Cradlepoint (Ericsson) vs. Planet Non-Cellular: A Deep Dive into Connectivity Solutions
In a connected world, the need for reliable and flexible networking has never been more vital. Businesses, governments, and organizations increasingly rely on versatile, secure, and easy-to-scale connectivity to keep their systems online, mobile teams connected, and data secure.
Two companies offering very different approaches to network connectivity are Cradlepoint, now part of Ericsson, and Planet Non-Cellular. Each company brings its own set of innovations, technologies, and use cases to the table. This article explores these two firms in depth, dissecting what each offers, how they compare, and which might be the right choice depending on your specific needs.
Let’s get to know them first.
Meet Cradlepoint (Ericsson)
Founded in 2006, Cradlepoint was acquired by Ericsson in 2020. Known for pioneering cloud-delivered wireless edge solutions, Cradlepoint has carved out a niche in the cellular networking space, particularly with its 5G and LTE solutions. Its products blend hardware routers and modems with advanced cloud-based management systems. It focuses heavily on business-grade mobility, branch office connectivity, and IoT networking.
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Cradlepoint has clients across retail, public safety, healthcare, transportation, and financial sectors. Ericsson’s acquisition has also enabled Cradlepoint to lead globally with cellular-first WAN solutions.
You can explore more on their official website: https://cradlepoint.com
Meet Planet Non-Cellular
Planet Non-Cellular, also known as Planet NC, offers something completely different. Their innovative private networking platform works independently from traditional cellular networks. Rather than relying on carriers, Planet NC provides decentralized, spectrum-efficient solutions, especially valuable in areas where cellular connectivity is either weak or too expensive.
Their open-network platform emphasizes low-cost, secure, and long-range connectivity, especially for IoT, smart agriculture, rural deployments, and industrial applications. They offer a mix of hardware, firmware, and cloud-based services, and appeal strongly to organizations seeking control, privacy, and affordability without monthly SIM or carrier fees.
Learn more on their official website: https://planetnoncellular.com.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s a summarized table comparing their key features and strategic focus points:
| Feature | Cradlepoint (Ericsson) | Planet Non-Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Network Type | 5G/4G LTE carrier-based | Non-cellular private mesh networks |
| Core Focus | Enterprise WAN, mobile offices, public safety, retail | IoT, high-density sensor networks, remote industrial operations |
| Cost Structure | Subscription + carrier data plans | One-time hardware & software fee (no SIM fees) |
| Edge Management | NetCloud platform for centralized control | Open-source-based, decentralized control |
| Use Case Flexibility | Branch offices, mobile fleets, emergency services | Energy grids, agricultural lands, smart cities |
| Security | Carrier-grade security standards | End-to-end encryption without third-party exposure |
Cradlepoint: Strengths and Ideal Use Cases
Cradlepoint works best when organizations need scalable LTE and 5G connections for mission-critical activities.
Key advantages:
- NetCloud Platform: Allows remote monitoring and management with powerful analytics.
- Proven performance: Reliable in mobile fleet operations, like ambulances, police vehicles, and mobile command centers.
- Strong carrier partnerships: Works seamlessly with Verizon, AT&T, and global carriers.
- Scalable for branch offices: Retailers can launch pop-up stores, expand to rural branches, and set up failover systems within days.
- LTE backup: Helps enterprises remain online even when primary broadband fails.
Use Case Example: A large retail chain using Cradlepoint can activate new stores quickly without waiting for broadband lines. Their IT teams can deploy routers preconfigured with NetCloud profiles, ensuring every store connects to the cloud securely—within hours.
Limitations:
- Data costs: Ongoing data plans with carriers can be expensive.
- Dependency on cellular towers: Coverage issues in ultra-remote locations.
- Subscription model: Not cost-effective for small deployments with minimal data needs.
Planet Non-Cellular: Strengths and Where It Stands Out
Planet NC shines in scenarios where traditional networks are not feasible. Their system doesn’t rely on mobile towers, instead using a decentralized web of nodes that interact over long-range, license-free spectrum. Hardware costs are significantly lower, especially at scale.
Key advantages:
- No monthly fees: Avoid cellular subscriptions entirely.
- Decentralized infrastructure: No single point of failure. Critical for industrial IoT where reliability is crucial.
- Privacy-focused: Data never leaves the private network unless explicitly allowed.
- Green energy-capable: Their low-power devices integrate well with solar systems, ideal for remote or off-grid locations.
- Agility: Perfect for experimentation, prototyping, and sensor-heavy deployments.
Use Case Example: In a 100-acre farm, Planet NC nodes can be installed with weather sensors and soil monitors, feeding data through a mesh network to a central control system—without touching the internet at all.
Limitations:
- Not ideal for high-bandwidth needs: Video streaming or large file transfers won’t work efficiently.
- Requires some DIY skills: Network planning and node placement may require technical know-how.
- Smaller community and support compared to big-name vendors.
Security Perspective
Both companies offer solid security frameworks, though their approaches differ.
Cradlepoint: Uses commercial-grade encryption, SD-WAN segmentation, and cloud-based security policies integrated into its NetCloud platform. It benefits from Ericsson’s rigorous 5G core security architecture.
Planet NC: Offers privacy by design. Since the traffic never hits the open internet, exposure is naturally reduced. Their decentralized operations reduce the attack surface, ideal for applications like municipal infrastructure or smart meters.
Technical Ecosystem and Compatibility
Cradlepoint routers work well with major cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. They also integrate with SD-WAN, VPN, and firewall solutions from Fortinet, Palo Alto, and Zscaler.
On the flip side, Planet NC’s approach is more grassroots-oriented. They lean into open standards and encourage compatibility with open-source IoT stacks like LoRaWAN, Helium, and Thread. This makes them ideal for developers, civic tech teams, or nonprofits looking to build something sustainable and proprietary.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choosing between Cradlepoint and Planet NC depends entirely on your use case, cost tolerance, and technical capabilities.
Choose Cradlepoint if you:
- Need heavy data usage and high speeds on the go.
- Operate a large fleet or multiple remote offices.
- Want centralized control with zero on-site IT involvement.
- Are okay paying for data plans and subscriptions.
Go with Planet Non-Cellular if you:
- Operate in ultra-remote spaces where cell towers might not exist.
- Need privacy, independence from telcos, and a sustainable cost model.
- Deploy lots of sensors that send small bursts of data.
- Prefer DIY and are experienced with open-source platforms.
Final Thoughts
Cradlepoint and Planet Non-Cellular represent two ends of the connectivity spectrum. One is a titan of enterprise mobility with global reach and advanced cloud networking. The other is a scrappy, privacy-first alternative focused on independence, cost control, and resilience.
Whether you’re setting up connected police patrols with seamless video feeds, or deploying hundreds of soil sensors across farmland without touching a SIM card, there’s a solution waiting for you.
As connectivity becomes a utility like electricity or water, more custom-fit solutions will be necessary. Cradlepoint and Planet NC prove there’s no one-size-fits-all in networking.
Before choosing, ask yourself: Do I need speed, or sustainability? Central control, or complete independence? High throughput, or low power? Your answers will guide you to the right path.
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In a world of choices, the best network for your organization is the one that meets your unique realities—whether cellular or not.
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