RedCap: Unlocking scalable and efficient 5G IoT connectivity for the enterprise

A proof of concept conducted by Ericsson and MediaTek demonstrates the performance of RedCap technology in private 5G network environments. This live demonstration highlighted its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, paving the way for broader adoption in IoT connectivity.

Unlocking simpler 5G with reduced capability (RedCap)

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which sets global standards for mobile wireless communication, introduced reduced capability (RedCap) technology as part of 5G Release 17. RedCap is specifically designed for devices like industrial sensors, wearables, and video streaming equipment, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency. RedCap achieves this by reducing device complexity through fewer antennas, narrower bandwidth, and lower power consumption. This simplification allows RedCap-enabled devices to have a smaller processing footprint and longer battery life.

The global number of IoT connections is projected to reach nearly 4 billion by the end of 2024. RedCap's simplified 5G solution is expected to accelerate this growth. The adoption of RedCap-based devices will further drive down costs, with forecasts suggesting that RedCap will account for 60 percent of all cellular IoT connections by 2029.

RedCap use cases: From wearables to IoT

The reduced complexity and cost of RedCap make it ideal for devices that require a balance of performance and efficiency, offering a seamless experience for enterprise applications. Some key applications of RedCap include:

• Wearables: Smartwatches, communication devices, and health trackers can benefit from RedCap’s low power consumption, extending battery life without compromising
• Industrial sensors: Industrial wireless sensors requiring robust, real-time data transmission with efficient energy use can greatly benefit from RedCap technology.
• Video streaming cameras: RedCap-enabled devices can stream high-quality video while maintaining reduced power usage, making them ideal for surveillance and monitoring purposes.

Potential fields where RedCap can be a perfect fit:

• Ports
• Manufacturing
• Power grid
• Steel plant
• Mining
• Medical

Ericsson and MediaTek demonstrate the potential of RedCap in private 5G networks

RedCap's potential goes beyond consumer products, opening new opportunities for private 5G. For businesses seeking scalable, efficient, feature-rich connectivity, RedCap offers an ideal solution. This technology enables enterprises to deploy 5G networks with lower power consumption and reduced overall costs compared to traditional 5G devices.

While RedCap primarily focuses on simplifying enterprise IoT deployments, its capabilities extend to a variety of applications. A recent joint demonstration by Ericsson and MediaTek highlighted RedCap’s potential in live video streaming. The test compared a RedCap prototype with a high-end eMBB(enhanced mobile broadband) device, both operating on private cellular networks across CBRS and C-band spectrums. Despite the lower cost and reduced complexity, the RedCap device delivered a similar quality of experience (QoE), proving its suitability for real-time, high-performance streaming use cases like security surveillance and industrial monitoring.

The collaboration between Ericsson and MediaTek took center stage in a live demonstration at the Distributed Innovation Network at Ericsson’s US headquarters in Plano, Texas. The trial involved live video streaming over private 5G cellular networks using the CBRS (3.55-3.7 GHz) and C-band (3.7-3.98 GHz) spectrums. It featured a MediaTek RedCap prototype and a high-end mobile test platform enhanced mobile broadband (MTP eMBB) device.

Both devices were used to stream live video, and the results showed that the quality of the experience was at par across both the cost-effective RedCap device and the high-end eMBB device. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were collected, revealing that RedCap could deliver comparable performance to its more advanced counterpart in specific use cases like video streaming, demonstrating its efficiency and potential for wider application.

Architecture is a webcam is connected via a server to Ericsson’s private network over ethernet. The private network provides wireless connectivity using the Ericsson radio dot system, which supports RedCap technology. There are two webcams connected wirelessly using the C-band/CBRS spectrum of Ericsson’s private network, one using an eMBB device and another using a Mediatek redcap prototype device streaming the same video feed coming from the server webcam.

The values presented are derived from our laboratory proof-of-concept testing, and actual results may differ under real-world conditions.

During the live demonstration, several KPIs were collected separately for the two types of devices: the MediaTek RedCap prototype and the high-end eMBB, as shown below. The comparative analysis of these important performance indicators clearly demonstrates that RedCap and eMBB devices offer comparable performance in certain use cases, such as live video streaming.

Conclusion

RedCap is a significant advancement in the IoT ecosystem, offering a practical and efficient alternative for private 5G cellular networks. The demonstration by Ericsson and MediaTek showcased the potential of RedCap technology and highlighted its ability to deliver reliable and cost-effective connectivity solutions. As RedCap technology continues to evolve, it is positioned to redefine the future of 5G networks, paving the way for more widespread, affordable, and high-quality wireless communication across enterprise and consumer markets.

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