Upgrading modem software for modems (released prior to the 5GF modem products) regularly is important to maintain a secure and reliable internet connection. Modem software upgrades can be done manually or through NetCloud Manager.
Important
The Unified Software Upgrade introduced with NCOS 7.26.40 FR1 for 5GF and newer modems removes the need (and the ability) to manage modem software separately. See more details below.
To connect with a modem, you must have an activated SIM card from a network operator (carrier) installed in the device. During the upgrade process, the modem will restart. The router may go offline for a few minutes if the modem is the device's primary WAN connection.
Although a single Ericsson Cradlepoint modem may have two SIM card slots, it is still a single modem module and can only have one modem software version, and therefore only one network operator at a time. However, there are certain endpoints that have two distinct integrated modems, each with two SIM card slots. In those cases, while each modem by itself can only have one installed software version, the endpoint can support two integrated modems—on distinct network operators—simultaneously.
NetCloud Manager provides the capability to manage the modem software at scale for routers that have NetCloud OS 6.6, or later, installed. This allows organizations to efficiently upgrade the modem firmware on multiple routers from a single location in NetCloud Manager. Network operators can also be switched for modems that support network operator switching, using Ericsson Enterprise Wireless software-defined radio technology. See NCOS: Multi-Carrier Software-Defined Radio (Carrier Switching) for more information on carrier switching.
Note
Firmware and software are used interchangeably in this document and in the NetCloud user interface.