AER3100/AER3150 All-in-One, Cloud-Managed Networking Solution Quick Start Guide
Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150 2 What’s In The Box Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150 (Models: S4A525A, S4A530A) Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz WiFi Antennas* MC400 3G/4G Modem with Antennas 54V 2.
Cloud-Enabled Management and Application Platform Cradlepoint Enterprise Cloud Manager Deploy and Manage the Intelligent Network Rapidly deploy and dynamically manage networks at geographically distributed stores and branch locations with Enterprise Cloud Manager, Cradlepoint’s network management and application platform.
Hardware 4 GPS Connector (SMA) LEDs (see pages 6–7 for descriptions) Front Panel GPS Connector (SMA) 3G/4G Antenna Connectors (SMA) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Port (Configurable: LAN or WAN Default: WAN) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports (Configurable: LAN or WAN Default: LAN) Power Switch and Port Reset WiFi Antenna Connector (Reverse SMA) Back Panel WiFi Antenna Connector (Reverse SMA) 3G/4G Antenna Connectors (SMA) USB 2.
Hardware 5 Modem Covers Removed Modem Port 1 (USB 2.0) Antennas WiFi Modem When connecting the provided antennas, review the connection points. • • WiFi antennas (only included on AER3100) have flat circular bases (RSMA). Modem antennas have protruding pins (SMA). Modem Port 2 (USB 2.
LED Information 6 POWER The Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150 must be powered using an approved 54V DC power source. • • • Green = Powered ON. No Light = Not receiving power. Check the power switch and the power source connection. Flashing Amber = Attention. Open the administration pages (see page 12) and check the router status. VP VPN Indicates information about a VPN data source. • Green = Active VPN tunnel.
LED Information EC SIGNAL STRENGTH Blue LED bars indicate the active modem’s signal strength. • • 4 Solid Bars = Strongest signal. 1 Blinking Bar = Weakest signal. (A blinking bar indicates half of a bar.) INTERNAL MODEM Indicates the status of internal modems. EXTERNAL USB MODEM Indicates the status of external USB modems. Both internal and external USB modems have the following LED indicators: • • • • • Green = Modem has established an active connection. Blinking Green = Modem is connecting.
Getting Started 8 1. Insert an activated SIM. A wireless broadband data plan must be added to your Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150. Wireless broadband data plans are available from wireless carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, EE, and Vodafone. The SIM must be provisioned with the carrier. Contact your carrier for details about selecting a data plan and about the process for provisioning your SIM. Once you have an activated 2FF SIM, insert it into the integrated modem.
Getting Started (continued) 9 2. Attach the internal modem. Follow these steps to attach the internal modem: 1. On front of router, press two tabs on modem cover together and pull cover straight out. Remove Main, Aux, and GPS plugs. 2. Slide modem(s) into USB port(s). 3. Reattach the modem cover. If desired, use a Phillips screwdriver to secure modem door screws to bottom side of the router near the front.
Getting Started (continued) 3. Attach the WiFi* and modem antennas. Attach the three included WiFi antennas and two included modem antennas to the connectors. Antennas are jointed, which enables you to position them for optimal signal. To attach, hold the antenna straight and twist the base of the antenna to connect, folding the joint if needed. Examples of suggested antenna orientations: Care should be taken to ensure that the router antennas are not near metal or other RF reflective surfaces.
Getting Started (continued) 11 4. Connect the power source. Plug the provided power supply (54V DC wall adapter) into an electrical outlet. Then connect the power supply to the router. Ensure power is switched on: • • O = OFF I = ON Power Switch Power Port When you set the power switch to the ON ( I ) position, watch for the power LED to illuminate.
Getting Started (continued) 12 5. Connect to a computer or other network equipment. Connect wirelessly to the WiFi* broadcast or with an Ethernet cable connected to your computer and then plugged into one of the Ethernet LAN ports (numbered 1–12). The default WiFi network name is “AER3100-xxx”, where “xxx” is the last three characters of your router’s MAC address (this is the SSID on the product label). To connect to the WiFi, you will need to input the DEFAULT PASSWORD when prompted.
First Time Setup Wizard 13 When you log in to the local administration pages for the first time, you will be automatically directed to the FIRST TIME SETUP WIZARD, which will walk you through basic steps to customize your Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150.
Connecting to Cradlepoint Enterprise Cloud Manager Depending on your ordering process, your devices may have already been bulk-loaded into Enterprise Cloud Manager (ECM). Simply log in at cradlepointecm.com using your ECM credentials and begin managing your devices seamlessly from the cloud. If your device has not yet been loaded into your ECM account, you need to register. Log into the local administration pages (see page 12) and go to GETTING STARTED | ENTERPRISE CLOUD MANAGER REGISTRATION.
Firmware Updates 15 UPDATING FIRMWARE VIA ENTERPRISE CLOUD MANAGER 1. Log in at cradlepointecm.com using your Enterprise Cloud Manager credentials. 2. Navigate to the Groups page. 3. Select a group and click on the Firmware option in the top toolbar. In the dropdown menu that opens, select the desired firmware version. Wait for firmware to load. VIA THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION PAGES 1. Log into the local administration pages (see page 12). You may have changed the ADMINISTRATOR PASSWORD. 2.
Setting the APN 16 Depending on your modem, you may need to specify the APN (Access Point Name). Cradlepoint devices attempt to auto-detect the correct APN. In most cases, the APN will be correctly detected and your device will connect. If your device does not connect within approximately 5-10 minutes, follow the steps below to manually enter the APN. SELECT THE APN 1. Log into the administration pages (see page 12). 2. Select INTERNET | CONNECTION MANAGER. 3.
Features 17 The Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150 is a business-grade router specifically designed to meet the needs of distributed enterprise: retail locations, branch offices, retaurants, and convenience stores.
Features 18 Load Balancing When multiple data sources are connected to the router (4G, Ethernet, WiFi*), it can be configured to distribute all connected users or device traffic across active data connections. This feature distributes each connected user to the best data source available, relieving congestion and pressure on any single data source. HOW TO CONFIGURE: Select INTERNET | CONNECTION MANAGER.
Features 19 VLAN Support Create and manage virtual LANs to segregate and secure your network. HOW TO CONFIGURE: Select NETWORK SETTINGS | WIFI / LOCAL NETWORKS. Select the “VLAN Interfaces” tab under LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACES. WiFi as WAN* The Cradlepoint AER3100 can receive an existing WiFi signal and use it to create secure Internet access, allowing you to connect devices using the CradePoint AER3100’s security features.
Features 20 Zscaler Internet Security Combined with Cradlepoint Enterprise Cloud Manager, Zscaler Internet Security enables enterprises to embrace cloud applications and mobility, while delivering a superior user experience. Configured in minutes, Zscaler Internet Security leverages the threat intelligence harnessed from the Zscaler cloud. Now any business, regardless of size, can connect to the Internet with confidence. To learn more, visit cradlepoint.com/product/zscaler-internet-security.
