Cradlepoint today launched a new WAN edge router for enterprise branch deployments alongside an agreement with AT&T to resell the vendor's networking equipment.

The company bills the E3000 as a 5G-ready "branch in a box," capable of delivering features like BGP routing, application-aware SD-WAN, firewall, analytics, and content filtering, in an all-in-one package.

“We believe, as do many of our customers and partners, that wireless WAN is the next big networking wave, driven by the emergence of 5G," said Cradlepoint CMO Todd Krautkremer in a statement.

The router itself features an integrated gigabit-class LTE modem, WiFi 6, gigabit Ethernet for LAN and WAN connectivity, as well as support for a second LTE modem for redundancy.

Cradlepoint's latest generation of WAN edge hardware uses cellular networks as the primary underlay network. This enables customers without easy or cost-effective access to MPLS or broadband to more easily take advantage of SD-WAN.

“Initial SD-WAN deployments have been focused primarily on fixed internet economics,” said Lee Doyle, principal analyst at Doyle Research, in a statement. “The next phase of WAN transformation broadens the definition of a ‘branch’ and will include an expanded role for LTE and 5G to drive wireless WAN solutions. The Cradlepoint announcement expands its solutions to enable the transformation to a wireless WAN.”

Cradlepoint aims to win over distributed enterprise customers in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, financial, and construction verticals with the E3000 by making it easier to take advantage of SD-WAN overlays without the headache of setting up the underlay.

But while Cradlepoint claims the new offering is the first 5G-optimized edge router for the enterprise market, 5G connectivity won't be available at launch, at least not internally. The company says that both its 5G modem and Bluetooth 5.0 modules won't be available until later this year.

For those that need 5G connectivity today and don't mind multiple boxes, the E3000 can be paired with the company's W-series 5G wide-band adapter announced in February.

The E3000 is available starting today.

Also beginning today, customers can purchase and pay for Cradlepoint equipment and services through AT&T.

Under the billing and distribution agreement, Cradlepoint's current and future lines of branch, mobile, and IoT hardware — including the newly announced E3000 and E300 — are now available on AT&T's Wireless Broadband plan.

"Our deepened relationship with AT&T comes at an auspicious time as the world is waking up to the power of LTE cellular networks and the promise of 5G as essential WAN edge infrastructure," said Jonathan Fischer, VP of business development at Cradlepoint, in a statement. "This new chapter with AT&T will help accelerate the wireless WAN transition that is already well underway."