BRIDGING 4G SIMPLICITY WITH 5G POWER

RedCap unlocks affordable, energy-efficient IoT, extending its reach to underserved areas and industries without the complexity or cost of full-scale 5G.

- SHUBHENDU PARTH & DHIRENDRA PRATAP SINGH

The telecom industry is a crucial pillar of the global economy, driving connectivity for billions. With the advent of the fifth-generation mobile network (5G), the business world has embraced its promises of faster speeds, lower latency, and the capacity to connect a vast array of devices. Yet, not every application requires the full suite of 5G’s capabilities.

This is where Reduced Capability, or RedCap, comes into play.

Designed to serve devices that need lower data rates and less complexity, RedCap enables the benefits of 5G connectivity without the high cost and power demands. It is a pivotal element of the 5G ecosystem, balancing performance, cost, and energy efficiency while broadening 5G’s appeal to a broader range of use cases.

REDCAP: SIMPLIFYING 5G FOR IOT

RedCap’s primary role is to simplify 5G connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that do not require the high bandwidth or low latency of standard 5G. These include many everyday devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and low-power sensors. Unlike high-performance applications, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (uRLLC) or enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), RedCap devices use simpler hardware configurations, making them more cost-effective and energy efficient.

Sunil David, digital technology consultant and former Regional Director of IoT at AT&T India explains: “While the core pillars of standard 5G—eMBB, massive Machine Type Communications (MTC), and uRLLC—are designed for industries like healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing, many other industries need more tailored solutions. This is where RedCap steps in.”

Sachin Karkala, SVP and GM of Mavenir’s RAN Business Unit, adds that “RedCap devices consume much less power than full 5G devices. This is critical for IoT systems that run on batteries, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.”