Cradlepoint CTR-350

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

NOTE TO MOD'S: Since the premise for this thread appears to have been disproven, should it be merged with the original "Cradlepoint as Router" thread? Thanks!

Looks like the Cradlepoint CTR-350 is going to be picked up by Sprint and branded as the "Airave". Sorry no link at the moment but I've read of it recently.

The CTR-350 is a tiny EVDO>WiFi router with a pretty advanced looking feature set and claims to support most current Sprint and Verizon EVDO modems. It's around $150 and looks really tempting. I'm surprised it hasn't merited more discussion here. Michael, you're all over this, right? Wink

Maybe Cradlepoint would like another top-notch dealer for the CTR-350 until Sprint gets it (certainly you'd be carrying it then?).

How 'bout I grab one and post a report here?

EDIT: added link to blog entry.

http://glennmoller.com/ (scroll down)

Todd/Indy

Alex · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 10:23 am Post subject:

I don't know about that, Todd.

Airave has nothing to do with EVDO:

http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/2102/64/

and i don't see it mentioned on moller's review of router.

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

Interesting... The reference I found to Airave was about ten pages deep into a Google search on "Cradlepoint CTR-350". It definitely stated that the CTR-350 would be rebranded "Airave" by Sprint. I'll have to dig that up again, but I suspect the author was in error. Also, interestingly enough, I'm in the Airave launch area. I don't think it's that attractive, as my plan has plenty of minutes and I haven't had a landline for years. Does anyone think this concept has legs? I'm skeptical.

I will be testing a CTR-350 and reporting here. I don't know about the range of a wi-fi extender without an external antenna. We'll see...

Todd/Indy

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2007 3:40 pm Post subject:

that review by Moller is at:

http://glennmoller.com/?p=146

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

Just got one; setup took 5min (no advanced security configured, yet). Works as advertised. Doesn't seem to be a bottleneck at all. Mine came with firmware 1.4 and the first thing I did was install latest 1.6.

It only has one USB port (which is powered) so my U720 isn't "fully powered" but seems to be performing fine.

Questions welcomed; will answer as time permits.

Todd/Indy

Incindium · EVDO User Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 37

How long did it take to get your's Todd?

I've got alot of issues with some different stuff I've been trying with Vista 64bit and and ICS and connecting to a IPSEC VPN(Sonicwall vpn) not working.

I'm thinking about just buying the Cradlepoint Router in hopes that it'll allow me solve all my different issues in one swoop. I goto Vegas on the 14th and would like to have my VPN connection working by then. Did they have a fast turn around on the order?

Any other real life info would be appreciated as well before I pull the trigger. How many computers have you got connected on it? Do you have any game consoles connecting through it(Wii or Xbox360)?

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

The other computer we tested successfully was a Vista 32 laptop.

Alex, got the CTR yet? Looking forward to your comments.

Todd/Indy

Alex · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:59 am Post subject:

should be here soon.

what kind of things do we want to know about this, exactly? Wink

mongo413 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 7

Does it work with the U727 that you just got?
_________________
John

Bottar · EVDO Newbie Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

There is support for the U727 in the very latest firmware, 1.6

It's at:
<usual url stuff>cradlepoint.com/ctr350/download.php

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

I haven't had much time to work with the CTR-350 at all.

My biggest questions would be:

1. Range? (it has no external antenna)

2. What's the catch at its price point? Wink

3. How much of a performance penalty will U720 owners incur since they cannot use a y-cable with the CTR-350?

I'm working on battery-powering the unit. It looks like an Adaptaplug "N" or "O" will work. Cradlepoint told me 6V would be fine even though the supplied AC adapter is 5V. RadioShack has a nice enclosed 4 AA battery box and 2500mAh NiMH cells should give about 1.5hrs at 4.8v so this is a practical exercise (I think...).

Todd/Indy

Bottar · EVDO Newbie Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

The range is surprisingly good for having an internal antenna. 100+ ft easy for line of site. Through a wall or two it still does OK. For on the go power I've constructed a usb power cord for the CTR. I can plug it into my laptop's USB port and use the 5V off the USB bus to power the CTR. So If you're going to hack a batter pack together you might want to try and build a USB power cord as well. Since I almost always use the CTR with laptops I use the USB power cord more often then the wall power supply it comes with.

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

Thanks for the tip. I'd rather the CTR be separable from the laptop so it can be positioned for best signal. A great option in the boonies could be a jumper battery w/12V socket and a car cord.

Todd/Indy

Alex · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:47 pm Post subject:

3gstore is now selling and supporting the CradlePoint CTR350 EVDO Router.

Check out our CTR350 support forum and full review on EVDOinfo.com