.png){kind=small}
Tri Cascade selects Quectel 5G module and antenna for new TRITOM GX500G IoT 5G modem
Tri Cascade, an IoT telecoms service provider headquartered in Irvine, California, with state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, specializes in delivering advanced NB-IoT, Cat M and LTE to 5G solutions, along with cutting-edge IoT devices through its ONENET B2B IoT onboarding platform. This platform is certified by Microsoft IoT Sphere under the Azure IoT Hub, ensuring robust support for business and infrastructure IoT operations. The company has recently expanded its capabilities by establishing a comprehensive supply chain for manufacturing operations in Taiwan, enabling it to offer turnkey IoT business solutions to partners.
​
Among the company’s extensive product range is the TRITOM GX500G IoT 5G modem which Tri Cascade has chosen to equip with the Quectel RM520N-GL 5G module. The module features two ethernet ports and two industrial RS232/RS485 terminals. The GX500G also utilizes the Quectel YEMR517J1A 5G full-band external outdoor antenna with a Fakra connector, ensuring secure connections under critical operating conditions.
​
Typically, home 5G solutions are provided by telecom operators built in to the customer premise equipment, or router. The 5G antenna, because it is confined in very limited space within the CPE (customer premises equipment), often suffers with conflicts with the device’s Wi-Fi antenna. In contrast, the TRITOM GX500G is a tri-band antenna that has eight antennas in total, four of which are reserved for 5G, with the remainder supporting Wi-Fi 7.
By using pre-approved and certified Quectel modules, we were able to significantly expedite our product’s time-to-market. The Quectel RM520N-GL module is well-designed for global service and comes fully certified with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Its plug-and-play functionality significantly reduces product development time and the support from Quectel has been excellent. Quectel’s quick response times are crucial for our operations.
Max Li, CEO, Tri Cascade
Another important difference is that telecoms operator-provided CPE is designed to be sited inside the home, which does not provide the best performance for 5G. Instead, the GX500G antenna is designed for positioning outside of the building so it can bring 5G internet to every room in the house via an ethernet wall jack. The customer gains strong exterior 5G performance in any room inside their home in this way.
“The GX500G modem is designed for ease of use, with initial certifications from T-Mobile and AT&T, and Verizon certification to follow,” says Max Li, the CEO of Tri Cascade. “The GX500G comes with different 5G IoT data plans for many of use cases, and we make sure our 5G solution will fit for every business needs.”
​
“For advanced builders, the GX500G offers a significant advantage: seamless deployment of AI-driven construction management systems, thanks to the low latency of 5G connectivity,” adds Li. “While many view 5G as just high-speed internet, its low latency is crucial for AI applications, making it a game-changer in the construction industry. There are no technical challenges in deploying the GX500G — it’s simply a matter of selecting the right data plan.”
The RM520N is a series of 5G IoT modules specially optimized for IoT/eMBB applications, designed in an M.2 form factor in accordance with the 3GPP Release 16 specification, which supports both 5G NSA and SA modes. Offering a form factor of 30mm x 52mm x 2.3mm, the module can be operated in an extended temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. 5G performance is impressive with standalone data rates of 2.4Gbps downlink and 900Mbps uplink and non-standalone speeds of 3.4Gbps downlink and 550Mbps uplink.
​
“We’re delighted that Tri Cascade has selected the RM520N-GL module and YEMR517J1A 5G full-band external outdoor antenna to support its GX500G modem,” says Natasha Barrios, VP Sales – North America at Quectel Wireless Solutions. “Gaining certification and device approval can be a complex and time-consuming process but our certification expertise helps accelerate market introduction. It’s great to be collaborating with Tri Cascade to help bring the power of 5G to construction sites and transportation organizations.”
Li is keen to emphasize the assistance Quectel has provided. “One of the primary challenges in 5G device development is navigating the FCC/PTCRB approval process and obtaining telecom device certification,” he explains. “By utilizing Quectel modules, which come pre-approved and certified, we were able to significantly expedite our product’s time-to-market. The Quectel RM520N-GL module is well-designed for global service and comes fully certified with T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Its plug-and-play functionality significantly reduces product development time and the support from Quectel has been excellent.
​
“The Quectel module comes fully certified, significantly streamlining our product development process,” adds Li. “Given the complexity of telecom certifications, using a pre-certified module allows us to focus on core product development without getting bogged down by additional certification hurdles. We were also attracted by the strong, reliable partnership we have with Quectel. Tri Cascade has had a long-standing relationship with Quectel. Over the years, we’ve consistently received high-quality support from Quectel teams across China, Taiwan and the USA, ensuring smooth collaboration and trust in Quectel solutions.”
​
The wide range of modules, extending from CAT-M to 5G, allows Tri Cascade to source all of its connectivity needs from a single, reliable supplier backed by responsive support. “Quectel’s quick response times are crucial for our operations,” Li explains. “The company has consistently met our requests without delays, which is vital for maintaining our development timelines. Overall, Quectel has been an excellent company to work with, consistently providing the support and quality we need.”
​
The company’s relationship with Quectel goes far beyond the GX500G and other modules, antennas and services are being evaluated. “In addition to supplying the modules we need, Quectel offers comprehensive support, including custom antenna solutions,” concludes Li. “It also assists with FCC/PTCRB and telecom certification services, streamlining our product development process. We have another major product development underway that utilizes Quectel’s BG95. It is a smart e-bike solution that we hope to launch at CES. The e-bike provides self-learning, real-time tracking, geofencing, parenting alert system and many other features.”