Ericsson Reduced Capability (RedCap)

A simple software addition to 5G standalone.

Ride the next wave of 5G with Ericsson Reduced Capability (RedCap)

Ericsson's new Reduced Capability (RedCap) RAN software opens up a new world of possibilities for communication service providers. This simple software addition will allow them to introduce services beyond enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) on 5G standalone architecture, broadening the ecosystem and offering new monetization opportunities in both the consumer and industrial spaces.

5G 5G RAN IoT

Ericsson Reduced Capability (RedCap) is a new RAN software solution that enhances existing 5G use cases and enables new ones (mid-tier use cases) for devices such as smartwatches, other wearables, and industry sensors by lowering complexity and extending battery life.

With service providers continuously investing in network capabilities to seize the opportunities offered by 5G, the next wave will help them grow their consumer business and enable new industry applications, all while improving system performance and energy efficiency.

5G RedCap is the driving force behind the expansion of the new radio (NR) device ecosystem.

Specifications

Supports both FDD and TDD spectrum (low and mid-band) 
Max channel bandwidth 20 MHz  
Max throughput up to 50 (Uplink)/150(Downlink) Mbps 
Typical 1Tx/1Rx or 1Tx/2Rx antennas 
Increases maximum battery time from weeks to a few years  
Up to Max 256 QAM modulation 
Supports advanced NR capabilities necessary for IoT, UE Grouping, network slicing etc.

Capture the next wave of consumer and industry business opportunities with RedCap.

Broaden connectivity options for diverse use cases

Improve consumer experience and extend battery life

Accelerate the transition from 4G to 5G

The introduction of New Radio (NR) RedCap devices will help expand the 5G ecosystem to cater for the use cases that are not yet best served by current NR specifications. This enables significantly more connections to the 5G network.

Compared to LTE device category 4, RedCap offers similar data rates with improved latency, device energy efficiency and spectrum efficiency.

There is also the potential to support 5G NR features such as enhanced positioning and network slicing.

For consumers

Smartwatch/wearable – longer battery life with richer functionality
AR/VR- slim form factor AR glasses for shopping, sightseeing, mid-range multimedia, service applications, information and education

For industry

Video monitoring – keep an eye on your entire facility using cameras and sensors
Smart manufacturing - connecting every part of the process
Inventory management – register your stock, move it around and change its status when sold or delivered

Enhanced user experience
Super-fast response times
Higher data rates
Greater capacity and coverage
Increased monetization opportunities
Simplified operation and service agility
Ultimate 5G architecture

"5G is designed fundamentally as a highly customizable service. The evolution of NR RedCap from Ericsson, coupled with the advanced technologies deployed throughout our 5G network, will serve to bring that customization to life for a variety of devices, allowing us to efficiently allocate network resources while giving customers the best possible experience on our network. We look forward to how this advancement will help evolve the 5G ecosystem."

- Bill Stone, Vice President for Technology Planning at Verizon