March 5, 2025
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The evolution of 5G has brought us groundbreaking advancements in connectivity. While traditional 5G has been the gold standard for high-speed, ultra-low latency communication, a new player has entered the arena—5G Reduced Capability, or 5G RedCap. Designed with specific use cases in mind, RedCap offers a more efficient approach to 5G connectivity that balances performance, cost and energy efficiency.
Key Differences Between 5G RedCap and Traditional 5G
1. Device Complexity
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- Traditional 5G is engineered to deliver cutting-edge performance, often requiring complex hardware with multiple antenna arrays and enhanced processing capabilities. Traditional 5G eMBB modules also support a large number of carrier aggregation (CA) and component carrier (CC) combinations. While this complexity allows for exceptional speed and performance, particularly in applications like autonomous vehicles and ultra-high-definition video streaming, it also adds challenges during production and certification processes.
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- 5G RedCap, on the other hand, simplifies device architecture with fewer antennas, reduced hardware requirements and the absence of CA or CC support. This streamlined approach significantly lowers manufacturing costs without compromising reliable connectivity. Its less complex design positions RedCap as an ideal solution for mid-tier IoT applications, such as wearable devices, industrial sensors and other scenarios that prioritize efficiency and moderate data throughput over peak performance.
2. Energy Efficiency
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- Traditional 5G is a performance powerhouse, but its high-speed capabilities demand significant energy consumption. This can be a limitation for devices like battery-powered IoT sensors or wearables that operate in remote or difficult-to-access areas.
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- 5G RedCap shines when it comes to energy efficiency. Its lower power requirements extend device battery life. This makes RedCap an ideal solution for power-conscious applications where devices need to operate reliably in the field for extended durations, such as environmental monitoring devices or asset trackers.
3. Data Speeds
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- Traditional 5G offers blazing-fast data speeds, often exceeding 1 Gbps, which is essential for data-intensive use cases like 8K video streaming or real-time augmented reality applications.
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- 5G RedCap delivers moderate peak data rates in the range of 64-230 Mbps. While not as fast as traditional 5G, these speeds are more than adequate for mid-speed applications like video surveillance at reasonable resolutions or transmitting data from industrial sensors.
4. Spectrum Usage
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- Traditional 5G utilizes extensive spectrum resources to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable, low-latency communication (URLLC) networks. This makes it ideal for high-capacity applications but comes with a cost—higher demands on network infrastructure.
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- 5G RedCap optimizes spectrum usage for existing 5G networks, creating opportunities for efficient deployment. By leveraging the same infrastructure without the high bandwidth demands of traditional 5G, RedCap provides a cost-effective and resource-efficient connectivity layer.
- 5G RedCap optimizes spectrum usage for existing 5G networks, creating opportunities for efficient deployment. By leveraging the same infrastructure without the high bandwidth demands of traditional 5G, RedCap provides a cost-effective and resource-efficient connectivity layer.
Application Areas for Traditional 5G and 5G RedCap
Traditional 5G
Traditional 5G is best suited for high-performance applications where speed, low latency and massive data handling are critical. Key application areas include:
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- Autonomous Vehicles: Ultra-reliable and low-latency communication ensures safe and accurate navigation.
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- Smart Factories: High-speed data exchange between sensors, robots and control systems powers Industry 4.0 automation.
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- AR/VR: Immersive experiences require rapid data transfer with minimal lag.
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- Entertainment and Media: Seamless streaming of ultra-high-definition content like 8K video.
- Entertainment and Media: Seamless streaming of ultra-high-definition content like 8K video.
5G Reduced Capability (RedCap)
5G RedCap excels in scenarios that require moderate data speeds and prioritize cost-efficiency, longevity and energy savings. Ideal use cases include:
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- Internet of Things (IoT): From smart meters to agricultural sensors, RedCap provides reliable connectivity at a lower cost.
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- Smart Cities: Connected infrastructure, such as streetlights and parking systems, benefits from RedCap’s energy-efficient design.
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- Video Surveillance: RedCap enables continuous monitoring with moderate data rates, reducing complexity and expense.
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- Wearables: Lightweight, energy-efficient connectivity is key for devices like health and fitness trackers.
- Wearables: Lightweight, energy-efficient connectivity is key for devices like health and fitness trackers.
Choosing the Right Technology for Your Needs
Deciding between traditional 5G and 5G RedCap comes down to understanding your application’s specific requirements. Here are some considerations to guide your choice:
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- Performance Needs: If your application demands ultra-high speeds and low latency, traditional 5G is the better fit. However, if moderate performance suffices, RedCap can provide a more affordable solution.
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- Cost Constraints: RedCap’s simplified hardware and lower energy consumption translate to cost savings, making it a compelling option for IoT devices and wearables with budgetary limitations.
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- Energy Requirements: For battery-powered devices requiring extended lifespans, RedCap’s energy-efficient design outweighs the benefits of traditional 5G.
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- Future-Proof Connectivity: Both technologies are part of the 5G ecosystem and will remain relevant for years to come. Understanding your long-term needs will help determine which path offers the right balance of cost and capability.
- Future-Proof Connectivity: Both technologies are part of the 5G ecosystem and will remain relevant for years to come. Understanding your long-term needs will help determine which path offers the right balance of cost and capability.
Is 5G RedCap the Next Big IoT Evolution?
While 5G RedCap is brimming with potential, the question of whether it’s ready for widespread implementation depends on various factors, including network readiness, module certifications and specific application needs.
- Infrastructure Requirements: RedCap relies on existing 5G infrastructure, but unlike other 5G modules, RedCap modules are not compatible with non-standalone (NSA) mode, making the deployment of 5G standalone (SA) networks a critical prerequisite.
Device Certifications: Although several 5G RedCap modules are available, they must undergo extensive testing and carrier certification before they can be deployed at scale. Semtech’s EM8695 5G RedCap module, powered by the Qualcomm® SDX35 chipset, has set a benchmark by achieving FCC and PTCRB certifications. It has also undergone successful testing on AT&T’s RedCap network, marking a turning point for the technology’s commercial viability.
Learn More
As 5G RedCap solutions are coming to market, businesses and industries need to carefully weigh the advantages of RedCap against their unique requirements. To guide you through this decision-making process, watch our webinar, “Is 5G RedCap the Right Choice for Your IoT Connectivity?” Industry leaders discussed RedCap network readiness, how to evaluate its suitability for specific applications and essential steps to ensure a seamless integration.
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