CradlePoint CTR500 3G Router Review

To take full advantage and expand the usefulness of my 3G connection, I decided I wanted to purchase a 3G router. When these routers were first introduced to the market they were very expensive. Now there are many affordable 3G routers on the market.

For several months I have been using the CTR500 Cellular Travel Router by CradlePoint. I have been a fan of 3G for a long and have been using Verizon’s EVDO service for several years.

CradlePoint CTR500 Cellular Travel Router

I wanted to purchase a 3G router for the ability to have a couple different connections at my home. I also pay for a cable broadband connection. This has come in very handy when one of my services is unavailable, I can easily and quickly connect to either connection.

Another reason I wanted the router was for a connection on the road that more than one person can use. I can easily setup my 3G router and share among several notebooks.

The reception of this router has been great. I keep it upstairs in my home and can go downstairs while still maintaining a full signal. There is an optional antenna that can be purchased for the router but I found that it isn’t necessary.

The CTR500 has options of using express card and USB devices. I use mine with the USB727 from Verizon wireless.

CTR500 Router with USB727 modem plugged in

The feature set of this router is very rich. I have configured mine with WPA2-PSK and additionally there is an option of having a password protected landing page for access to the Internet. I heard a story from one person where he will take his CradlePoint to the airport and let other people connect which automatically takes them to the landing page and gives a little free advertising and service to those wanting to connect.

A full list of features can be seen here: http://www.cradlepoint.com/ctr500/ctr500overview.php

The 3G router has been a great device and has really been useful for me in many situations. For anyone that uses a 3G device I definitely recommend one of these.