5G RedCap for IoT: The Perfect Balance of 5G Capabilities
An overview of 5G NR-Light, including definition, benefits and advantages, as well as opportunities for IoT.
5G RedCap: Bridging the Gap for Next-Generation IoT Applications
The latest advancement in cellular technology within the IoT landscape is 5G RedCap. Designed to cater to a range of use cases, 5G RedCap adds a new dimension to IoT connectivity. This article delves into the concept of 5G RedCap, exploring its benefits, use cases, and transition timeline.
What is 5G RedCap (5G NR-Light)?
5G RedCap, short for 5G Reduced Capability; also called 5G NR-Light, is a significant addition to the 5G family. While the initial 5G release targeted enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC), and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), there emerged a need for a solution that could address applications falling between these extremes. Enter 5G RedCap – a standard introduced to bridge this gap.
Benefits for IoT
5G RedCap offers several benefits for IoT applications, including:
- Higher peak data rate: 5G RedCap can support peak data rates much higher than LTE Cat1. This means that 5G RedCap can support applications that require more data throughput, such as video surveillance or smart grid monitoring.
- Lower latency: 5G RedCap offers comparable latency to existing 4G LTE technologies, which is much lower than the latency in most LPWA technologies like NB-IoT. This means that 5G RedCap can support applications that require near real-time data communication, such as industrial automation and smart grid applications.
- Improved power consumption: 5G RedCap can help to improve the power efficiency of IoT devices, which can extend the battery life of these devices. This is important for applications that use battery-powered devices, such as wearables or sensors.
Use Cases for 5G RedCap
5G RedCap caters to applications where ultra-low latency isn’t a critical requirement, but reasonable throughput is essential. 5G NR-Light is well-suited for a wide range of IoT applications, including:
- Wireless industrial sensors: 5G RedCap can be used to connect a network of wireless industrial sensors to monitor and control machinery and equipment. This can help to improve efficiency and safety in industrial settings.
- Video surveillance: 5G NR-Light can be used to transmit video from security cameras in real-time. This can help to improve security and deter crime.
- Smart grids: 5G RedCap can be used to monitor and control the power grid. This can help to improve the efficiency and reliability of the grid.
- Smart wearables: 5G RedCap can be used to connect smart wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches. This can help people to track their health and fitness.
Connectivity Technologies for IoT: A Buyer´s Guide
Timeline for 5G RedCap Adoption
The transition from LTE Cat 1 or Cat 4 to 5G RedCap depends on factors like application lifespan and deployment region. It is important to point out that RedCap is in its infancy, and it will take quite some time before this is available globally.
Operators often begin with the non-standalone (NSA) version of 5G, anchored in 4G, before moving to the standalone (SA) version with full capabilities. The timeline for adoption will vary, with the first 5G RedCap chipsets expected in 2023 and 2024, followed by commercial devices.
Notably, regions like the US and certain APAC countries are likely to lead in adopting RedCap. Applications with long lifespan of ten years or more, would also benefit from monitoring the progress of this new technology.
Conclusion
5G RedCap is a new 5G standard that is designed to address the use cases in between the high speed Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), the ultra-reliable low latency communications (uRLLC) and the low throughput and battery efficient Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) technologies. 5G RedCap is well-suited for a wide range of IoT applications and will probably play an important role in future IoT deployments. For the time being, LTE Cat 1 and Cat 4 are the most suitable for those IoT scenarios.
To explore the broader landscape of IoT technologies, visit our page about IoT Technology.
Watch a Session from Telenor´s IoT Gathering 2023
In this session, The Latest Advancements in Connectivity Technology, Martin Whitlock, CTO of Telenor Connexion, shares Telenor IoT´s view on connectivity technologies such as LTE-M Cat1, 5G and 5G RedCap.
