Have you heard the term 5G RedCap popping up in conversations about connectivity?

You likely have—but if you’re looking for more details, it’s worth exploring.

Short for Reduced Capability, 5G RedCap is a streamlined version of 5G designed specifically for devices that don’t need the full power and complexity of traditional 5G. By offering a reduced capability profile, it bridges the gap between high-performance 5G and cost-efficient connectivity solutions, opening new opportunities for IoT and industrial applications.

5G RedCap is tailored for devices that prioritise reliability and efficiency over blazing-fast data speeds. With a target peak rate of up to 150 Mbps in downlink and 50 Mbps in uplink, it delivers ample performance for a range of connected devices. This makes it an ideal choice for applications such as smart sensors, industrial IoT devices, and wearables, where high-speed data transfer isn’t critical, but cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency are.

By balancing speed, affordability, and power consumption, 5G RedCap offers the right amount of capability for devices that demand reliable connectivity without the high data requirements of smartphones or other high-performance devices.

This focus on balance creates new possibilities for industries to scale their connectivity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

If you’re curious about how this fits into the broader 5G landscape, read more to see why RedCap might just be the solution you have been waiting for.

IN SHORT:

5G RedCap delivers reliable, cost-efficient connectivity for OT environments, optimising industrial sensors, remote monitoring, and wearables. Its low power consumption and scalable performance enable seamless integration with legacy systems, supporting predictive maintenance and automation. Ideal for mining, utilities, and smart cities, RedCap accelerates digital transformation in critical industrial operations.

So What is 5G REDCAP?

Put simply, RedCap extends the benefits of 5G to a broader range of use cases by balancing performance with affordability and efficiency. It strips back some of 5G’s more resource-intensive features—like wide bandwidth and multiple antennas—offering a middle ground between high-speed broadband and low-power low-speed IoT solutions, which are commonly used in connected devices like sensors or smart meters because they require minimal power and bandwidth.

Source: Ericsson Whitepaper “RedCap – expanding the 5G device ecosystem for consumers and industries”

In a number of scenarios, the power of 5G simply isn’t needed – but there are other benefits that still make sense. This balance is particularly impactful in industries like utilities, where remote monitoring of substations is critical, and mining, where connectivity in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas enables safer and more efficient operations. It also benefits smart cities implementing large-scale IoT solutions and manufacturing facilities adopting predictive maintenance to reduce downtime and optimise production.

As a technology, 5G RedCap was a feature introduced in 3GPP Release 17 as NR-Light. Unless you’re a telco expert, this might not mean much to you, but this globally recognised telecommunications standard aims to make 5G more accessible and efficient for devices that don’t require top-tier performance. Release 17 specifically targets innovations like RedCap to address the growing demand for affordable, energy-efficient 5G solutions in moderate data applications.

In practical terms, RedCap is tailored for moderate data applications like IoT devices, sensors, and industrial monitoring, delivering reliable 5G connectivity at a lower cost and with reduced power demands.

Why REDCAP makes a lot of sense for OT Environments

In Operational Technology environments, RedCap addresses key issues like cost, scalability, and energy efficiency.

Affordable Connectivity for Disparate Sites – One of the most compelling use cases for RedCap is enabling cost-effective connectivity to OT assets across geographically distributed locations, such as remote mines, substations, or water treatment facilities. Deploying traditional 5G equipment for such applications can be prohibitively expensive and unnecessarily complex. Industry sources suggest that RedCap’s simplified architecture can reduce hardware costs significantly, with Huawei reporting cost reductions of up to 80% for 5G NR modules and ABI Research highlighting reductions in the Bill of Materials (BOM) by up to 65% in FR1 bands. This affordability opens up opportunities for large-scale deployment of sensors and devices, making it feasible to connect assets in even the most remote and challenging environments.

For example, utilities can use RedCap-enabled sensors to monitor infrastructure across vast networks of substations, pipelines, or renewable energy installations. These sensors can relay critical data, such as equipment status, energy production, or environmental conditions, to centralised systems in real time without requiring excessive investment in infrastructure.

Low Power, High Value – RedCap’s low energy consumption makes it an ideal choice for battery-powered sensors in remote or hard-to-reach locations, such as underground mines or remote pipelines. By reducing the need for frequent maintenance, these devices can operate longer with minimal intervention, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

For solar-powered installations, RedCap’s energy-efficient design is equally beneficial. Its low power requirements mean it can seamlessly integrate with solar setups, ensuring reliable performance even in off-grid or environmentally challenging locations. This makes it ideal for remote monitoring systems, weather stations, or agricultural IoT devices where power is scarce but consistent connectivity is essential.

When it comes to battery life, different use cases demand varying performance levels. For example:

• Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) targets battery life of 10 to 15 years.
• RedCap devices, like industrial sensors, typically offer a few years of battery life.
• Wearables, on the other hand, are designed for shorter cycles, with a target of one to two weeks.

These figures represent baseline requirements, and with further advancements, RedCap devices could achieve even longer operational lifespans, making them a flexible and high-value solution for diverse industrial and IoT applications.

Scale Without Overload – Large OT operations require networks capable of managing thousands of devices seamlessly. RedCap provides scalable, efficient connectivity that supports massive deployments while optimising performance, minimising bandwidth strain, and controlling costs—ensuring growth without overwhelming infrastructure, operational budgets, or system reliability.

Reliable Data, When It Matters – While RedCap doesn’t prioritise peak data speeds, it leverages the core strengths of 5G, including low latency and reliable performance. For context, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), a 5G feature, targets latency as low as 1 millisecond for critical, real-time applications. While RedCap operates within a broader latency range—less than 100 milliseconds for industrial sensors and less than 500 milliseconds for video surveillance—its actual performance can often exceed these baseline requirements, delivering even lower latency where needed.

This reliability and responsiveness make RedCap ideal for applications requiring real-time data exchange and precision. Whether it’s enabling predictive maintenance, automating substations, or ensuring seamless operation of industrial IoT systems, RedCap provides dependable connectivity without overloading infrastructure. By balancing low latency and consistent performance, RedCap empowers organisations to optimise operations and improve decision-making in critical environments.

Mobility for Workers – RedCap also supports mobile devices like wearables, keeping field teams connected and safe in challenging environments such as extreme temperatures, remote locations with limited network access, or hazardous industrial sites like mines and offshore platforms.

Integrating RedCap into your operations

5G RedCap devices like the Teltonika RUT271 or the Teltonika RUT976 play an important role in helping organisations transition from legacy OT systems to modern, digital-first operations. By reducing hardware complexity and cost, it provides a practical entry point into 5G-enabled infrastructure. RedCap’s scalability allows businesses to adopt the technology in critical areas, such as predictive maintenance or remote monitoring, and expand it as operational needs evolve. Additionally, its integration capabilities ensure legacy systems can communicate effectively with modern IT networks, making transitions smoother and more efficient. Real-time data collection through RedCap also empowers decision-makers with actionable insights to optimise operations.

While RedCap offers clear advantages, integrating it into existing 5G infrastructure presents challenges.

Network configurations may need adjustments, such as fine-tuning bandwidth allocations or implementing network slicing (partitioning a single network into multiple virtual networks) to prioritise critical applications. Additionally, middleware solutions can bridge communication gaps between devices, ensuring seamless interoperability and smoother integration into existing systems. These challenges can be mitigated through network slicing to prioritise critical applications and adopting middleware solutions to enable seamless communication.

Cybersecurity also becomes a key concern with a larger network surface, which can be addressed by deploying endpoint security.

This involves securing individual devices (endpoints) connected to the network, such as sensors, wearables, and industrial monitoring equipment, to prevent cyber threats and ensure data integrity, and conducting regular assessments, such as vulnerability scans to identify potential weaknesses, penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks, and compliance audits to ensure adherence to industry standards.

To see an example, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) offers guidelines on conducting these assessments tailored to local regulatory requirements.

RedCap adoption is already driving innovation across industries like mining and utilities. In mining, remote sensors and cameras powered by RedCap can enhance safety and enable automation. In utilities, the technology supports large-scale IoT initiatives, such as smart meters and real-time grid monitoring, without overwhelming budgets and its energy-efficient design supports sustainability goals while fostering advancements like self-regulating systems in infrastructure.

By unlocking affordable, scalable, and reliable connectivity, RedCap positions industries to embrace the next wave of digital transformation and operational excellence. If you’re aiming to enhance and expand your connectivity capabilities without the full complexity and cost of traditional 5G, RedCap should be top of your list to investigate further.

It balances efficiency, reliability, and affordability, making it the go-to choice for industrial environments pushing towards digital transformation.

Be the First to Deliver

Now is the time to capitalise on the potential of 5G RedCap. Trialing a device today will allow you to gain hands-on expertise, fine-tune innovative solutions, and build confidence with the technology. By staying ahead of the curve, you position your organisation to shape a smarter, more connected future.

Take the lead and see how RedCap can transform your connectivity strategy today.