Skip to content 
Cradlepoint GPS Technical Guide: Port 5118 & TAIP
In the world of mission-critical fleet management, Port 5118 stands as the industry standard for transmitting high-precision location data from Ericsson Cradlepoint routers. Whether you are managing emergency services (EMS), public transit, or logistics, configuring your hardware to communicate via the Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol (TAIP) or NMEA 0183 ensures that your dispatch center receives real-time updates with minimal latency.
This guide provides a comprehensive technical breakdown for systems administrators and fleet engineers. We explore how to bridge the gap between Cradlepoint’s ruggedized hardware and tracking platforms like GPSWOX or Gurtam. By mastering Port 5118, you unlock the ability to monitor vehicle health, ignition status, and sub-meter location accuracy even in the most demanding cellular environments.
Below is the complete technical documentation, including device comparisons, wiring specifications, and SMS remote configuration commands.
1. Cradlepoint Device Comparison
| Model | Primary Connectivity | Best Use Case | GPS Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1900 Series | 5G & LTE Cat 20 | High-speed Public Safety | Ruggedized, 360-point persistent GPS storage |
| R2100 Series | 5G & LTE Cat 20 | External/Mass Transit | Antenna/modem integrated dome |
| IBR900 Series | 4G LTE Adv Pro | Compact Fleet & IoT | IP54 rated, support for TAIP & NMEA |
| IBR1700 Series | 4G LTE Adv Pro | Mobile Workstations | Multi-modem support with dead reckoning |
2. Technical Wiring Diagram (4-Pin Connector)
Most Cradlepoint mobile routers (R1900, IBR900) use a 4-pin Molex power/GPIO connector.
| Pin | Wire Color | Definition | Installation Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black | Ground (-) | Connect to vehicle chassis |
| 2 | Red | Power (+) | 9-33V DC battery constant (use 3A fuse) |
| 3 | Orange | Input (Ignition) | Triggers power-up/graceful shutdown |
| 4 | Blue | GPIO Output | General purpose, sinks up to 250mA |
3. SMS Configuration & Status Commands
Remotely manage GPS tracking using these commands. Start with your router’s SMS password (serial number or last 8 digits of MAC).
- Check Router Status:
[password],rstatus,(Returns uptime and firmware) - Check Modem Status:
[password],mstatus,(Returns signal strength and GPS fix) - Set APN:
[password],apn,[your_apn],(Fixes connectivity issues) - Reboot Router:
[password],reboot,
4. TAIP Sentence Breakdown (PV – Position/Velocity)
Example of a standard TAIP sentence sent via Port 5118:
>RPV54366+4001403-0828656300005512;ID=0001;*7c<
- RPV: Message Qualifier (Position/Velocity)
- 54366: GPS Time of Day (seconds since midnight)
- +4001403: Latitude (WGS-84)
- -08286563: Longitude (WGS-84)
- ID=0001: Optional Vehicle Identifier
- *7c: XOR Checksum
