RIGADO 500 Series Cascade Gateway
Introduction
Cascade-500 series Gateways are part of Rigado’s Cascade Edge-as-a-Service solution that offer powerful and cost-effective edge network infrastructure for large-scale, low-power wireless deployments. Cascade gateways provide commercial and enterprise IoT project and product teams with flexible edge computing power, a robust containerized application environment, and a variety of wireless device connectivity options.
| Models included in this document | |
| Cascade-500 | Edge Gateway with ®, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity |
| Cascade-500-A | Edge Gateway with Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity (Alternate SKU for Cascade-500 with improved availability) |
| Cascade-500-W | Edge Gateway with Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and LTE Cat1/3G/2G cellular connectivity. Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND). |
| Cascade-500-X | Edge Gateway with Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and LTE Cat1/3G/2G cellular connectivity (Alternate SKU for Cascade-500-W with improved availability) |
Revision History
Planning
Planning is key to the success of any hardware installation. There are many things to consider when installing a wireless system into a space. Key elements for consideration are listed in the below.
Coverage
In a typical commercial space expected coverage area is about 4,000 sq. ft. per Gateway. However, the area of coverage for each Gateway is dependent on the layout and construction of the facility where it is installed. A Gateway in an open floor plan will have a larger coverage area than a closed floor plan with many walls. Building construction materials also affect coverage – drywall and glass permit more coverage than brick and concrete. Note that brick or concrete walls should be planned around, as signals have poor penetration through these types of walls. If coverage is required on both sides of a brick or concrete wall, plan for a Gateway on each side.
If a higher level of coverage planning precision is required, Rigado suggests using a Wi-Fi site planning tool to simulate coverage. There are multiple planning tools available online, both free and professional. For use in this application, it should allow for changing the Access Points’ transmit power and characteristics for the Rigado Gateway.
Connections
Connectivity is an important consideration when planning a new installation. To function properly, the Gateway needs both power and internet connection. For power, the options are Power over Ethernet (PoE) or AC wall power (adapters available upon request). For internet connection, the options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or LTE (Cascade-500-W and Cascade-500-X only).
Rigado suggests using PoE-enabled Ethernet for the Gateway connection. PoE provides both power and data to the Gateway with only one cable for installation. When using Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity network credentials need to be pre-loaded onto gateways before installation on site.
Placement
The correct placement of Gateways is important in achieving the desired coverage. Generally, mounting Gateways up high and out of reach is recommended, as this improves line of sight while decreasing the likelihood of physical tampering. Avoid mounting gateways near large metal obstructions or objects – such as in support beams or HVAC ducts – as it is not recommended to mount the Gateway directly to any large metal surface.
Gateways do not need to be visible for operation. When mounting above drop ceilings or in open office style spaces, it is recommended to mount the Gateway below the level of any ceiling HVAC ducts to avoid dead spots.
Gateway Hardware
Specifications
| Processor | |
| i.MX6ULL (Y2) | 800MHz, 32bit ARM® Cortex™-A7 |
| Memory | |
| Memory (Volatile) | 512 MB DDR3L SDRAM @ 400MHz, x16 |
| Memory (Bulk Storage) | 8GB eMMC |
| Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) | |
| Frequency | 2.412GHz – 2.472GHz; 5.180GHz – 5.700 GHz (region dependent) |
| Modulations | DSSS, FHSS | OFDM |
| Transmit Power | 19dBm for 2.4GHz band, 18dBm for 5GHz band, depending on modulation |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -98 to -72dBm for 2.4GHz band, -92 to -68dBm for 5GHz band, based on modulation |
| Antenna | Integrated Dual-band Antenna |
| Bluetooth® Connectivity | BMD-345 Module |
| Bluetooth® Version | 5.1 (Bluetooth® Low Energy) |
| LE Connections | Up to 6 connections supported |
| Frequency | 2.402 to 2.480 GHz |
| Modulations | GFSK at 1Mbps, 2Mbps data rates |
| Transmit Power | 12dBm |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -108 to -98dBm, depending on modulation |
| Cellular LTE Cat1 with 3G/2G fallback (Cascade-500-W only) – Not Recommended for New Designs | |
| LTE (E-UTRA FDD) Frequencies | 700, 800, 850, 900, 1700/2100 (AWS), 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,
8, 12, 18, 19,20, 28) (region dependent) |
| UMTS FDD Frequencies | 800, 850, 900, 1700/2100 (AWS), 1800, 1900, 2100 MHz (bands I, II, IV, V, VIII, IX, XIX)
(region dependent) |
| GSM/GPRS/EDGE Frequencies | GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz |
| Modulations | GMSK/QPSK/16QAM |
|
Power Class (per listed 3GPP release) |
EGSM850/900: Class 4, GSM1800/1900: Class 1, according to release 99 GSM 850/900/1800/1900 8-PSK: Class E2, according to release 99
UMTS 800/850/900/AWS/1800/1900/2100: Class 3, according to release 99 LTE 700/800/850/900/AWS/1800/1900/2100/2600: Class 3 according to release 8 |
| Antenna | Dual external dipole antennas, 5.0dBi |
| GPRS/EGPRS Multislot Class | 12 |
| Cellular LTE Cat1 with 3G/2G fallback (Cascade-500-X only) | |
| LTE (E-UTRA FDD) Frequencies | 700, 800, 850, 900, 1700/2100(AWS), 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz (bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,
8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 66) (region dependent) |
| LTE (E-UTRA TDD) Frequencies | 2300, 2500, 2600 (bands 38, 40, 41) |
| UMTS FDD Frequencies | 850, 900, 1700/2100 (AWS), 1900, 2100 MHz (bands I, II, IV, V, VI, VIII) (region
dependent) |
| GSM/GPRS/EDGE Frequencies | GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz |
| Modulations | GMSK/QPSK/16QAM |
|
Power Class (per listed 3GPP release) |
EGSM850/900: Class 4, GSM1800/1900: Class 1, according to release 99 GSM 850/900/1800/1900 8-PSK: Class E2, according to release 99
UMTS 800/850/900/AWS/1800/1900/2100: Class 3, according to release 99 LTE 700/800/850/900/AWS/1800/1900/2100/2600: Class 3 according to release 8 |
| Antenna | Dual external dipole antennas, 5.0dBi |
| GPRS/EGPRS Multislot Class | 12 |
| Ethernet | |||
| 10/100 Base-T RJ-45 connector with PoE Support | |||
| USB | |||
| USB 2.0, Type-A Host connector | |||
| Dimensions | |||
| Cascade-500 / Cascade-500-A Enclosure | Length Width Height | 127 mm
127 mm 30 mm |
|
| Cascade-500-W / Cascade-500-X with cellular antennas | Length Width Height | 196 mm
38 mm 13 mm |
|
| Weight | |||
|
Cascade-500 / Cascade-500-A |
Unit | 156 g | |
| Packaging | 97 g | ||
|
Cascade-500-W / Cascade-500-X |
Unit | 180 g | |
| Antennas (2) | 79 g (39.5 g each) | ||
| Packaging | 218 g | ||
|
Accessories |
Power Supply (Wall Adapter) | 80 g | |
| Mounting Kit | 56 g | ||
| Hardware | |||
| Power supply | 4.5 to 5.5VDC, 2A max via Barrel Jack (5.5mm x 2.1mm) | 36-57V (IEEE 802.3af) via
Ethernet connector (RJ-45) |
|
| Temperature Range | 0 to +60°C | ||
| Certifications | |||
| Cascade-500 | FCC / ISED / CE-RED / RCM / MIC (Japan)/ WPC / SUTEL / IMDA / NTC / UKCA / NCC
(Nigeria) / CRA / NCC (Taiwan) / CMIIT / SIRIM / ICT (Qatar) / NBTC / KCC |
||
| Cascade-500-A | FCC / ISED / CE-RED / UKCA / RCM | ||
| Cascade-500-W | FCC / ISED / CE-RED / UKCA / RCM / GCF / PTCRB / AT&T | ||
| Cascade-500-X | FCC / ISED / CE-RED/ UKCA / RCM/ NOM/ IFT/ Kvalitet Mark (Serbia)/ PTCRB/ AT&T | ||
Electrical Specifications
Operating Conditions
| Symbol | Parameter | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit |
| VAUX | Operating supply voltage at barrel jack | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | V |
| VPOE | Operating supply voltage at Ethernet connector (PoE) | 36 | 48 | 57 | V |
| TA | Operating ambient temperature | 0 | 25 | 60 | °C |
| TA-EXT | Extended operating temperature range5 | -20 | 25 | 70 | °C |
USB Connector Power
| Symbol | Parameter | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit | |
| VUSB | Operating output voltage at USB connector for loads up to 500mA1 | Cascade-500(-W) Cascade-500-A/X | 4.0
4.5 |
4.3
4.8 |
5.5
5.5 |
V V |
Power Consumption
| Symbol | Parameter | Min. | Typ. | Max. | Unit |
| PPOE | Power consumption2 referenced at PoE input | 1.8 | 2.5 | 5.6 | W |
Absolute Maximum Ratings3
| Symbol | Parameter | Min. | Max. | Unit |
| VAUX_MAX | Voltage at barrel jack4 | -5 | 12 | V |
| VPOE_MAX | Voltage at Ethernet connector (for PoE) | -0.3 | 60 | V |
| TS | Storage temperature | -20 | 70 | °C |
- USB is an output only – do not attempt to power the unit via the USB connector
- Power consumption is dependent upon unit configuration (SKU) and application. Numbers provided in this table describe a Cascade-500-W unit connected to a cellular network, powered over Ethernet, without USB
- Do NOT operate the unit under these
- The unit will NOT operate over this voltage Prolonged exposure to these conditions is NOT recommended.
- Operating over the extended temperature range may result in reduced performance
Interfaces
Interface features are described throughout this section, including power and data connectivity, and button and LED location and behavior. 
The Gateway is equipped with a single 10/100 Base-T Ethernet connector. For configurations supporting PoE (802.3af), the Gateway will operate when powered by either a PoE switch (end-span) or injector (mid-span).
Warning: The gateway must not be powered using POE at the same time as with an AC/DC wall adapter (described in section 2.3.4). Doing so may cause permanent damage not covered under warranty.
Reset Button
The reset button provides both soft and hard reset capabilities, depending on the length of the press. The timing is described in the following table:
| Reset Action | Time | Behavior |
| Quick Press | < 2 seconds | Soft Reboot |
| Short Press | 2-4 seconds | Network Reset |
| Long Press | 10-15 seconds | Hard Reset |
| Very Long Press | > 30 seconds | Factory Reset |
USB
A USB 2.0 Type-A connector on the Gateway board provides access to a high-speed (up to 480Mbps) USB host.
Barrel Jack
The Gateway provides a 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel jack for 5V DC input. Any AC/DC wall adapter used to power the gateway must be rated up to 2A. Please note that actual current consumption is dependent upon the software deployed on the Gateway.
Warning: The gateway must not be powered using an AC/DC wall adapter at the same time as with POE (described in section 2.3.1). Doing so may cause permanent damage not covered under warranty. 
Front Button
A front-facing button is located on the face of the Gateway. This button is not enabled on the default Gateway configuration.
Multi-color LED
A multi-color (red/green/blue) LED located near the user button provides a means of visual indication for the user. For additional information regarding LED behavior, please refer to docs.rigado.com.
Cable Cover
The back of the unit has a snap-in cover for improved cable management. This allows for hidden cable routing when the unit is installed on a wall or ceiling. The cable cover is removable.
SIM Card Slot
Cascade-500-W and Cascade-500-X units also include a small slot on the back of the enclosure near the USB connector and reset button. This is a push-push type slot for a micro SIM (3FF).
Antenna Connector
Two SMA-type connectors are visible on one side of the unit where the provided cellular antennas attach. Only antennas provided with the Cascade-500-W and Cascade-500-X unit are certified for use on cellular networks.
Mechanical Information
Cascade-500 and Cascade-500-A Dimensions
Cascade-500-W and Cascade-500-X dimensions
Installation
- Equipment
- Each Cascade Gateway comes with following equipment in the box:
- 1 x Cascade Gateway
- 2 x Cellular Antennas (Cascade-500-W and Cascade-500-X only)
- 1 x Power supply with international adapters (optional)
- 1 x Wall/Ceiling Mount Kit:
- 1 x Cascade mounting bracket
- 1 x Cascade ceiling backer plate
- 4 x M3 x 50 mm Length, Pan Head, Phillips #1, Machine Screw
- 4 x Screw, Pan Head Phillips Sheet Metal #6/18×1.25″
- 4 x Drywall Anchor, #6 Screw, 1-1/4″ Length
Mounting Tools
- To use the Wall/Ceiling Mount kit provided, the following tools are required (not included):
- Phillips screwdriver
- Drill and drill bit – 3/16” for wall, or 1/8” (3-4 mm) for ceiling mounting
- Drywall saw or keyhole saw for 1″ cable pass-through hole
Mounting Instructions
Rigado recommends mounting the Gateway on a wall or ceiling, at least 6ft (2m) off the ground. If mounting on a wall, position the unit so that the connectors (USB, Ethernet, etc.) are facing down. This will ensure the mounting bracket attachment mechanism is secure against incidental removal.
- Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the hole locations on the wall or ceiling.
- If mounting to the wall, use a 3/16” (5 mm) drill bit.
- If mounting to a ceiling tile, use a 1/8” (3-4 mm) drill bit.
- If a hole is needed for cable routing, also mark this in the appropriate cable opening space in the mounting bracket.
Attach the mounting bracket to the surface using the appropriate method:
- Push the provided drywall anchors into the drilled holes, then place the mounting bracket snugly against the wall. Using a screwdriver, screw the wall mount screws into the drywall anchors.
- Place one ceiling mount screw through a mounting bracket screw hole, and push through the corresponding drilled ceiling hole. Use this screw to guide placement of the ceiling backer plate to the opposite side, then use the screwdriver to screw in this and the remaining ceiling mount screws.
- Once the mounting bracket is installed, line up the four hooks of the mounting bracket with the corresponding holes on the back of the Gateway and press the two together. To lock in place, slide the Gateway over towards the cabling hole until it clicks into place.
Hole Drilling Template
This template is at scale and can be printed for use.
Gateway Setup
Before the Gateway is permanently installed, look at the bottom (mount side) and record the unit Serial Number (1) or scan the 2D barcode (2), as shown below.
Initial Boot
At first power on, the Gateway’s LED indicator will display the boot status. The status of the Gateway can be determined using the following table:
TAB
Edge Direct Connection
Once the Gateway is successfully booted, it should show up on the Edge Direct homepage. To find the Gateway, navigate to ‘Gateways’ and look for the matching serial number. Select that unit and a live status page will appear, showing current status and utilization. Edge Direct is the primary user interface for configuring the Gateway’s applications and updates. For further details on Gateway configuration, reference our Edge Direct documentation at docs.rigado.com.
Troubleshooting
Should you experience issues with any of the above steps, or with the Cascade-500 Gateways in general, please visit our technical documentation portal at docs.rigado.com. If you have an issue that is not resolved in our documentation, or if you have a more application-specific question, please reach out to us at support@rigado.com.
Regulatory Information
Authorized Countries and Territories
Each model of the Cascade-500 series is authorized for import into the following countries:
NOTE: Some certifications may expire. Check back periodically to review the list of authorized countries.
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. - 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 the 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
- Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
- The following information is provided in compliance with FCC regulations:
- Name: Cascade-500 Series IoT Gateway
- Model numbers: Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, and Cascade-500-X
- Company Name: Rigado, Inc.
- Company Address:
- 200 Hawthorne Ave. SE
- Ste. D-400
- Salem, OR 97301
- Company Contact: support@rigado.com
Statement
- This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference.
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
CE Statement
- Rigado, Inc. declares that the Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, and Cascade-500-X comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU and (RoHS 3) Directive 2015/863. A copy of the Declaration of Conformity is available on request and is also available at https://www.rigado.com/certifications/
- Rigado, Inc.
- 200 Hawthorne Ave. SE Ste. D-400 Salem, OR 97301 support@rigado.com
- Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020
- Requires that products imported into the EU must include the name and contact information of an entity with a physical presence in the EU on the product, package, or included with the shipment. That entity, referred to as an economic operator, would be the primary contact point for any regulatory concerns an EU member state may have and would also need to be the one to hold a copy of the EU declaration of conformity that Rigado provides.
- Rigado does not have a physical presence in the EU, nor does Rigado import product into the EU, and the responsibility of complying with this regulation lies with the entity shipping the product into the EU.
- The full text of this regulation is available at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32019R1020, though article 4 is the relevant section.
- The European Commission has issued a guideline document specific to article 4, and is available at https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/44908/attachments/2/translations/en/renditions/pdf
RF Exposure Statement
- This equipment complies with the radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and any part of the human body.
Non-modification Warning Statement
- Changes or modifications to this equipment that are not expressly approved by Rigado could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Open Source
- Open Source License attributions are available at https://docs.rigado.com/docs/legal.
Product Insert – Compliance Information
The following images show the regulatory insert provided within the product packaging.
FCC Statement
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. 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.
- onnect 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.
FCC Caution
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
RF Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with the radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and any part of the human body.
Canada (ISED) Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). 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. Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be chosen so that the equivalent isotropically radiated power is not more than that necessary for successful communication.
Important Safety Information
Before installing or operating this product, please review this insert and the information available online at: rigado.com/certifications Unless otherwise indicated, this product is designed for indoor use. Use in dry locations only. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other apparatus that produce heat. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the Manufacturer.
Optimal Product Placement
This product uses wireless communications to operate. Do not install the product inside or near any large metal objects, or near sources of radio interference. For more installation guidance, please visit docs.rigado.com or contact support@rigado.com
Disposal Guidelines
For professional users in the European Union If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), please contact your dealer or supplier for further information. For disposal in countries outside of the European Union This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). If you wish to discard this product please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
Product Regulatory Information
See inside this pamphlet for regulatory information unique to each model.
Rigado, Inc. declares the radio equipment types Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, and Cascade-500-X are in compliance with Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EUThe Declaration of Conformity is available at the following address: https://www.rigado.com/certifications/Compliant:The Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, and Cascade-500-X products are RoHS compliant per
ROHS Recast Directive 2011/65/EU, and Directive (EU) 2015/863. For additional details, including any exemption information, please contact Rigado. Information provided in compliance with FCC regulations for Cascade-500 loT series gateways with model numbers: Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, and Cascade-500-X.
For open source license attributions, see: docs.rigado.com/docs/legal
-00003 VON
Rigado, Inc.
200 Hawthorne Ave SE
Ste. D-400
Salem, OR 97301, USA
support@rigado.com
Documents / Resources
 |
RIGADO 500 Series Cascade Gateway [pdf] User Manual Cascade-500, Cascade-500-A, Cascade-500-W, Cascade-500-X, 500 Series Cascade Gateway, 500 Series, Cascade Gateway, Gateway |