As we begin the final countdown to the demise of the Telstra 3G network in June August 2024, there remain many organisations who still have 3G devices in play, and most of them are IoT endpoints.
IT teams may be tempted to swap out the existing 3G router for the next version of the same, but this could be a missed opportunity.
The landscape has changed significantly since those 3G routers were originally deployed.
Cyber threats have expanded. The shift to Cloud has occurred. 5G is offering a viable network alternative to wired infrastructure. Edge compute is on the horizon. Data is king.
Typically, IoT deployments fall into three categories: embedded nonconfigurable, embedded configurable, and agile IoT.
Cradlepoint routers are the best fit for agile IoT deployments with advanced feature requirements.
For use cases where more space is available, there can be multiple advantages to using a wireless edge gateway or router, including upgradeable future-proofing with advanced security, enterprise-class routing, full hardware/software extensibility suites, and edge computing capabilities.
Examples of a good fit include kiosks, digital signs, and smart buildings. Also, IoT data flowing from LAN to WAN in stores and fleet vehicles.
Why would lean IT teams spend valuable time and resources considering a shift to a new IoT router?
There needs to be a compelling reason to invest in researching an alternative to a simple upgrade of your existing endpoints.
Here are four compelling reasons:
It has become evident that IoT networks need to be re-architected in the face of the volume and sophistication of cyber threats.
Each organisation’s network attack surface is in a state of constant growth as IoT deployments, remote work, and other forms of digital transformation take place.
New connections to wide area networks are enticing on-ramps for threat actors who are continually seeking new ways to breach organisations to steal valuable data.
By off-loading security from the perimeter to a distributed zero trust architecture, Cradlepoint IoT devices provide access to a collection of robust security services that have traditionally not been available on typical IoT routers.
In August 2022, Cradlepoint released an expansion to its cloud management adding NetCloud Exchange (NCX) Secure Connect. NCX is a cloud-native WAN architecture that integrates advanced SD-WAN, security, and 5G — sharing common components, policies, and processes — all managed through a single pane of glass. Secure Connect lets organisations easily build zero trust encrypted tunnels over hybrid cellular and wired links, orchestrated quickly and seamlessly through the cloud.
NOTE: Many Australian organisations have Teltonika IoT routers in play. With the Lithuanian-based manufacturer having been implicated in security weaknesses in May 2023, the 3G decommissioning is an opportunity to consider an alternative endpoint which will improve your IoT security posture.
Most IoT router manufacturers now have a cloud-management offering - but all are not equal.
Cradlepoint first launched its NetCloud Manager (NCM) portal environment in August 2016. Yes, you read that right, 7 years ago! It was well ahead of its time, and it remains ahead of the market.
The NetCloud IoT edge-to-cloud service is a suite of technologies designed for IoT applications: reliability, security (see NCX Secure Connect), and data orchestration delivered through purpose-built routers. It enables successful enterprise-grade IoT deployments with ease and scale.
Cradlepoint has also developed granular integrations between NCM and Microsoft Azure IoT; and between NCM and AWS IoT Greengrass.
In 2023, Cradlepoint launched a collaborative partnership with Azure, empowering IT teams to effortlessly deploy numerous interconnected sensors using NetCloud Edge Connector and Microsoft Azure IoT. This collaboration provides enhanced visibility, management capabilities, and valuable actionable insights through advanced analytics.
Cradlepoint and AWS have been working together in a partnership that began in 2020. Through the NetCloud Edge Connector for AWS IoT Greengrass, organisations can utilise edge computing applications on specific Cradlepoint wireless edge routers, connecting securely over wired or wireless WANs. By leveraging the NetCloud Container Orchestrator (NCCO) service, IT teams can swiftly deploy AWS Greengrass software and customised applications at the WAN edge, catering to a wide range of IoT use cases.
Cradlepoint partners - like MobileCorp - can confidently build your NCM environment and its integration with third parties like Azure and AWS.
Cradlepoint’s enterprise-grade routers have embedded LTE/5G modems, and its NetCloud Manager platform features a Cellular Intelligence suite of technologies.
While most other router manufacturers are just launching their first 5G-native devices in 2023, Cradlepoint released its second generation 5G-native modems back in 2021, and has a 3-year head start over competitors with its cloud-managed purpose-built endpoints and wireless edge solutions.
Cradlepoint has deep partnerships with both of Australia's leading carriers, and Cradlepoint IoT endpoints are certified by Telstra and Optus for use on their networks.
By linking the SIM cards and routers through Cradlepoint NCM, customers can
— gain simultaneous visibility into the router and SIM status
— enhance expense control
— speed up deployments
— resolve and manage issues more quickly
— reduce troubleshooting support time
MobileCorp also provides customers with SIM cards pre-provisioned in Cradlepoint routers, enabling zero-touch deployment for a plug and play experience at site. This accelerates deployment and supports lean IT teams.
Data is king and central to the purpose of IoT use cases. From lightweight containers, through SDK tools, to key third-party solutions such as AWS IoT Greengrass, Microsoft Azure IoT Central, and SIM management; organisations can utilise extensibility through NetCloud to easily set up IoT data visibility.
NetCloud Container Orchestration from the cloud features
— Set and manage device-level and group-level policies for containers
— Monitor the status of container(s) running on routers from NetCloud
— Manage and control containers from NetCloud (start, stop, and restart)
— Troubleshoot containers
NetCloud SDK allows you to
— Extend and customise router functionality
— Provide edge computing
— Integrate with external systems
— Provide additional services and applications (Webserver, FTP Server, etc.)
NetCloud API allows organisations to integrate your systems and applications with rich data in your network.
It enables access to alerts and analytics and automates configurations and orchestration of the network based on
policy using the NetCloud Manager API.
Cradlepoint has five IoT routers specified for the Australian market, of which two are designed with in-vehicle use cases in mind.
All Cradlepoint routers sold in Australia, come with a subscription to NetCloud Manager (NCM) for Mobile or IoT. NCM provides streamlined configuration and continuous cloud, modem, and router software feature enhancements.
Each endpoint can be purchased with either an Essentials or an Advanced licence. In most cases there are licence terms of 1, 3 or 5 years, however the IBR200 and 600C have a minimum 3-year Essential licence.
MobileCorp is a Cradlepoint house and Australia's leading partner. We offer Cradlepoint IoT network solution architecture, professional and managed services.
We are also a Telstra Platinum Mobility partner so we know all about the carrier side of the 3G decommissioning and can ensure your IoT migration is managed on the carrier side.
MobileCorp is an enterprise ICT solutions company with a mission to deliver our customers a communications technology edge. We provide Managed Mobility Services, Enterprise Mobility Management, Complex Data and IP Networks, and Unified Communication solutions. We have a proven track record providing managed services for Australian enterprise and business, and we are a Telstra Platinum Partner.