Modules

5G RedCap’s Evolution and Impact on IoT

Reduced capability (RedCap) was introduced in 3GPP’s Release (Rel) 17 as part of 5G New Radio (NR). This technology enables applications that don’t need 5G NR enhanced mobile broadband’s ultrahigh gigabit speeds but require lower throughput and cost to support next-generation use cases.  

It’s important to comprehend the crucial releases that mark 5G’s commercial rollout to understand 5G RedCap better. 3GPP Rel 15 initiated early 5G deployments. It was refined further in Rel 16, which leads us to the imminent Rel 17 and the subsequent Rel 18, which introduces 5G-Advanced (5G-A). 

5G RedCap Applications and Use Cases 

RedCap bridges the gap between high-speed 5G mobile broadband and low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies. Applications include:  

Experts expect this technology rollout to take time, especially for IoT. It will evolve further with Rel 18 in 2024, with 5G massive IoT coming to fruition in 2026 or later. 4G is expected to start sunsetting by 2030, which means most cellular IoT devices will migrate to 5G networks. As a result, IoT industry applications — from consumer to industrial — will continue progressing toward new standards.  

Key Takeaways 

Join us to explore 5G RedCap and its evolution in IoT. Our discussion will serve as a comprehensive guide to the trajectory of 5G technology.  

We will explore 5G RedCap’s impact on the industry and what it means for IoT in the future. You will discover its technical nuances and its role in addressing the mid-speed gap and diverse IoT applications.  

We will discuss Rel 18 RedCap and highlight how it will further reduce costs and enhance power efficiency. In addition, we will also delve into the transition to 5G-A. 

You will learn:  

  • How this technology can help IoT providers’ long-term product roadmap  
  • 5G RedCap IoT use cases and applications  
  • The road to 5G massive IoT