5G RedCap IoT Modules

What is 5G RedCap Technology?

5G Reduced Capability or 5G NR-Light (3GPP Release 17), is a lightweight 5G standard designed for IoT applications requiring higher performance than 4G but less complexity than full 5G. It delivers data speeds up to 220 Mbps downlink and 120 Mbps uplink, offering a cost-effective, power-efficient solution for real-time IoT use cases.

Why Choose 5G RedCap IoT Modules?

5G RedCap IoT modules provide a balance of performance, cost, and power efficiency, ideal for mid-tier IoT applications. Key benefits include:

• High-Speed Connectivity: Up to 220 Mbps downlink and 120 Mbps uplink, surpassing LTE Cat-4 (150 Mbps DL, 50 Mbps UL).
• Low Latency: Enabling real-time applications like telehealth and V2X.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduced complexity (fewer antennas, 20 MHz bandwidth in FR1) lowers module costs by 50–70% compared to full 5G.
• Power Efficiency: Features like extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) extend battery life up to weeks for wearables and years for sensors.
• Future-Proof: Supports 5G standalone (SA) networks and 5G-Advanced evolution.

How Does 5G RedCap Compare to LTE and 5G NR?

5G RedCap serves as a bridge between LTE (Cat-1 and Cat-4) and full 5G NR, offering a migration path for IoT devices. Compared to LTE Cat-1 (10 Mbps DL, 5 Mbps UL) and Cat-4 (150 Mbps DL, 50 Mbps UL), 5G RedCap provides higher throughput (up to 220 Mbps DL, 120 Mbps UL) and lower latency, ideal for data-intensive IoT applications like video surveillance and industrial sensors.

Unlike 5G NR, which supports up to 1 Gbps DL and high-bandwidth use cases (e.g., AR/VR gaming), 5G RedCap uses fewer antennas and a 20 MHz bandwidth in FR1, reducing costs by 50–70% and power consumption via features like eDRX. It also adds 5G benefits like network slicing and enhanced positioning, unavailable in LTE. For cost-sensitive applications, 3GPP Release 18’s eRedCap (2026 rollout) further reduces bandwidth (~10 Mbps), aligning closer to LTE Cat-1 for ultra-low-cost devices.

What Are the Applications of 5G RedCap Modules?

5G RedCap technology enables a wide range of IoT applications with real-time connectivity:

• Wearables: Smartwatches and health monitors (5–50 Mbps DL, 2–5 Mbps UL) benefit from extended battery life.
• Video Surveillance: Supports 2–4 Mbps video bitrates for drones and security cameras.
• Industrial IoT: Wireless sensors monitor machinery for real-time applications.
• Smart Grids: Enhances real-time power distribution management.
• Logistics and Asset Tracking: Enables precise tracking with GNSS support.
• Router / Gateway Solutions: Enables high-throughput data aggregation in industrial applications.

Are Operators Ready for 5G RedCap?

5G RedCap requires 5G standalone (SA) networks, with global rollouts accelerating. AT&T achieved a U.S.-first RedCap data call in July 2023, signaling growing carrier support. AT&T has since announced the launch of nationwide 5G RedCap coverage, serving over 200 million points of presence (POPs) across the United States. This milestone signifies a major step in expanding 5G connectivity to a wider range of devices, particularly those with lower power consumption and bandwidth requirements, commonly found in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Cavli’s CQM220 module includes LTE fallback (up to 150 Mbps DL, 50 Mbps UL) for connectivity in areas without SA coverage. As of 2025, 61 operators in 34 countries have deployed 5G SA, with broader availability expected by 2026 (Ericsson Mobility Report, 2025).

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

Cavli Wireless simplifies integration of 5G RedCap IoT modules with developer-friendly tools and comprehensive support, enabling seamless deployment for IoT applications:

• Form Factors and Interfaces: The CQM220 5G RedCap module is available in M.2 and LGA form factors, supporting SGMII, USB 2.0, UART, and audio interfaces (PCM, I2S). Explore our interface matrix for detailed specifications.
• OpenWrt with SDK Support: Accelerate Linux-based development with our OpenWrt based SDK, designed for easy customization and integration.
• Evaluation Kits: Request a CQM220 5G RedCap module evaluation kit and AT command references through our contact page to streamline development and testing.

How Does Cavli Hubble Enhance 5G RedCap Module Management?

• Real-Time Monitoring: Tracks modem performance and connectivity.
• FOTA Updates: Ensures modules stay current with minimal downtime.
• Data Plan Management: Preset data plans, custom data plans and Pay-as-you-Go plans are available offering OEMs a seamless way to organize data usage for their deployments.

What’s the Future of 5G RedCap Technology?

5G RedCap is evolving with 3GPP Release 18’s eRedCap (2026 rollout), targeting ~10 Mbps throughput and enhanced positioning for trackers and wearables. These improvements further reduce BOM costs and power consumption, making eRedCap a viable replacement for LTE Cat-1/Cat-1bis in low-data-rate applications.