5G RedCap: A Path for Efficient and Scalable IoT

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

5G reduced capability (RedCap) is a cost-effective category of 5G technology. It’s designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices that don’t require the full speed or complexity of traditional 5G, like:  

• Wearables 
• Sensors 
• Trackers 

These devices often run on batteries and must stay connected for long periods. Traditional 5G is not optimized for these needs. High data rates and complex architecture can drain power and increase costs. 

RedCap delivers reliable performance with lower energy use and simpler hardware requirements. Compatibility with standalone 5G networks — now more widely deployed — increases its appeal. 

Rather than replacing high-speed 5G, RedCap complements it. Positioned between low-power technologies like narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and full 5G, RedCap is ideal for the next wave of connected devices. 

Wearables and Digital Health: Reliable and Continuous Connectivity 

Wearables play a vital role in modern health care. Devices like smartwatches and medical patches help people track their health. They collect data such as:  

• Heart rate 
• Oxygen levels 
• Sleep patterns 

These devices send data in real time. They require a stable connection and low power consumption. RedCap meets these needs. 

In hospitals, RedCap facilitates remote monitoring, enabling doctors to check on patients remotely without being physically present. At home, patients stay connected to their care teams. This reduces hospital visits and improves outcomes. 

RedCap also enables emergency alerts. If a patient’s condition changes, their device instantly sends a signal to care teams. This rapid response capability is lifesaving. 

Smart Surveillance with 5G RedCap: Scalable and Affordable Security 

As security systems evolve, cameras become smarter and more connected. Not all require high-definition video. Many need to transmit basic images or alerts. 

RedCap enables cameras to remain online with minimal power consumption. This is especially valuable in areas with unreliable electricity or where wired connections aren’t available. 

Cities use RedCap to expand surveillance networks by adding cameras in:  

• Parks 
• Streets 
• Public buildings  

These systems:  

• Detect motion 
• Recognize faces 
• Send alerts 

RedCap makes this possible at a lower cost. 

Industry 4.0 and Predictive Maintenance: Smarter Factories 

Factories rely on machines that must work in sync. A single failure can halt an entire production line. To prevent this, companies use sensors to monitor equipment in real time. 

With RedCap, these sensors can transmit data about: 

• Temperature 
• Vibration 
• Pressure 
• Energy use 

Access to this information helps predict potential failures, allowing issues to be addressed before breakdowns occur. This reduces downtime and saves money. 

RedCap also performs well in harsh environments and keeps sensors connected in areas with:  

• Heat 
• Dust 
• Vibration 

This makes it a strong, flexible solution for modern factories. 

Logistics and Asset Tracking: Visibility and Long Battery Life 

Transporting goods across cities or countries is complex. Companies need to track location and conditions, like temperature or shock. 

RedCap enables smart trackers to: 

• Send location updates 
• Report if a package is dropped 
• Monitor environmental factors 

These trackers last for months on a single battery and work across various networks and countries, making them ideal for global shipping. 

RedCap also supports fleet management. Trucks and vans stay connected on the road, improving delivery times and reducing fuel use. 

Smart Cities and Urban Infrastructure: Smarter Public Services 

Cities are becoming more connected through smart infrastructure. At the heart of these systems are sensors that collect and transmit data to help automate and optimize urban services. Sensors help manage:  

• Traffic 
• Lighting 
• Air quality 

These systems must be reliable and cost-effective. 

RedCap supports smart city devices, such as: 

• Streetlights that adjust brightness 
• Air sensors that detect pollution 
• Parking meters that guide drivers to available spots 

Many of these devices run on batteries or solar panels. RedCap helps them stay online with minimal power consumption. It also allows cities to scale up their networks without significant upgrades. 

This makes RedCap a key tool for building greener, more efficient cities. 

5G RedCap: A Key Enabler for the Future of IoT 

5G RedCap is not just a scaled-down version of 5G. It’s a tool for building smarter, more efficient systems. Key sectors benefiting from RedCap include: 

• Health care
• Industry 4.0
• Logistics 
• Public services 

RedCap connects devices that need to be:  

• Small 
• Efficient 
• Always online 

It lowers the cost of innovation and simplifies the development and scaling of connected solutions. As more networks adopt RedCap, its impact will grow. This technology is poised to play a major role in the future of IoT. 

Partner with Telit Cinterion to harness the capabilities of RedCap technology in your IoT and industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions. 

Consult with our team of experts to discover our 5G RedCap portfolio, offering a pathway to efficient and scalable IoT deployments.