RedCap
What is RedCap?
RedCap (Reduced Capability) is a simplified variant of 5G technology designed to bridge the gap between high-end 5G devices and low-power IoT devices. A lighter, specialized version designed to connect many, smaller devices that don't need extreme performance in order to connect to 5G cost-effectively.
Key Values of RedCap
- Lower Power Consumption: RedCap devices use significantly less power - typically, less than 50% compared to standard 5G. This enables longer battery life for the devices.
- Reduced Complexity: Simplified design with lower data rates and simple antenna configurations. This means it's simpler to manufacture, and they don't need to handle super-fast data-speeds.
- Cost Efficiency: Cheaper devices with lower deployment costs due to simplified hardware, also resulting in reduced power requirements. Costing less to put them into action and keep them running!
Difference from legacy 5G devices
RedCaps devices are designed to work across all the main 5G frequencies, both the longer and shorter ones. They are built efficiently with the minimum number of antennas to support the uses where you need medium amounts of data - like security cameras and industrial sensors.
Red Cap's role as a capability in 5G
Market Potential
An enabler for a larger set of IoT use cases
RedCap is set to play a crucial role in the rapidly growing IoT market, which is projected to reach over 1.5 trillion by 2030 . It enables use cases that were previously impractical due to cost, power, or complexity constraints. Potential markets include smart city infrastructure, healthcare, industrial automation, and agriculture.