Connecting a router to a Jetpack can be a bit tricky, as the Jetpack is not specifically designed or supported for USB tethering to any CradlePoint router. However, there is a solution that can work – using the WiFi-as-WAN feature built into the CradlePoint router.
To connect a router to a Jetpack, you will need a CradlePoint router that supports WiFi-as-WAN. The Series 3 CradlePoint routers, such as the MBR1200B or the MBR1400, have this feature. These routers can connect to the WiFi network of the Jetpack and share that connection with multiple devices connected to the router.
Here are the steps to connect a Series 3 CradlePoint router to a Jetpack:
1. Make sure your Jetpack is powered on and broadcasting its WiFi network.
2. Connect your CradlePoint router to a power source and turn it on.
3. Access the CradlePoint router’s web interface by typing the router’s IP address into a web browser. The default IP address should be listed in the router’s manual or on a sticker on the router itself.
4. Once you are logged into the router’s web interface, navigate to the WiFi-as-WAN settings. This may be located under the “WAN” or “Internet” settings section, depending on the specific router model.
5. In the WiFi-as-WAN settings, you will need to enter the SSID (WiFi network name) and the password for your Jetpack’s WiFi network. This will allow the router to connect to the Jetpack’s WiFi network.
6. Save the settings and wait for the router to establish a connection to the Jetpack.
7. Once the connection is established, the CradlePoint router will be able to share the Jetpack’s internet connection with any devices connected to the router’s LAN ports or WiFi network.
It’s important to note that while this method can work, it may not offer the same stability and performance as a wired connection. WiFi-as-WAN relies on the wireless signal strength and stability of the Jetpack’s WiFi network, so if you are in an area with weak or unreliable WiFi signal, you may experience slower speeds or intermittent connectivity.
Additionally, keep in mind that using the WiFi-as-WAN feature on the CradlePoint router may consume more battery power on the Jetpack, as it will be constantly transmitting data to the router.
In my personal experience, I have successfully connected a CradlePoint router to a Jetpack using the WiFi-as-WAN feature. However, I noticed that the connection was not as stable as a wired connection, and the performance was slightly slower. This may vary depending on the specific router and Jetpack model, as well as the signal strength and network congestion in your area.
To summarize, while the Verizon Jetpack is not designed or supported for USB tethering to a CradlePoint router, you can connect a Series 3 CradlePoint router to the Jetpack’s WiFi network using the WiFi-as-WAN feature. This can allow you to share the Jetpack’s internet connection with multiple devices connected to the router. However, keep in mind that the performance and stability may not be as good as a wired connection.