Introduction
Not Your Fashionable Red Hat but a Clever 5G Shortcut
Have you come across the term "5G RedCap" and wondered what it means? Well, "5G RedCap" actually stands for 5G Reduced Capability, also known as New Radio lite (NR lite). You might wonder why anyone would want to reduce the capabilities of 5G, considering it is an advanced technology that requires extensive development efforts. Here's the explanation: While 5G offers significant features, including enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massiveMachine Type Communications (mMTC), and ultra Reliable Low LatencyCommunications (uRLLC), certain industries are still in the process of adapting to its advancements. Industries such as healthcare, transportation, and automotive have a relatively higher demand for 5G technology due to a stricter requirement for digital connection, whereas others might have a lower demand. More importantly, budget is another crucial reason. Hence, the market urgently requires a solution, which is an affordable 5G solution that can be adopted by every industry, driving industry digitalization and enabling all sectors to enjoy the benefits of 5G.
Therefore, in order to promote future advancements while mitigating the high cost associated with implementing 5G, the adoption of RedCap technology emerges as the optimal solution, taking into account bandwidth, power consumption, price, and other requirements based on the application, whether it falls under enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). Noticeably, RedCap complies with the 3GPP Rel.17 standard.
Features &Applications
Difference between5G and 5G RedCap
What is so special about RedCap that we insist on saying it is THE solution? Compared to the 5G module, the RedCap module distinguishes itself through four key features.
Firstly, regarding hardware complexity, the traditional 5G module boasts specifications such as 100MHz,2T4R, 4 x layer, and 256QAM, whereas the RedCap module adopts a simpler design with 20MHz, 1T1R/1T2R, 1/2 x layer, and 64QAM/256QAM. Consequently, the RedCap module requires fewer antennas, resulting in a more straightforward baseband and RF design and a smaller chip size. These simplifications lead to a more affordable cost and notably lower power consumption. The RedCap module's support for eDRX, RRM relaxation, and Envelop Tracking further reduces power consumption.
Moreover, despite the reductions in critical aspects, the RedCap module retains significant features from the 5G module. For instance, it offers support for Sub-6GHz. To be more precise, the RedCap module enables uplink and downlink speeds of 226 Mbps and 120 Mbps, respectively. Accordingly, RedCap retains the essence of 5G, including 5G slicing and 5G LAN, while ensuring reduced expense.
Additionally, when looking ahead, 3GPP Release 18 is set to encompass additional advancements in 5 G RedCap to complete it by Q1 2024. These developments will involve further simplifications, which are expected to broaden the eRedCap specifications, making it more comparable to LTE Cat 1 capability. Fibocom will keep following the latest trends of eRedCap!
Source: https://www.3gpp.org/images/PDF/Release_18_features_tsg95_v03.pdf
Which Industries Are Expected to Pilot the 5G RedCap Deployment?
Smart Grid
Now, where can RedCap module show off its superpower? RedCap module encompasses three key application categories: industrial wireless, video surveillance, and intelligent wearables sensors. These applications prioritize stable, seamless data transmission rather than ultra-low latency. RedCap module strikes a balance between enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and technologies, delivering optimal speed, energy efficiency, and cost performance.
One notable application scenario for the RedCap module is the Smart Grid, where it plays a vital role. With the low latency and high reliability of 5G, RedCap meets the safety and control requirements of the Smart Grid and significantly reduces the cost of 5 G terminals. This makes it well-suited for applications such as patrol robots, drones, security cameras, and concentrators in power generation, transmission, and consumption scenarios.
FWA (FixedWireless Access)
With the growing demand in the mobile broadband market and the development of 5G infrastructure, the manufacturer is seeking 5G adoption in their devices while maintaining high competitiveness on the price. 5G Redcap is the ideal wireless solution for FWA device manufacturers such as mobile hot spot and PC to migrate the 4G to 5G solutions. It offers an optimized 5G network experience and larger bandwidth capacity compared to the 4G solution.
Let's explore another common scenario where the RedCap module excels: medium-high speed uplink. While RedCap's uplink speed may be lower than standard 5G, it perfectly meets the uplink requirements for 4K definition video, which cannot be fulfilled by either LTE Cat.4 or Cat.6. As a result, the RedCap module finds extensive use in applications such as IPC (Internet Protocol Camera), UAV(Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) inspection, body-worn cameras, and 5G vehicles. In these scenarios, high-quality data uplink is the primary focus.
Fibocom 5G RedCap Module Portfolio
If you're amazed by the features of RedCap, you might be curious about how to incorporate them into your products. Look no further, as Fibocom offers exceptional RedCap models with outstanding features. So, get ready to unleash the potential of 5GNR light with Fibocom's RedCap modules.
· Fibocom5G RedCap module FG131 series offers a high-performance and ultra-reliable wireless solution for application scenarios that are cost-sensitive and power-enduring. Packaged in LGA form factor at the size of 37mm*39.5mm, FibocomFG131 is pin-compatible with Fibocom LTE Cat 6 module FG101 and FG621 series that, allows smooth migration from 4G to 5G RedCap. It is introduced to scale up the 5G NR light deployment for use cases such as CPE, ODU, mobile hot-spot, and USB Dongle.
· FibocomFG132 series adopts three form factor designs and is pin-compatible withFibocom LTE Cat 4 module NL668 and L716 series; it is worth noting that the dimension of FG132 (29mm*32mm in LGA form factor) accounts for only half the size of standard 5G module (41*44mm), significantly reducing the complexity of hardware design at the early stage of 5G RedCap adoption into terminals that shaped variously, for example, IP cameras, drones, wearable XR, etc. Moreover, the M.2 and mini PCIe form factors are popular among manufacturing customers as both allow flexible connectivity ports while maintaining a compact size.
Conclusion
Industries can’twait to thrive with 5G RedCap.
The emergence of 5 G RedCap, also known as New Radio lite (NR lite), has provided an innovative solution to address the varying needs of different industries when adopting 5G technology. While traditional 5G modules offer extensive capabilities, specific sectors require a more affordable and simplified alternative that still delivers essential 5G features.
RedCap also presents a significant commercial opportunity, particularly in the IoT market. Operators have well-defined plans for RedCap network iteration, including extensive projects scheduled in various domestic provinces and cities in China in 2023. RedCap can also be applied to vehicle terminals, industrial sensors, medical monitoring devices, and more. Overall, the future looks promising for RedCap, especially with a freeze of the 3GPP Rel-18 standard.
