Overview
Solar-powered Gateway and Repeater in one, with a long-lasting battery.
The NextLink (NL5) is the ultimate all-in-one solar-powered Gateway and Repeater. Featuring the fastest charging and longest-lasting battery in its class, the NextLink ensures seamless connectivity with the simplest deployment.
The NextLink’s all-in-one design combines an efficient solar panel, a high-capacity battery, and powerful radios, enabling installation in virtually any location—regardless of wired power or network infrastructure availability.
NextLinks work seamlessly together to extend your wireless meter network even into areas outside of cellular coverage. Powerful external antennas ensure reliable communication for meter points spread over long-distances as well as in high-density submetering applications.
Built with a robust cast-aluminum housing and fully waterproof design, the NextLink is engineered to withstand even the harshest conditions. Through rain or shine, NextLink delivers connectivity using renewable solar power, making it both a practical and eco-friendly fixed-wireless solution.
Note
The first version of the NextLink, produced in a limited quantity, was designed to be used primarily as a Repeater. These devices can be updated to act as a Gateway in a single visit through a paid upgrade. Please contact our Sales team for more information.
Specifications
Connectivity
| Wireless Communication | 5G LTE cellular with simple no-contract subscription Built-in NextConnect receiver for meter communication Seamlessly operates as a relay to extend network |
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Physical and power
| Power | Solar-powered, integrated 15W panel Built-in ESD protection for lightning protection High capacity rechargeable battery Supports operation through extended low-light weather Field-replaceable battery |
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| Operation Environment | Operation from -40ºF to 140ºF | -40ºC to 60ºC Designed for long-term durability in outdoor installation Weather-resistant construction, IP-68 rated Designed to withstand strong winds and harsh conditions |
Certifications
| Approvals | FCC: 2A8EC-NL5 | IC: 28950-NL5 Contains FCC ID: 2ANPO00NRF9151 Contains IC ID: 24529-NRF9151 |
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More details
| Installation | Must be installed in an outdoor location with clear
lines of sight to the sky Accessories included for pole, wall, or roof mounting Mobile app guides optimal solar panel positioning Simple LED status feedback |
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Installation
Components
A - NextLink
B - Antennas
C - Flat Mount Brackets
D - Drilling Template
E - M8x30mm Lag Bolts and Washers
F - M8x18mm Socket Head Cap Screws
G - Safety Cable
Installation
Install the Mounting Hardware
Using the flat mount side of the drilling template, mark the holes for the mounting hardware on the surface where the device will be mounted.
Drill the holes in the mounting surface using a 1/4” drill bit.
Attach the flat mount brackets to the surface where you drilled the holes using eight (8) M8x30mm lag bolts and washers. Use four (4) bolts/washers per bracket.
Mount the NextLink
Attach the NextLink to the flat mount brackets using four (4) M8x18mm socket head cap screws.
Secure and Finalize Installation
Attach the safety cable to a solid mounting point near the NextLink. Depending on your installation location, you may need to loop the cable through itself around a mounting point.
Attach the safety cable to the NextLink by removing one of the M8x18mm screws and using it to bolt the end of the safety cable to the mount bracket and NextLink.
Attach the antennas to the connection points on the sides of the NextLink. Screw them in by hand. Any antenna can be connected to any connection point.
Program the NextLink
Programming is the process of associating the NextLink with the property where it is installed on the NextCentury Web Platform.
To program the NextLink, download the NextCentury (NCSS) mobile app.
After you log into the app, select the correct property. Select "Program Gateway".
Programming Note
If you have a Repeater-Only version of the NextLink, select “View Repeaters,” then tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Program the NextLink by entering its serial number. You can use the app’s built-in barcode scanner to scan the NextLink’s barcode, or you can enter the serial number manually.
Wave a magnet below the upper-right antenna to verify communication with the network. Two green LED blinks indicate successful connectivity. If no confirmation is received, relocate the NextLink or add additional NextLinks as needed.
Additional Information
To check the NextLink’s current battery level, hold a magnet by the LED indicator below the upper-right antenna. The LED will light up to indicate the device's current battery level.
Current battery levels can also be checked in the NCSS mobile app or on the NextCentury web platform.
Components
A - NextLink
B - Antennas
C - Drilling Template
D - Wall Pivot Mount Brackets
E - M8x30mm Lag Bolts and Washers
F - M8x18mm Socket Head Cap Screws
G - M8x35mm Lag Bolt with Locknut
H - M8x45mm Lag Bolt with Locknut
I - Pivot Bar
J - Safety Cable
Installation
Install the Mounting Hardware
Using the wall pivot mount side of the drilling template, mark the holes for the mounting hardware on the surface where the device will be mounted.
Drill the holes in the mounting surface using a 1/4” drill bit.
Attach the wall pivot mount brackets to the surface where you drilled the holes using eight (8) M8x30mm lag bolts and washers. Use four (4) bolts/washers per bracket.
Mount the NextLink
Attach the NextLink to the top wall pivot mount bracket using two (2) M8x18mm socket head cap screws. At this stage, these screws should be hand tightened.
Attach one end of the pivot bar to the center mounting location of the lower mount bracket using the M8x35mm bolt and an M8 locknut. At this stage, these fasteners should only be hand tightened.
Attach the opposite end of the pivot bar to the NextLink. Choose the appropriate set of holes in the center of the NextLink to optimize the angle of the solar panel (relative to the sun). Use the M8x45mm bolt and M8 locknut.
Once the appropriate angle is achieved, use a wrench to tighten all bolts connecting the NextLink and mounting hardware well beyond hand tight to ensure a secure connection. Do not use excessive force, which can result in over-tightening.
Secure and Finalize Installation
Attach the safety cable to a solid mounting point near the NextLink. Depending on your installation location, you may need to loop the cable through itself around a mounting point.
Attach the safety cable to the NextLink by removing one of the M8x18mm screws and using it to bolt the end of the safety cable to the mount bracket and NextLink.
Attach the antennas to the connection points on the sides of the NextLink. Screw them in by hand. Any antenna can be connected to any connection point.
Program the NextLink
Programming is the process of associating the NextLink with the property where it is installed on the NextCentury Web Platform.
To program the NextLink, download the NextCentury (NCSS) mobile app.
After you log into the app, select the correct property. Select "Program Gateway".
Programming Note
If you have a Repeater-Only version of the NextLink, select “View Repeaters,” then tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Program the NextLink by entering its serial number. You can use the app’s built-in barcode scanner to scan the NextLink’s barcode, or you can enter the serial number manually.
Wave a magnet below the upper-right antenna to verify communication with the network. Two green LED blinks indicate successful connectivity. If no confirmation is received, relocate the NextLink or add additional NextLinks as needed.
Additional Information
To check the NextLink’s current battery level, hold a magnet by the LED indicator below the upper-right antenna. The LED will light up to indicate the device's current battery level.
Current battery levels can also be checked in the NCSS mobile app or on the NextCentury web platform.
Components
A - NextLink
B - Antennas
C - Pole Mount
D - M8x50mm Screw with a Locknut
E - M8x18mm Socket Head Cap Screws
F - M8x45mm Screw with a Locknut
G - Pivot Bar
H - Band Clamps
I - Safety Cable
Installation
Note
It is recommended that two people work together to complete pole mount installations.
Connect the NextLink to the Pole Mount
Hook the arms of the pole mount into the ears of the NextLink and loosely attach the arms to the ears with two (2) M8x18mm screws.
Attach one end of the pivot bar to the pole mount using the M8x50mm bolt and M8 locknut (see item A in the illustration below).
Attach the other end of the pivot bar to the NextLink using the M8x45mm bolt and M8 locknut. Choose the appropriate set of holes in the center of the NextLink to optimize the angle of the solar panel (see item B in the illustration below). Using a wrench, tighten this bolt beyond hand-tight. Don’t use excessive force, which can result in over-tightening.
Tighten all of the bolts connecting the NextLink and mounting hardware well beyond hand tight to ensure a secure connection.
Connect the Mount to the Pole
Slide the band clamps through the slots at the top and bottom of the pole mount.
Fasten the band clamps around the pole. One person should hold the NextLink in place as the other tightens the band clamps around the pole.
Important: Install the band clamps to no more than 18 in-lbs of torque. Do not overtighten. Do not use an impact driver to tighten. Overtightening can compromise installation integrity.
Secure and Finalize Installation
Attach the safety cable to a solid mounting point near the NextLink. Depending on your installation location, you may need to loop the cable through itself around a mounting point. If no solid mounting point is available, you can loop the safety cable around the pole before securing it to the NextLink.
Attach the safety cable to the NextLink by removing one of the M8x18mm screws and using it to bolt the end of the safety cable to the mount bracket and NextLink.
Attach the antennas to the connection points on the sides of the NextLink. Screw them in by hand. Any antenna can be connected to any connection point.
Program the NextLink
Programming is the process of associating the NextLink with the property where it is installed on the NextCentury Web Platform.
To program the NextLink, download the NextCentury (NCSS) mobile app.
After you log into the app, select the correct property. Select "Program Gateway".
Programming Note
If you have a Repeater-Only version of the NextLink, select “View Repeaters,” then tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Program the NextLink by entering its serial number. You can use the app’s built-in barcode scanner to scan the NextLink’s barcode, or you can enter the serial number manually.
Wave a magnet below the upper-right antenna to verify communication with the network. Two green LED blinks indicate successful connectivity. If no confirmation is received, relocate the NextLink or add additional NextLinks as needed.
Additional Information
To check the NextLink’s current battery level, hold a magnet by the LED indicator below the upper-right antenna. The LED will light up to indicate the device's current battery level.
Current battery levels can also be checked in the NCSS mobile app or on the NextCentury web platform.
FAQ
The NextLink (NL5) is a solar-powered device that can act as a Repeater or Gateway to ensure your meter data gets to the cloud even in places without wired power or internet access.
Key benefits
- Built-in 5G LTE cellular
- Fully recharges with only 6 hours of sunlight
- Efficient power management provides up to 7 days of operation without sunlight
- Battery continues to charge even in freezing temperatures
- High-gain external antennas for extended range
- IP-68 rated for outdoor use
- All-in-one solution
- 2-way meter communication
The NextLink has the following:
- FCC ID: 2A8EC-NL5
- IC: 28950-NL5
- Contains FCC ID: 2ANPO00NRF9151
- Contains IC ID: 24529-NRF9151
Here are some tips for installing the NextLink
- Ensure the device is installed where the solar panel will receive regular sunlight (outdoor installation only)
- Higher installation is generally better. Where possible, the NextLink should be installed at least 10 feet from the ground.
- Use the included safety cable for additional device security.
- If snow is expected in your location, don't install the device in an orientation that would allow snow to build up on the surface of the solar panel.
For the full installation process, follow the guide here: NextLink Installation
The NextLink battery is designed to last for up to 7 days without any sunlight, and it needs only 6 hours of full sunlight to completely recharge.
Due to the nature of rechargeable battery technology, the battery capacity will degrade over time. The NextLink battery, which is rated for a 10-year recharge cycle, is field-replaceable. When the battery needs to be replaced, please contact your product supplier or get in touch with our dedicated Support Team:
- Phone: (844) 538-8203
- Email: support@nextmeters.com