Next Century GW4 5G Cellular Gateway User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- Next Century
Table of Contents
Next Century GW4 5G Cellular Gateway
GW4 Gateway
NextCentury 5G Cellular Gateway
Operation and Installation Guide
- A 15 VDC Power
- B Ethernet Port
- C USB C Port
- D LED Indicators
- E 3rd Party Port
- F Antenna Port
Product Overview
The next century GW4 Gateway introduces the next generation of superior wireless utility management. The GW4 Gateway’s embedded 5G cellular modem provides an instant data connection right of the box, making setup fast and simple.
Simple to Connect
The GW4 Gateway is your property’s Gateway to the NextCentury Cloud. Utility
data received from NextCentury meter end-point devices is kept in sync using
one of 3 available data connections:
- Ethernet (Gigabit)
- WiFi (2.4/5 GHz)
- Cellular (5G & LTE)
Technical Specifications
Certifications
FCC ID: 2AB8I-GW4 IC: 20949-GW4
Contains FCC ID : RI7WE866C6 IC: 6131A-WE866C6
Contains FCC ID: N7NHL78 IC: 2417C-HL78
Wireless Communication
- Two-way NextCentury RF Connect™
- 902-928 MHz Unlicensed Band
Cellular Data Communication Option
- 5G & LTE
- Simple to manage cellular subscription
- No contracts or hidden fees
LAN Data Communication Options
- Gigabit Ethernet
- WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz b/g/n/ac)
In-Field Configuration
- Direct Connect configuration using the iOS or Android mobile app
Dimensions
- 5.1in x 1.2in x 7.7in (129mm x 31mm x 195mm)
Operation Environment:
- 20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F )
- Should be installed in an indoor, dry environment
In-Field Installation
Mounting Plate Installation
Each Gateway comes with a mounting plate and can be installed using the mounting screws and anchors to secure the Mounting Plate to the wall.
Mount External Cellular Antenna
Attach magnetic base of cellular antenna to the wall.
Power the Gateway
Plug Power Supply into the 15-volt power port (Figure 1-A).
Direct Connect
Connect with Gateway Using Mobile App
When the internet connection being provided to the Gateway requires set
parameters (WiFi, network static IP, etc.) then a direct connection can be
established with the Gateway using an Android or iOS device and the NCSS
mobile app.
- Your mobile device’s Bluetooth must be turned on and within 10 feet proximity to the Gateway.
- Open the NCSS mobile app and select “Direct Connect” from the menu.
- Tap the Gateway device as it appears (fig. 3).
- Tap the Settings icon and adjust the connection parameters as needed.
Figure 3 Viewing Nearby GW4 Using NCSS Mobile App
- The NCSS mobile app is available for Android or iOS devices.
- Nearby devices can be selected in order to establish a direct connection.
Data Connection Options
Determine your preferred internet connection type to establish NextCentury
Cloud connectivity.
Option 1: Integrated Cellular
Enable cellular data plan for the Gateway by navigating to the property settings using the NCSS mobile app or by navigating to the NextCentury web portal on your browser.
Note: The data plan is available on a month-to-month basis and can be
canceled at any time. Cellular can also be turned on remotely at any time
through the web portal.
Option 2: Ethernet
- Plug Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port (Figure 1- B).
- If the property network requires a static IP, or other configuration parameters, then use the “Direct Connect” feature available from the NCSS mobile app (section 4).
Note: The Gateway does not need a static IP address unless required by
the network configuration. It can be placed on either a WAN or LAN network and
use a DHCP address.
Option 3: WiFi
- Using the “Direct Connect” feature on the NCSS mobile app to select a nearby GW4 (section 4).
- Tap on the “Settings” icon to access network settings.
- Tap “Find Network” under the WiFi section and then select from the available WiFi networks. A password can then be entered.
Note: On unrestricted networks the Gateway will automatically connect to the NextCentury Cloud. If the Gateway does not connect, please be sure that the network does not require proxy login information and that TCP traffic is not blocked. If a proxy login or firewall is present on the network, a whitelist policy will need to be created by the IT manager for the property.
Gateway LED Operation
The GW4 Gateway comes equipped with four LED lights on the front/side edge.
Power Indicator
Setup Indicator
RF Activity Indicator
3G/LTE Indicator
Note: If the Cellular Indicator is on (red, yellow or green) then the
Gateway has a cellular signal and is actively able to ping (communicate with)
the NextCentury Servers.
Power Indicator
- When the Gateway is plugged in, the Power Indicator LED (Table 1) will be solid green indicating the device is powered on but not connected with the NextCentury Cloud. A solid blue Power Indicator LED signifies the device is powered on and has connected with the NextCentury Cloud. The Power Indicator will turn red if a loss of power occurs. If the Gateway is being reset, the Power Indicator LED will blink red one time.
Setup Indicator
- When the Gateway has been programmed to a property, the Setup LED indicator (Table 1) is solid green. If the LED is blinking green then the Gateway is programmed to a property AND the Mobile App is directly connected to the Gateway. If the LED is not on after the device has powered on, then the unit has not yet been programmed to a property. If the LED is blinking yellow then the Gateway has not been programmed to a property but the Mobile App is directly connected to the gateway. or been able to sync with the NextCentury Cloud.
RF Activity Indicator
- This LED will be off when the Gateway does not detect any real-time RF activity (if the Gateway is not sending or receiving messages from any repeater or transceiver onsite).
- 3rd Party Device Transmissions: The LED will briefly flash red when the Gateway is communicating (sending or receiving messages) with an unprogrammed 3rd party device. The LED will briefly flash yellow when the Gateway is communicating with a programmed 3rd party device.
- Next Century (NCSS) Device Transmissions: The LED will briefly flash green when the Gateway is communicating (sending or receiving messages) with an unprogrammed NCSS device (RE-201 Repeater or TR-201 Transceiver). The LED will briefly flash blue when the Gateway is communicating with a programmed NCSS device.
5G/LTE Indicator
- The 5G/LTE indicator will be red, yellow, or green depending on the available signal strength. Red is an indication of poor signal strength, yellow is fair, and green is a good cellular signal. The indicator will breathe red, yellow or green (to indicate poor, fair, good signal strength respectively) if the cellular connection is currently active/enabled.
Television and Radio Interference
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Company Name may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with
minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.
As per 47 CFR §15.19
(All other devices shall bear the following statement in a conspicuous
location on the device:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation
As per 47 CFR §15.21
The user’s manual or instruction manual for an intentional or unintentional
radiator shall caution the user that changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the
equipment. In cases where the manual is provided only in a form other than
paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the information
required by this section may be included in the manual in that alternative
form, provided the
user can reasonably be expected to have the capability to access information
in that form.
ISED Statement
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number) has been
approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below
with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in
this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that
type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
Immediately following the above notice, the manufacturer shall provide a list
of all antenna types approved for use with the transmitter, indicating the
maximum permissible antenna gain (in dBi).
User Manual Notice for Licence-Exempt Radio Apparatus
User manuals for license-exempt radio apparatus shall contain the following
text, or an equivalent notice that shall be displayed in a conspicuous
location, either in the user manual or on the device, or both:
This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic
Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and
(2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
ISEDC Radiation Exposure Statement
Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with the IC RSS-102
radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm
between the radiator and your body.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns, please contact NextCentury Submetering
Solutions Product Support:
- Phone: (844) 538.8203
- Email: support@nextcenturymeters.com
sales@nextcenturymeters.com
www.nextcenturymeters.com