Ascent Modem - Hardware Description
Ascent Modem 5G
The Ascent Modem 5G is a 5G cellular modem featuring dual SIM functionality and USB-C for data and power. It is part of the EdgeModem product line that integrates with Kognitive EdgeOS for advanced connection control and bandwidth bonding. Designed for versatile environments, it offers 5G connectivity with 4G/LTE fallback, suitable for urban and rural areas. The modem supports high bandwidth and includes 4x4 MIMO with external antennas required. It's compatible with various other operating systems, including Linux and Windows 10/11, making it a flexible option for diverse applications.
An optional 2-pin Molex MicroFit connector may be used to supply power if the USB-C host cannot provide sufficient current.
Figure 1: Ascent Modem
Physical Assembly
The Ascent modem has 2 physical configurations based on how the heatsink and feet are installed.
-001 installs the heatsink so that the USB-C connector is on the Right.
-002 installs the heatsink so that the USB-C connector is on the Left.
The -002 variant is preferred for any rackmount installation or where the unit will be used with a Kognitive appliance, hence it is the default configurations
Heatsink and Foot Assembly – 700-00025-002 USB Left
Heatsink and Foot Assembly – 700-00025-001 USB Right
Device Use
Ascent Modem 700-00025-002, USB-C Left
Physical Ports
The following graphic shows the physical connections of the Ascent Modem. The 2-pin Molex external power connector is optional and supports +7 to +24 VDC. Applying voltage to the external power port automatically switches Ascent Modem to use this power source instead of USB-C. Removing external power may cause the device to reset and disconnect any current data connection.
Ascent Modem 700-00025-001, USB-C Right
Ascent Modem 700-00025-002, USB-C Left
The Ascent Modem supports two nano SIM, 4FF
The SIM1 / A port is the port closest to the USB Type C connector.
The SIM2 / B port is the port closest to the Power Connector and LEDs.
The Blue LED indicates power is being supplied to the internal modem. Both USB-C power and external power will cause the LED to illuminate.
The Orange LED indicates general WAN connectivity but does not indicate an active data session. If a SIM card is not present on initial power up, the Orange LED will not be illuminated. The Orange LED will be illuminated when a SIM is inserted, and the Edge Ascent Modem is able to communicate with a cellular tower. Even with an invalid SIM subscription service plan, the Orange LED will be illuminated but data will not pass through the modem.
Data Connection
The Edge Ascent Modem can be connected through USB-C to an EdgeOS appliance, a Linux computer, or a Windows Computer. A USB-C to USB-C or a USB-C to USB-A cable should be used, depending on the USB port available on the host device. For maximum data transfer use a USB 3.2 port; Ascent Modem is also compatible with legacy USB 2.0 ports.
The power supplied to Ascent Modem is dictated by the power capability of the host device. Many ports that support USB 3.2 can supply 896 mA of current (approx. 4.5W).
Data Connection for Ascent Modem using EdgeOS
Data Connection for Ascent Modem using Windows PC
Specifications
The following specifications list shows theoretical and technical (lab) performance. Technical performance is the upper limit to real world performance. Actual performance will vary and is heavily dependent on the host device, location, antennas, and external environment. The data plan, available channels, bandwidth allocation, and congestion of the carrier network to which the Ascent Modem is attached will dictate the maximum throughput of the device. Please check with the cellular carrier for expected cellular performance.
RF Specifications and Performance
Parameter | Specification | Note |
Contains FCC ID | XMR2022RM520NGL |
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CAT UL | CAT-18 |
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CAT DL | CAT-19 |
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GNSS | Yes, Unpowered |
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eSIM | No |
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Peak UL LTE | 200 Mbps |
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Peak DL LTE | 1600 Mbps |
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Peak UL NSA 5G | 550 Mbps |
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Peak DL NSA 5G | 3400 Mbps |
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Peak UL SA 5G | 900 Mbps |
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Peak DL SA 5G | 2400 Mbps |
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Max Sub6 BW | 120 MHz |
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Carrier Agg | 5xCA |
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MIMO | 4x4 |
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5G NSA Bands | n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79 |
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5G SA Bands | n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79 |
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LTE-FDD | B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12, B13, B14, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29, B30, B32, B66, B71 |
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LTE-TDD | B34, B38, B39, B40, B41, B42, B43, B48 |
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LAA | B46 |
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WCMDA | B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B19 |
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GNSS Bands | GPS/ GLONASS/ BDS/ Galileo |
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RF Port 1 Tx | 617-5000MHz | Primary LTE Tx, Diverse 5G Tx |
RF Port 1 Rx | 617-5000MHz | Primary LTE Rx, Diverse 5G Rx |
RF Port 2 Tx | ---- | No transmission |
RF Port 2 Rx | 1452-5000 MHz | MIMO Rx for LTE and 5G midband |
RF Port 3 Tx | 1452-5000 MHz | Primary C-Band (5G) Tx, Diverse LTE Tx |
RF Port 3 Rx | 1452-5000 MHz | Primary C-Band (5G) Rx. Diverse LTE Rx |
RF Port 4 Tx | 617 - 960 MHz | Low Band Tx for LTE & 5G |
RF Port 4 Rx | 617-5000 MHz | Wide Band Rx |
Data Specifications & Connectivity
Parameter | Specification | Note |
Data port | USB Type-C | Reversible |
Data Standard | USB 3.2 / USB 3.1 / USB2.1 | Auto-select USB speed based on port capability |
Supported OS | Windows, Linux |
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SIM | 2x nano SIM, 4FF | push-push SIM socket |
Device Physical Specifications
Parameter | Specification | Note |
Dimensions | 113.4mm x 67.3mm x 27 mm / 4.5” x 2.75” x 1.1” - |
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Weight | 0.45 lbs / 200g |
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RF ports | SMA-F, 4x4 MIMO |
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USB-C Voltage | +5 VDC |
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USB-C Current / Power | up to 3A, 896 mA nominal (15 W max, if supported) | Negotiated with USB-C Host; most PCs can only support 896 mA per port |
External Voltage | +7 VDC to +24 VDC | Used when voltage detected on Molex Pin 1 |
External Power | 19W peak, 15W continuous |
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Mounting | M3x0.5 - 4 locations | Remove Rubber Feet for mounting points |
Cooling | Passive, optional heatsink |
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Operating temperature | -10C to +70C |
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Storage temperature | -20C to +80C |
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Humidity | up to 95% non-condensing |
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