RedCap, la 5G des objets connectés
Originally, 5G RedCap was known as 5G NR-Light. With the release of 3GPP version 17, it was introduced as 5G RedCap, for Reduced Capability. What sets this innovation apart? Its moderate throughput, sufficient to meet the needs of most IoT applications. For many industrials, 5G doesn’t necessarily need to be extremely fast, but cost-effective. 5G RedCap, less powerful but more pragmatic, offers better performance than LTE Category 4 at lower costs.
Considered a lite version of 5G, 5G RedCap uses reduced bandwidth up to 20 MHz. It was developed for connected objects and industrial applications requiring reasonable average throughput, low latency, and optimized energy consumption. This technology complements the IoT ecosystem by providing a solution between low-power, low-bandwidth networks (NB-IoT and LTE-M) and 5G IoT, which is more energy-intensive but offers immediate reactivity.
3 advantages of RedCap for IoT devices
Specifically designed for IoT applications, 5G RedCap offers several benefits:
- Reduced latency
Latency is better than existing 4G LTE technologies. It is lower than LPWA technologies like NB-IoT, making it ideal for applications requiring near real-time data transmission, such as industrial automation.
- Improved energy consumption
5G RedCap helps to extend the lifespan of IoT devices and improve their energy efficiency. Compared to standard 5G, 5G RedCap is better suited for battery-powered devices like IoT sensors.
- Higher data throughput
By supporting higher data rates than LTE Cat 1, this technology can support applications requiring high data throughput, such as video surveillance.
What are the common use cases for 5G RedCap?
5G RedCap extends the battery life of connected objects while providing reliable and reasonable throughput. For businesses and communities, its use can make all the difference. Here are some scenarios:
- Industrial IoT
Ideal for monitoring connected machines and robots, 5G RedCap connects battery-powered IoT sensors with moderate bandwidth needs. For example, thermal or vibration sensors integrated into critical machines can relay data in near real-time. This technology allows for the replacement of Ethernet cables without losing reactivity. Factories can thus benefit from the robustness of 5G without overinvesting.
- Wearable connected objects
5G RedCap is a technology that meets the requirements of wearable IoT objects such as smart watches, health trackers, and virtual reality headsets. With it, medical patches can continuously transmit medical data (pH, glucose levels, heart rate) without rapidly draining their batteries.
- Video surveillance
Security cameras typically require bandwidth ranging from 5 Mbit/s (low resolution) to 25 Mbit/s (high definition). 5G RedCap offers sufficient throughput for this use case and reliable connectivity.
- Smart cities
The advantage of 5G RedCap for air quality sensors and smart traffic lights? They benefit from sufficiently low latency to streamline live traffic and reduce waiting times at lights (thereby reducing fuel consumption).
Also read: How to use IoT in cities to improve the quality of life?
Deployment of 5G RedCap: where do we stand?
To offer maximum coverage, 5G RedCap is compatible with the current 5G network (5G SA) already deployed across the territory. Explanation.
5G SA, the “real 5G”
Also known as 5G+, 5G SA operates independently of the existing 4G infrastructure, as all these infrastructures are entirely dedicated to 5G. Not subject to 4G limitations, 5G SA leverages all the advantages of 5G with faster data rates, lower latency, and increased reliability. More robust and efficient networks will be able to manage the increasing influx of billions of connected devices.
More flexible, 5G SA supports advanced features like network slicing, allowing operators to create multiple virtual networks tailored to different use cases. This comprehensive and scalable solution meets the needs of today’s businesses while laying the groundwork for those of tomorrow.
By offering a balanced approach between performance, efficiency, and energy savings, 5G RedCap represents a major advancement in wireless communication technologies. Suitable for a wide range of IoT solutions, it offers unparalleled reliability. While it is still in its early stages and requires some time before becoming globally available, it is expected to play a major role in future IoT deployments.
Are you hesitating between 5G RedCap, LTE-M, NB-IoT, or 4G? The experts at Objenious, a Bouygues Telecom brand dedicated to the Internet of Things, are ready to listen to your needs. We rely on a multi-technology range including 4G, 5G, LTE-M, and NB-IoT to offer a tailored architecture. The goal? Having the right technology in the right place. To learn more, contact our experts.