The future of the IoT sector looks promising with global cellular connections projected to exceed 29 billion units by 2027, according to IoT Analytics. This growth is attributed to emerging connectivity solutions like 5G REDCAP, NB-IoT, and 4G Cat-1 technologies tailored for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications.
These innovations promise cost-effective support for various IoT projects across industrial, commercial, and consumer sectors.
Momentum of 5G
The advent of 5G in 2019 marked a new era in mobile networks, offering superior performance compared to its predecessors. With features like high data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased availability, and enhanced user experiences, 5G is revolutionizing connectivity.
According to the recent Ericsson Mobility Report, the proliferation of 5G-compatible devices is outstripping the growth of 4G LTE subscriptions, setting the stage for a massive 5G transition. By 2029, 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 60% of all global connections, totaling over 5.6 billion.
5G New Radio Reduced Capacity (NR REDCAP): Bridging the Gap
Despite the significant advantages of 5G, many IoT applications don’t require the high-performance capabilities of smartphones. This is where a streamlined version of 5G, known as 5G NR REDCAP, comes into play.
5G NR REDCAP serves as a bridge between efficient LPWA Networks and critical IoT functionalities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as sensors, actuators, and trackers. This technology offers higher bandwidth than NB-IoT or 4G Cat-1, with lower data rates and latency.
One of the key advantages of 5G NR REDCAP is its ability to reduce costs for large-scale IoT deployments by providing optimal connectivity tailored to mid-tier IoT use cases.
5G NR REDCAP Features
5G NR REDCAP devices can efficiently handle 150 Mbps in the downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink, offering similar bandwidth to standard 4G LTE connections. Additional features include:
- Narrower bandwidths in sub-7 GHz and mmWave frequency bands
- Single transmit and receive antennas
- Support for half-duplex TDD and lower-order modulation
- Lower transmit power
With enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency, NR REDCAP enables new IoT applications at a lower cost, extending device battery life and delivering valuable insights to enterprises without the complexity of high-end 5G solutions.
Use Cases and Applications
5G NR REDCAP sets the stage for widespread adoption of 5G in intelligent IoT applications across industries like logistics, retail, and telematics. Its flexibility and scalability open doors to innovative use cases, reducing operational costs and driving the next wave of IoT transformation.