CradlePoint, Inc. announced the availability of CTR500, its enhanced cellular travel router that lets cellular broadband users extend the value of their connection by sharing access via Wi-Fi. The CTR500 is the world’s most compact router that is able to support BOTH Express Card and USB-style Cellular Modems. Powered by CradlePoint’s WiPipe™ technology, it supports a wide variety of modems and handsets on the ATT, Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel networks and gives users hassle-free Wi-Fi access nearly anywhere. The device, about the size of a stack of 3 x 5 cards, allows quick and easy set-up of an instant 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi network when mated with a cellular broadband modem.

Powered by CradlePoint’s WiPipe(TM) technology, the CTR500 is the first pocketable router with built-in support for ExpressCard modems, USB modems, and 3G handsets. The CradlePoint CTR500 Cellular Travel Router creates a secure Wi-Fi Hotspot from broadband enabled cellular data modems. CradlePoint’s built-in Setup Wizard provides diskless set up of security settings - getting a remote workgroup up and running quickly regardless of OS or device-type on the network. For site selection and placement convenience, the CTR500 also includes a signal strength mode, which enables external LED indication of cellular signal strength. Connect a data-ready cellular phone into the USB host port, and the CTR500 automatically establishes a connection to your cellular provider’s data network. The cellular travel router works similar to the way a home router manages a DSL or Cable modem - connect and forget. Once you plug in a Cellular USB modem or a Handset equipped with a phone-as-modem tethered data plan, you can associate your PC with the CTR500 just like in a Cafe Hotspot and you’re on the Internet. You can optionally use the RJ-45 Ethernet port with a wired LAN to give you easy shared wireless access when available.

The unit includes a switchable WAN/LAN Ethernet port, giving Cellular Broadband users the ability to directly connect a PC or printer via Ethernet. Alternately, it can be used as a traditional Travel Router to add Wi-Fi to a hotel room or remote Ethernet connection. The CTR500 firmware also features a configurable phish and adult content filtering capability to keep businesses running secure and productive. A top-panel cellular signal-strength display helps with placement to give the user best local WLAN coverage. The combination of features makes it a perfect solution for enterprises, remote offices, and mobile workgroups. An AC adapter comes in the box, and available accessories include a 12V auto adapter, neoprene carrying case, and external WLAN boost antenna. The high-performance cellular travel router platform supports multiple and concurrent VPN pass-through sessions, plus encryption modes including WPA2 Personal and Enterprise to provide secure client access. Unique built-in auto-failover between broadband sources enables wireless backup applications and maximum uptime.

The key value of the CTR500 versus a standard travel router is the ability to share a Cellular Broadband modem connection, enabling hassle-free Wi-Fi access nearly everywhere. This remarkable new freedom teamed with our advanced features makes secure and reliable broadband available in more conference rooms, remote business locations, and even vehicles than ever before. The CTR500 operates with cellular data plans offered by ATT, Sprint, Verizon, and others, and is compatible with modems from Sierra Wireless (SWIR), Kyocera (KYO), Novatel, and other manufacturers. The router can also connect via dozens of 3G handsets from a wide variety of companies including Motorola, Samsung, LG, Palm, and RIM.

CradlePoint’s CTR500 cellular travel router teamed with your EVDO or HSDPA cell phone or a Cellular USB modem gives you and your team instant, reliable, and secure Internet access wherever you work. The CTR500 gives you a great way to unleash the modem in your Cellular phone. The cellular travel router provides the most compact portable WiFi solution available. And it allows you to set up vital communication links in seconds. Whether at a remote site or in the trailer, for short time periods or extended, the CTR500 provides a perfect solution for Internet connectivity when space and convenience are a premium.

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