Cradlepoint AER3100 Series User manual

AER3100/AER3150
All-in-One, Cloud-Managed Networking Solution
Quick Start Guide

2
Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150
Accessories
• Additional MC400 4G LTE modem*
• Replacement power adapters and international power
cords
• External modem antennas and cabling
* A Cradlepoint MC400 4G LTE modem comes standard with the AER3100/
AER3150. Add a second integrated MC400 modem for a complete “Cut-
the-Wire” 4G LTE solution, fusing enterprise reliability with unparalleled
agility.
Enterprise Support
For enhanced services including enterprise-level support, extended warranties, and expert installation, learn more about
Cradlepoint’s CradleCare suite of services. Visit cradlepoint.com to learn more.
What’s In The Box
Cradlepoint AER3100/AER3150
(Models: S4A525A, S4A530A)
Dual-Band 2.4/5
GHz WiFi Antennas*
54V 2.25A AC/DC
Power Supply
Ethernet Cable
Quick Start Guide
MC400 3G/4G Modem with
Antennas
*-Only on AER3100 Rack Mounting Brackets
Rubber Feet for
Desk Mount

3
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. Enterprise Cloud
Manager integrates cloud
management with your
Cradlepoint devices to improve
productivity, increase reliability,
reduce costs, and enhance the
intelligence of your network
and business operations.
To learn more about Cradlepoint Enterprise Cloud Manager and to begin a free 30-day trial, contact
[e-mail] or visit cradlepoint.com.

4
Hardware
USB 2.0 Port
LEDs
(see pages 6–7 for descriptions)
Lock Slot
10/100/1000 Ethernet Port
(Configurable: LAN or WAN
Default: WAN) Reset
Power
Switch and Port
LEDs
(see pages 6–7 for
descriptions)
Ground Screw
Front Panel
Back Panel
3G/4G Antenna
Connectors
(SMA)
WiFi Antenna Connector
(Reverse SMA)
10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports
(Configurable: LAN or WAN
Default: LAN)
GPS
Connector
(SMA)
GPS
Connector
(SMA)
3G/4G Antenna
Connectors
(SMA)
WiFi Antenna Connector
(Reverse SMA)
WiFi Antenna Connector
(Reverse SMA)
Console Port PoE

5
Hardware
Modem Port 1
(USB 3.0)
Modem Port 2
(USB 3.0)
Modem Covers Removed
WiFi Modem
When connecting the provided antennas, review the connection
points.
• WiFi antennas (only included on AER3100) have
at circular bases (RSMA).
• Modem antennas have protruding pins (SMA).
Antennas

6
LED Information
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.
ETHERNET WAN Indicates information about a data source connected to the Ethernet WAN
port.
• Blue = Connected to an active Ethernet WAN interface.
WiFi BROADCAST (only on AER3100) These two LEDs indicate activity on the WiFi
broadcast for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• 2.4GHz (green) = 2.4 GHz WiFi is on and operating normally.
• 5GHz (blue) = 5 GHz WiFi is on and operating normally.
WAN
VPN Indicates information about a VPN data source.
• Green = Active VPN tunnel.
VPN

7
LED Information
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.
• Amber = Modem is not active.
• Blinking Amber = Data connection error. No modem connection possible.
• Blinking Red = Modem is in the process of resetting.
ADDITIONAL LED INDICATIONS
• Several dierent LEDs ash when the factory reset button is detected.
• Two of the modem LEDs blink red in unison for 10 seconds when there is an error during
rmware upgrade.
EC

8
Getting Started
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. Insert the SIM card into the
slot marked SIM 1 (use the other slot, SIM 2, for a secondary/backup SIM). Be sure to insert the card
with the notch-end rst and the gold contacts facing down – it will click into place.
Gold contacts must
face down
Notch-end goes
in first
Sample SIM card

9
Getting Started (continued)
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.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
3. Pull tab on bottom of router to activate real-time clock battery.

10
Getting Started (continued)
4. 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 reective
surfaces. Do not mount router on a wall.
*-Only on AER3100