 combines real-time kinematics (RTK) with dead reckoning to improve location accuracy from meter-level GPS down to approximately one centimeter. Such precision facilitates lane-level vehicle tracking, asset monitoring, and the coordination of drone operations.
Advanced Capabilities and Future Outlook
Ericsson claims that the R2400 provides 2.5 times more on-device computing power compared to previous Cradlepoint platforms. This improvement enables local AI inferencing and computer vision, minimizing the need to send data back to centralized clouds. The router is designed to pair seamlessly with the RC1250 modem, allowing organizations to scale their WAN capacity or adopt new 5G functionalities without the need to replace core hardware.
The modular design aims to prevent “rip-and-replace” upgrades as advancements in 5G standalone (SA) and network slicing services continue to develop. Additionally, the R2400 increases security processing throughput, supporting NetCloud SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and SD-WAN services. Ericsson’s NetCloud platform also incorporates AI-assisted operations, including a virtual expert designed to aid IT teams in managing large vehicle fleets efficiently.
Data from Ericsson indicates that nearly half of first responders anticipate daily use of AI within the next five years, while many transit agencies are exploring the implementation of autonomous buses during the same period. IDC analyst Jason Leigh highlighted the importance of reliability and adaptability, noting that vehicles are becoming critical hubs for information, coordination, and incident response.
The Ericsson Cradlepoint R2400 router and its companion RC1250 modem are expected to be available by mid-year, marking a significant step forward in the integration of advanced connectivity solutions for various sectors.