Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NetCrate deployment, activation, and operation.
No. NetCrate is not a replacement for land mobile radio, public safety radio, satellite phones, or emergency voice communications. It provides portable internet access and local Wi-Fi connectivity to support coordination tools, messaging, maps, forms, video calls, cloud systems, and general data connectivity when infrastructure is limited or disrupted.
Once activated, NetCrate is designed to deploy in under 5 minutes. Position the Starlink terminal with clear sky view, connect to NetCrate, power on, and allow connections to establish. Wi-Fi networks are available once the routers are online.
Yes. Tier 1 is designed for customers who already have or want to source their own Starlink hardware. NetCrate can be configured for Starlink Mini, Starlink Gen 3 Standard, or customer-provided Starlink hardware depending on the quote configuration. Tier 2 includes a pre-configured Starlink kit selected for the buyer's use case.
Unmanaged tiers do not include ongoing Starlink service or cellular data plans. Customer-managed services such as Starlink subscriptions, SIM plans, carrier billing, and account-level carrier support remain the customer's responsibility. Managed options can bundle hardware, Starlink, cellular connectivity, support, and service administration through Nexaer as an annual package or a 5-year/10-year lifecycle package.
Yes. Unmanaged purchases are built for organizations that want to own the hardware and manage their own SIM cards, Starlink account, carrier billing, and service plans. Nexaer provides hardware support, configuration guidance, and activation assistance.
NetCrate can be configured around carrier equipment and SIM paths available to the buyer. FirstNet or agency-specific requirements are reviewed during quoting, and any documented compatibility or certification will be stated in the final configuration.
NetCrate is designed to support Starlink plus cellular backup paths. If the preferred connection becomes unavailable or degraded, the router can move traffic to an available cellular path based on the configured priority and available signal. Actual behavior depends on the final router configuration and active services.
Starlink needs a usable sky view and cellular depends on local tower availability. NetCrate improves resilience by combining multiple paths, but it cannot guarantee internet if Starlink is obstructed and all cellular carriers are unavailable.
The private network is intended for staff operations, command communications, and priority use. The public network is intended for guest, shelter, or civilian access and can be separated from staff traffic to help protect operational use.
The internal 256Wh LiFePO4 battery is intended for backup power during setup, transport, and temporary AC interruptions. Runtime depends on configuration and connected hardware. For longer deployments, keep NetCrate connected to AC, generator, vehicle power, solar generator, or an external battery system.
NetCrate is built in a rugged case, but it is treated as weather-resistant field equipment rather than waterproof electronics. For outdoor deployments, place it under shelter, inside a vehicle/trailer, under a tent, or away from direct rain and standing water unless a quoted configuration specifically states otherwise.
User capacity depends on bandwidth, signal quality, Wi-Fi coverage, access point placement, and public/private traffic mix. For large shelters or high-density public access, additional access points or a custom configuration may be required.
Yes. NetCrate is designed for flexible field power, including AC power and DC/field power options depending on configuration. For longer deployments, pair it with generator, vehicle, shore power, solar generator, or external battery power.
Evaluation pricing requires a signed evaluation agreement before shipment, a named evaluation owner, receipt confirmation within 48 hours, onboarding or setup walkthrough, Week 1 and Week 3 check-ins, final feedback, and a purchase/return/extension decision by the closeout date.
Nexaer provides direct support for NetCrate hardware, configuration guidance, activation assistance, and troubleshooting. Managed options include a broader support scope for connectivity accounts, service administration, annual or lifecycle support, readiness checks, and ongoing coordination.
Managed Annual is usually the cleanest starting point for one-year or short-period funding because it bundles hardware with first-year managed service. For buyers with longer award periods or approval for lifecycle service, Nexaer can also quote 5-year and 10-year managed packages or separated hardware/service line items.
Lead time depends on build queue, configuration, and service tier. Request a quote and Nexaer will provide current availability, configuration guidance, and estimated delivery timing.
Still have questions?
Contact us for answers about NetCrate deployment, activation, or technical specifications.