Cradlepoint TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA vs Cradlepoint MB03-2155-5GB-GA: Specification Comparison
Both the Cradlepoint TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA and the MB03-2155-5GB-GA are 4-port Ethernet switches from Cradlepoint, but they occupy distinctly different performance and deployment tiers. The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is a mobile broadband router with an integrated 4-port Gigabit switch designed for vehicle and temporary deployments, while the MB03-2155-5GB-GA is a rack-mount 4-port 10G switch bundled with 3-year NetCloud management. This comparison evaluates port speed, form factor and physical specs, and management and compliance attributes.
In This Guide
- Which switch delivers higher port speed and aggregate throughput?
- How do form factor, physical dimensions, and deployment environment differ?
- What management capabilities, wireless features, and compliance certifications does each model include?
- Which should you choose: the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA or the MB03-2155-5GB-GA?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which switch delivers higher port speed and aggregate throughput?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA provides 4 ports at Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps full-duplex each) with a modem throughput of 1.2 Gbps for its LTE/cellular transmission path. This is appropriate for mobile broadband aggregation where WAN uplink speeds rarely saturate gigabit links.
The MB03-2155-5GB-GA delivers 4 ports at 10G each, making it suited for aggregating high-bitrate traffic from multiple sources where sustained multi-gigabit throughput is required. No aggregate throughput ceiling is specified in the provided data.
For buyers where raw switching speed matters, the MB03-2155-5GB-GA offers a 10x per-port speed advantage (10G vs 1G). The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA's 1.2 Gbps modem throughput figure applies to its cellular uplink, not switching fabric, and is not directly comparable to the MB03-2155-5GB-GA's 10G port spec.
How do form factor, physical dimensions, and deployment environment differ?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is described as an integrated switch with no external chassis, designed for vehicle-mounted, mobile command unit, and temporary deployment use cases. Its power input is 12V DC, consistent with in-vehicle or field power sources. Physical dimensions and weight are not specified in the provided data.
The MB03-2155-5GB-GA has documented physical dimensions of 17.63 x 7.5 x 5.5 inches and weighs 5.03 lbs, indicating a conventional rack-mount or fixed-installation chassis. Its power input is listed as PoE++, suggesting it can receive power over Ethernet rather than requiring a dedicated DC supply.
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA's 12V DC power requirement and vehicle-oriented tagline make it purpose-built for mobile environments. The MB03-2155-5GB-GA's rack-compatible dimensions and PoE++ power input position it for fixed infrastructure deployments. Neither product's operating temperature range or ingress protection rating is specified in the provided data.
What management capabilities, wireless features, and compliance certifications does each model include?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is TAA-compliant, enabling federal procurement under the Trade Agreements Act. It includes integrated wireless operating modes: WWAN (3G/4G), and Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11a/g/n). This makes it a multi-function device combining switching, cellular broadband, and wireless access point functions in one unit. No software subscription or management platform is specified in the provided data.
The MB03-2155-5GB-GA is bundled with a 3-year NetCloud management subscription, providing cloud-based management via Cradlepoint's NetCloud platform. Its operating mode is listed as 'captive modem.' No wireless radio, TAA compliance, or cellular modem capability is specified in the provided data for this model.
Buyers requiring TAA compliance or integrated cellular/Wi-Fi functionality must select the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA. Buyers requiring cloud-managed switching with a multi-year service agreement included should consider the MB03-2155-5GB-GA, though the scope of NetCloud management features for this switch model is not further detailed in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA or the MB03-2155-5GB-GA?
Our take: The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is the stronger choice when the deployment is mobile, vehicle-based, or requires TAA compliance and integrated cellular/Wi-Fi capability in a single unit. The MB03-2155-5GB-GA is the stronger choice for fixed infrastructure deployments where 10G port speed and bundled NetCloud management are the primary requirements. Three concrete spec deltas drive this: port speed is 1G on the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA versus 10G on the MB03-2155-5GB-GA; the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA includes 3G/4G WWAN and Wi-Fi 5 radios while no wireless capability is specified for the MB03-2155-5GB-GA; and the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA carries TAA compliance while the MB03-2155-5GB-GA includes a 3-year NetCloud subscription. Platform qualifier: these two units serve different network layers and deployment contexts and are unlikely to be direct substitutes in the same project scope.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Cradlepoint TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA | Cradlepoint MB03-2155-5GB-GA |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Integrated mobile broadband router/switch | Fixed-install 4-port 10G switch |
| Port Count | 4 | 4 |
| Port Speed | 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) | 10G |
| Modem/Uplink Throughput | 1.2 Gbps (LTE/cellular) | Not specified |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11a/g/n) | Not specified |
| Cellular/WWAN | 3G, 4G WWAN | Not specified |
| Operating Mode | WWAN, Wi-Fi 5, 3G, 4G | Captive modem |
| PoE | PoE++ (802.3bt) | PoE++ (802.3bt) |
| Power Input | 12V DC | PoE++ |
| TAA Compliance | Yes | Not specified |
| Management Platform | Not specified | NetCloud (3-year included) |
| Form Factor | Integrated (no external chassis) | Rack/fixed chassis |
| Dimensions | Not specified | 17.63 x 7.5 x 5.5 in |
| Weight | Not specified | 5.03 lbs |
| Primary Use Case | Mobile, vehicle, temporary deployment | Fixed infrastructure, high-bitrate aggregation |
| Color | Black | Not specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA or the MB03-2155-5GB-GA?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is the stronger choice when the deployment is mobile, vehicle-based, or requires TAA compliance and integrated cellular/Wi-Fi capability in a single unit. The MB03-2155-5GB-GA is the stronger choice for fixed infrastructure deployments where 10G port speed and bundled NetCloud management are the primary requirements. Three concrete spec deltas drive this: port speed is 1G on the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA versus 10G on the MB03-2155-5GB-GA; the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA includes 3G/4G WWAN and Wi-Fi 5 radios while no wireless capability is specified for the MB03-2155-5GB-GA; and the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA carries TAA compliance while the MB03-2155-5GB-GA includes a 3-year NetCloud subscription. Platform qualifier: these two units serve different network layers and deployment contexts and are unlikely to be direct substitutes in the same project scope.
Is the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA or MB03-2155-5GB-GA better for federal or government procurement?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is explicitly listed as TAA-compliant for federal procurement. No TAA compliance is specified for the MB03-2155-5GB-GA in the provided data. Buyers with TAA requirements should select the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA pending verification against current GSA or contract requirements.
Which unit is suitable for in-vehicle or mobile command post installations?
The TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA is specifically described as vehicle-mounted and designed for mobile broadband and temporary deployments, with a 12V DC power input compatible with vehicle electrical systems. The MB03-2155-5GB-GA is a fixed-chassis unit (17.63 x 7.5 x 5.5 in, 5.03 lbs) with PoE++ power input and is not described for mobile or vehicle use in the provided specifications.
Does either switch include a management software subscription?
The MB03-2155-5GB-GA is bundled with a 3-year NetCloud management subscription as part of its SKU. No management software subscription is specified for the TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA in the provided data.
More Network Switch Comparisons
- Cradlepoint TAA-MA3-1700120B-NNA vs Cradlepoint MB03-2155-5GB-GA
- Cradlepoint TAA-MA3-1700120B-NNA vs Cradlepoint TAA-TC03-2105-5GB-GA
- Cradlepoint MB03-2155-5GB-GA vs Cradlepoint TAA-TC03-2105-5GB-GA
- Cradlepoint TAA-MAA5-1700120B-NA vs Cradlepoint TAA-MA3-1700120B-NNA
- Cradlepoint MBA3-2155-5GB-GA vs Cradlepoint TAA-MA3-1700120B-NNA
- Cradlepoint MBA3-2155-5GB-GA vs Cradlepoint MB03-2155-5GB-GA
Network Switch Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.