Bridging Gaps with 5G RedCap
5G is the technology of the future, we all know it! But the path to harnessing its full potential within specific industries remains somewhat ambiguous. Furthermore, many users are hesitant to upgrade their existing infrastructure without clear evidence that the benefits of 5G will offset the costs involved. What if, however, there was a way to enjoy the advantages of 5G economically, without paying for unnecessary extras? RedCap (Reduced capability) is a groundbreaking innovation designed to offer just that. Before delving into what makes RedCap a game-changer, let's explore why it's become a necessary advancement in the world of 5G.
Why do we need RedCap?
5G technology, commonly perceived as a singular standard, is actually a broad spectrum of technologies, each tailored for different uses.
The first wave of this technology, known as 5G New Radio (5G NR), encompasses three primary types: low-band, mid-band, and high-band. Each band serves unique purposes:
Low-band 5G operates below 1 GHz, offering wide coverage and better building penetration, albeit at slower speeds.
Mid-band 5G, the most prevalent, functions between 1 GHz and 6 GHz, providing a balanced mix of coverage and speed.
High-band 5G works above 24 GHz, delivering high speeds and capacity but with limited range and building penetration.
These categories correspond to standardized application areas:
Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC).
Eenhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB).
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC).
Typically, mMTC is best suited for low-band, eMBB for mid-band, and uRLLC for high-band. However, the division into these categories does not always align with the varied demands of IoT applications, which may require features from multiple categories, thus not fitting neatly into any single existing 5G band. Additionally, the complexity and cost of supporting all three types of 5G NR can be prohibitive, especially when the precise needs of an IoT solution do not align perfectly with the capabilities of a specific 5G band. This is where RedCap steps in, offering a more tailored and cost-effective solution.
RedCap 5G: All the benefits of 5G at a lower cost
RedCap is also known as NR-Light and serves as a more adaptable option within the various categories of 5G NR.
RedCap 5G simplifies its structure, which makes it particularly effective for IoT applications, while still maintaining the broad flexibility associated with 5G NR. It's crucial to understand, however, that it only supports the standalone (SA) 5G architecture and is incompatible with the non-standalone (NSA) configuration. In practical terms, RedCap 5G delivers the quick response times expected of 5G technology, while also managing to keep capacity high and complexity low. Additionally, due to its reduced complexity, the cost of RedCap 5G is also lower.
Common RedCap 5G use cases
5G RedCap is tailored for scenarios where ultra-low latency is not a priority, but a decent level of throughput is crucial. 5G NR-Light is ideally suited for a variety of IoT applications, including:
Wireless Industrial Sensors: 5G RedCap enables the connection of wireless sensors across industrial settings, facilitating the monitoring and control of machinery and equipment. This enhances both efficiency and safety in industrial environments.
Video Surveillance: 5G NR-Light supports the real-time transmission of video from security cameras.
Smart Grids: 5G RedCap is instrumental in monitoring and managing power grids, contributing to increased grid efficiency and reliability.
Smart Wearables: 5G RedCap connects smart wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, assisting users in monitoring their health and fitness.
Each RedCap use case has specific requirements that are less demanding in terms of data rates and latency compared to regular 5G NR devices. However, they impose stricter demands on device cost/complexity and power consumption. Interestingly, the battery life requirements for RedCap use cases are more lenient than those for mMTC use cases. As shown in the image below, RedCap is specifically designed to efficiently cater to use cases with requirements that lie between the extremes of mMTC, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). Additionally, RedCap devices may also be appropriate for moderate mMTC/URLLC/eMBB use cases. For instance, when comparing RedCap requirements with those of eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC, we can observe the following:
Latency: The goal for URLLC is approximately 1 ms, whereas for RedCap scenarios, it is under 100 ms for industrial sensors and below 500 ms for video surveillance. It's important to highlight that these are baseline requirements, and RedCap devices can potentially achieve even lower latency.
Data rates: The target peak rate for eMBB is up to 20 Gbps for downlink and 10 Gbps for uplink. For the most demanding RedCap scenarios, such as wearables, the target is up to 150 Mbps for downlink and 50 Mbps for uplink.
Battery life: The aim for mMTC is a battery life of 10 to 15 years, while for RedCap scenarios, it is a few years for industrial sensors and one to two weeks for wearables. These are minimum requirements, and RedCap devices might be capable of achieving longer battery life.
With RedCap's evolution, 5G can efficiently address mid-tier Broadband IoT use cases alongside the three main usage scenarios (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) utilizing any 5G spectrum available, bridging the gap between high-performance connectivity and cost-effective solutions for IoT and industrial applications. By offering a streamlined version of 5G technology, RedCap enables a broader range of devices to benefit from enhanced connectivity, without the need for the full capabilities of traditional 5G. This innovation not only promises to accelerate the adoption of IoT devices across various sectors but also supports the development of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and advanced healthcare solutions. As the technology continues to mature, RedCap 5G is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of connected devices and expanding the reach of next-generation wireless networks. Embracing this technology will be key for businesses and developers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
