Enterprise

Rugged Wi-Fi Access Point

Cradlepoint’s products have earned the company a reputation for durability, reliability, and innovative design. The company set out to design a new Wi-Fi access point for enterprise applications, and chose SGW Designworks as its industrial design firm for the product.

Client:

Cradlepoint

Services provided:

Product Design

Prototyping

Mechanical Engineering

Date:

2019

project summary

SGW Designworks provided fresh approaches for Cradlepoint’s new Wi-Fi access point for enterprise applications.

Challenge

Product Vision

Cradlepoint is an undisputed leader in enterprise networking and routers. The company needed to develop a new look and feel for an upcoming enterprise access point, and needed the product to provide a certain aesthetic.

The access point would need a look compatible with many different retail and industrial applications, while providing visual differentiation from other products and without being overly conspicuous when wall or ceiling mounted. It would need to be easy to manufacture in mid to high volumes and had to provide internal consideration for antennae, cable routing, and connectors.

Since Cradlepoint had worked with SGW Designworks on other enclosure design and engineering projects, they felt confident engaging for these new, larger efforts.

delivery

Final Outcome

SGW Designworks developed multiple industrial design concepts — ultimately helping Cradlepoint carry forward what is now the commercialized AP22.

Multiple prototype and testing cycles led to the optimal design and feature set of the product. The design objectives were achieved by developing a subtle yet unique exterior shape, with multiple textures to create a specific visual effect. Functional goals were achieved by applying sound engineering and manufacturing insights throughout the industrial design project.

Cradlepoint’s AP22 was launched in early 2018 and has been a commercial success. The continual release of innovative new products earned Cradlepoint recognition as the Innovative Company of the Year at the 2019 Idaho Innovation Awards.