5G NR IoT Modules

What is 5G NR Technology?

5G New Radio (NR) is the full-featured 5G radio standard defined by 3GPP in Release 15 and later. It supports a wide range of spectrum bands in both Frequency Range 1 (FR1, sub-6 GHz) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2, millimeter wave). 5G NR delivers multi-gigabit data rates, very low latency, and massive device connectivity. It enables enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). Typical peaks exceed 1–5 Gbps downlink and 500 Mbps uplink, depending on bandwidth and MIMO configuration. It supports both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures, providing full 5G features and backward compatibility with LTE networks.

Why Choose 5G NR IoT Modules?

5G NR IoT modules deliver the highest badnwidth, lowest latency, and most advanced features available in cellular technology. They are ideal for applications that require high throughput, real-time control, and future scalability. Key benefits include:

• Maximum throughput: Multi-gigabit speeds for applications such as video analytics, edge AI, and AR/VR.
• Ultra-low latency: URLLC enables sub-10 millisecond responsiveness for automation and robotics.
• Massive MIMO and beamforming: Improve spectral efficiency, coverage, and signal reliability.
• Network slicing: Allows dedicated logical networks with guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS).
• Future-proofing: Supports new 3GPP releases and advanced 5G features for long-term deployment stability.

5G NR vs 5G RedCap vs LTE Cat 4

We select 5G NR when throughput, latency, or advanced features justify higher cost and RF complexity. RedCap fits mid-tier IoT that needs better performance than LTE Cat 4. LTE Cat 4 remains suitable for legacy or ultra-low-cost deployments.

How Does 5G NR Compare to RedCap and LTE?

5G NR extends beyond RedCap and LTE by providing wider bandwidth, lower latency, and greater scalability. Compared with LTE Cat-1 (10 Mbps downlink, 5 Mbps uplink) and Cat 4 (150 Mbps downlink, 50 Mbps uplink), NR achieves multi-gigabit speeds and single-digit millisecond latency. This makes it ideal for high-definition video, robotics, and industrial automation. While RedCap simplifies 5G for IoT by reducing antennas and limiting bandwidth to 20 MHz FR1, full NR supports up to 100 MHz in FR1 and 400 MHz in FR2. It also includes advanced 5G features such as URLLC, network slicing, massive MIMO, and precise positioning that are not available in LTE or RedCap. For mission-critical and data-intensive IoT, 5G NR delivers the performance and reliability needed for the next generation of connected systems.

What Are the Applications of 5G NR Modules?

5G NR modules power advanced IoT and industrial systems that require real-time, high-bandwidth connectivity:

• Industrial automation and robotics: Deterministic control, motion coordination, and machine vision with low latency.
• AR/VR and immersive media: Multi-gigabit throughput for seamless streaming and low-lag interaction.
• Smart cities and infrastructure: High-definition surveillance, traffic management, and environmental monitoring.
• Fixed wireless access (FWA): Broadband replacement for enterprise and residential users.
• Edge AI and gateways: Multi-sensor data fusion and high-speed uplink for real-time analytics.

Are Operators Ready for 5G NR?

5G NR runs on both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) modes. NSA networks, anchored on LTE, enabled early rollouts. SA networks, which use a native 5G Core, are now expanding globally and allow full NR features such as slicing and URLLC. Most major operators already support SA in key industrial and urban regions. For areas without SA, modules offer LTE or NSA fallback to maintain service continuity. During design and testing, it is important to verify regional SA coverage and operator readiness to ensure seamless integration and certification.

How to Integrate Cavli’s 5G NR IoT Modules?

Cavli Wireless simplifies integration of 5G NR modules with hardware, software, and cloud tools that speed up deployment:

• Form factors and interfaces: 5G NR modules are available in LGA and M.2 formats supporting PCIe, USB 3.0, SGMII, UART, PCM, and I2S interfaces. Reference schematics and antenna design support are provided.
• Linux SDK support: The OpenWrt-based SDK accelerates application development and customization for edge and networking use cases.
• Evaluation kits: Request Cavli’s 5G NR evaluation kit and AT command guide from the contact portal to streamline prototyping and testing.

How Does Cavli Hubble Enhance 5G NR Module Management?

Cavli’s Hubble platform simplifies management, monitoring, and updates for deployed NR modules:

• Real-time monitoring: Tracks connectivity, throughput, and device health.
• FOTA updates: Enables firmware upgrades with minimal downtime.
• Data plan management: Offers preset, custom, and pay-as-you-go data plans for flexible global deployment.

What Is the Future of 5G NR Technology?

5G NR continues to evolve through 3GPP Release 18 and later, introducing AI-assisted radio optimization, sub-millisecond URLLC, and improved energy efficiency. Integration with edge computing, private networks, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) will further expand NR’s capabilities. While 5G RedCap and eRedCap will serve simplified IoT devices, full 5G NR will remain the foundation for high-performance, mission-critical, and broadband IoT ecosystems. It is the platform for the next decade of connected intelligence.