5G RedCap Hardware: Modules, Routers, Gateways & Devices
A comprehensive guide to the RedCap ecosystem — from chipsets to complete solutions
The 5G RedCap hardware ecosystem has expanded rapidly since 3GPP Release 17 finalised the specification. This page provides a detailed breakdown of available hardware across all categories — chipsets, modules, industrial routers, gateways, consumer devices, and supporting components like antennas and connectivity.
New to RedCap? For a technical explanation of the standard itself, see What is 5G RedCap?
For UK-specific deployment context, see 5G RedCap in the UK
On This Page
5G RedCap Chipsets & Platforms
The chipset is the foundation of every RedCap device. Two vendors dominate the current market, with several others entering or preparing eRedCap solutions.
Major 5G RedCap chipset vendors and platforms
| Chipset | Vendor | Peak DL/UL | Process | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon X35 | Qualcomm | 220/100 Mbps | 4nm | First commercial RedCap, integrated modem-RF, optimised power |
| T300 / M60 | MediaTek | 227/122 Mbps | 6nm | First single-die RFSOC, Arm Cortex-A35, 60% lower power than 4G |
| V517 | UNISOC | ~220/100 Mbps | — | Cost-optimised for China market, emerging globally |
| ASR1903 | ASR Microelectronics | ~220/100 Mbps | — | Cost-focused, growing adoption in modules |
5G RedCap Modules
Modules are the building blocks for OEMs and device manufacturers. They integrate the chipset, RF front-end, and supporting components into a standardised form factor that can be designed into routers, gateways, cameras, and other devices.
Leading 5G RedCap module manufacturers
Module Comparison
| Module | Manufacturer | Chipset | Form Factor | Size (mm) | LTE Fallback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG255C-GL | Quectel | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | 32 × 29 × 2.4 | Cat 4 |
| RG255C M.2 | Quectel | Snapdragon X35 | M.2 | 30 × 42 | Cat 4 |
| FG131 | Fibocom | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | 37 × 39.5 | Cat 6 |
| FG132-GL | Fibocom | Snapdragon X35 | LGA / M.2 / mPCIe | 29 × 32 (LGA) | Cat 4 |
| FM330 | Fibocom | MediaTek T300 | M.2 | 30 × 42 | Cat 6 |
| FE910C04 | Telit Cinterion | Snapdragon X35 | xE910 LGA | 28.2 × 28.2 | Cat 4 |
| FN920C04 | Telit Cinterion | Snapdragon X35 | M.2 | 30 × 42 × 2.3 | Cat 4 |
| SIM8230 | SIMCom | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | — | Cat 4 |
| SRM813Q | MeiG Smart | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | — | Cat 4 |
Form factor notes: LGA modules require PCB design integration. M.2 cards are plug-and-play for routers and gateways with standard slots. Mini PCIe suits legacy industrial equipment upgrades.
5G RedCap Industrial Routers
Industrial routers are the most deployment-ready option for organisations wanting to use RedCap today. They integrate the module, power management, interfaces, and management software into a ruggedised enclosure.
Teltonika’s 5G RedCap industrial router lineup
Other Industrial Router Options
Beyond Teltonika, several manufacturers are developing or have announced RedCap router products:
- Digi International — IX20 and EX15 routers with RedCap M.2 card upgrade path (Telit FN920C04)
- PLANET Technology — 5G NR Industrial Gateway series
- Robustel — Note: The R5020 is full 5G NR (Release 15/16), not RedCap. RedCap models expected.
Gateways & CPE Devices
Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and fixed wireless gateways represent a major market for RedCap, offering a cost-effective alternative to full 5G for broadband and enterprise connectivity.
TCL RedCap Family
TCL has established itself as the leader in consumer RedCap devices, launching the first commercially available RedCap product in North America:
| Device | Type | Chipset | Key Features | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL LINKPORT IK511 | USB Dongle | Snapdragon X35 | USB-C, 5G connectivity for laptops/tablets, network slicing, URLLC | Available (T-Mobile US) |
| TCL LINKHUB HH511 | Home/Office CPE | Snapdragon X35 | Fixed wireless broadband, home/small business | Announced |
| TCL LINKZONE MW511 | Mobile MiFi | Snapdragon X35 | Portable hotspot, battery powered | Announced |
Other CPE & Gateway Devices
- MeiG SRT835 CPE — Fixed wireless access terminal for home broadband
- MeiG SRT875R MiFi — Portable mobile hotspot
- MeiG SRT835R ODU — Outdoor unit for enhanced coverage
- Askey RedCap Camera — Integrated surveillance with RedCap connectivity
Consumer Devices & Wearables
RedCap’s low power consumption and reduced complexity make it ideal for wearables and consumer IoT devices. The ecosystem is now beginning to see mainstream adoption.
Consumer device categories benefiting from 5G RedCap
Antennas for 5G RedCap
RedCap operates on 5G Sub-6GHz bands, which means antenna requirements are similar to existing 4G/5G antennas. Key considerations:
Antenna Requirements
- Frequency bands: Sub-6GHz (typically n1, n3, n7, n28, n77, n78 in UK/Europe)
- MIMO configuration: RedCap uses 1T2R (1 transmit, 2 receive) — simpler than full 5G’s 4×4 MIMO
- Form factor: Adhesive, magnetic mount, wall/pole mount, or embedded depending on application
- Gain: Higher gain antennas (5-9 dBi) beneficial for fixed installations; lower gain for mobile/wearable
Recommended Antenna Types
| Type | Best For | Typical Gain | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stubby / Blade | Routers, indoor use | 2-3 dBi | SMA direct attach |
| MIMO Panel | Fixed installations, outdoor | 5-9 dBi | Wall/pole mount |
| Adhesive/Puck | Vehicle, discreet install | 3-5 dBi | Magnetic or adhesive |
| Combo (5G + Wi-Fi + GPS) | Industrial gateways | Variable | Roof/pole mount |
Note: Because RedCap uses 1T2R rather than 4×4 MIMO, antenna requirements are simpler and more cost-effective than full 5G deployments.
IoT SIM Cards for RedCap
RedCap devices require SIM connectivity that supports 5G SA (Standalone) networks. Traditional SIMs may work, but for reliable IoT deployment, consider:
SIM Requirements for RedCap
- 5G SA Support: Essential — RedCap only works on Standalone 5G networks
- Multi-network / Roaming: Important for coverage where 5G SA is limited
- LTE Fallback: Most RedCap devices fall back to LTE Cat 4 — ensure SIM supports both
- eSIM / eUICC: Increasingly common in modules, enables remote provisioning
- Data Plans: RedCap devices typically use 5-50 GB/month (far less than smartphones)
UK Network Considerations
In the UK, 5G SA availability varies by operator:
- EE: 5G SA rolling out, primarily urban areas
- Vodafone: 5G SA in development, focus on enterprise
- Three: 5G SA expansion ongoing
- Multi-network SIMs: Recommended for maximum coverage and fallback resilience
For UK IoT deployments, a multi-network roaming SIM with LTE fallback ensures connectivity regardless of 5G SA coverage gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chipset do most 5G RedCap modules use?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X35 is the dominant chipset in Western markets, used by Quectel, Fibocom, Telit Cinterion, and TCL. MediaTek’s T300/M60 is the main alternative, offering similar performance with different power characteristics. Chinese manufacturers also use HiSilicon, UNISOC, and ASR chipsets.
How much does a 5G RedCap router cost?
Industrial RedCap routers like the Teltonika RUT271 start around £230 (ex VAT). More feature-rich models like the RUT976 with serial interfaces and GNSS are approximately £350. This is significantly less than full 5G industrial routers, which typically exceed £500-800.
Can I use a 5G RedCap device on 4G networks?
Yes. Most RedCap modules and devices include LTE Cat 4 fallback, which provides connectivity where 5G SA is unavailable. This is essential during the current transition period when 5G Standalone coverage is still expanding.
What speed does 5G RedCap actually achieve?
Peak theoretical speeds are approximately 220-227 Mbps download and 100-123 Mbps upload, depending on the chipset. Real-world performance typically ranges from 50-150 Mbps download. This is significantly faster than LTE Cat 4 (~150 Mbps theoretical, often 20-50 Mbps real-world) with lower latency.
Is Robustel’s R5020 a RedCap router?
No. The Robustel R5020 is a full 5G NR router based on 3GPP Release 15/16, not RedCap (Release 17). Robustel has not yet announced a dedicated RedCap product. Teltonika’s RUT271, RUT276, and RUT976 are currently the leading RedCap industrial router options.
What is eRedCap and when will it be available?
eRedCap (enhanced RedCap) is defined in 3GPP Release 18 and offers even lower power consumption and complexity. It’s designed to replace LTE Cat 1bis for the most constrained IoT devices. eRedCap chipsets are expected in 2026-2027, with widespread device availability from 2028.
Does RedCap work with network slicing?
Yes. 5G RedCap supports network slicing, 5G LAN, and URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication). These are key 5G features that make RedCap valuable for industrial and enterprise IoT, enabling dedicated bandwidth and guaranteed QoS for specific applications.
Which UK networks support 5G RedCap?
5G RedCap requires 5G Standalone (SA) networks. In the UK, EE, Vodafone, and Three are all deploying 5G SA, but coverage is still primarily urban. For UK deployments, using a multi-network SIM with LTE fallback is recommended to ensure connectivity across all areas.
What’s the difference between M.2 and LGA module form factors?
M.2 modules are plug-and-play cards that fit standard slots in routers and gateways — easy to swap and upgrade. LGA (Land Grid Array) modules are surface-mount components soldered to a PCB, used by OEMs designing custom devices. Mini PCIe modules suit legacy industrial equipment upgrades.
Should I wait for eRedCap or deploy RedCap now?
For most applications, deploying RedCap now makes sense. Current Release 17 RedCap hardware is mature and available. eRedCap (Release 18) won’t see widespread device availability until 2028+. If your application has very constrained power requirements (battery-powered sensors), waiting may be worthwhile. For gateways, routers, and industrial controllers, RedCap is ready today.
5G RedCap Hardware Chipsets, Modules, Routers and Devices
5G RedCap hardware is built on reduced-capability 5G chipsets defined in 3GPP Release 17. These chipsets are integrated into modules, routers, gateways, and consumer devices designed to deliver moderate 5G performance with lower power consumption and reduced hardware complexity compared to full 5G NR.
This page provides an overview of the current 5G RedCap hardware ecosystem, covering chipsets, modules, routers, gateways, and early consumer devices, with a focus on IoT and M2M deployments.
5G RedCap chipsets
Several semiconductor manufacturers have released RedCap chipsets based on 3GPP Release 17 specifications. These chipsets form the foundation for commercially available RedCap modules and end devices.
RedCap chipset overview
| Manufacturer | Chipset | Peak downlink | Process node | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm | Snapdragon X35 | 220 Mbps | 4 nm | First commercial RedCap modem (Feb 2023), integrated RF, LTE Cat 4 fallback |
| MediaTek | T300 / M60 | 227 Mbps | 6 nm (TSMC) | Single-die RFSoC, claimed 60% lower power than LTE Cat 4, ~70% lower than 5G eMBB |
| UNISOC | V517 | 220 Mbps | — | Integrated baseband and RF, targeting cost-sensitive markets |
| ASR Microelectronics | ASR1903 | — | — | Focused on low-cost IoT implementations |
| Sequans | Taurus LT / 5G NR eRedCap | ~10 Mbps (eRedCap) | — | Release 18 eRedCap, ultra-low-cost and ultra-low-power focus |
Qualcomm and MediaTek currently dominate the RedCap chipset market. According to ABI Research, approximately 39% of RedCap module launches used the Qualcomm X35 and 13% used the MediaTek M60 during 2023.
5G RedCap modules for IoT and M2M
Module manufacturers integrate RedCap chipsets into standard form factors suitable for industrial routers, gateways, cameras, CPE, and embedded IoT devices.
Commercially available and announced RedCap modules
| Manufacturer | Module | Chipset | Form factor | DL / UL speed | LTE fallback | Regional variants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quectel | RG255C series | MediaTek M60 | LGA | 223 / 123 Mbps | Cat 4 | GL, EU, NA, CN |
| Fibocom | FG131 series | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | 223 / 123 Mbps | Cat 4 | NA, EU |
| Fibocom | FG132 series | Snapdragon X35 | M.2 | 223 / 123 Mbps | Cat 4 | Global |
| Fibocom | FM330 series | MediaTek T300 | LGA / M.2 | 227 / 122 Mbps | Cat 4 | Multiple |
| Fibocom | FG332 | MediaTek T300 | LGA (29×32 mm) | 227 / 122 Mbps | Cat 4 | NA, EU, APAC |
| Telit Cinterion | FE910C04 | Snapdragon X35 | LGA | 220 / 100 Mbps | Cat 4 | Global |
| Telit Cinterion | FN920C04 | Snapdragon X35 | M.2 | 220 / 100 Mbps | Cat 4 | Global |
| SIMCom | SIM8230 | — | LGA / LCC | 220 / 100 Mbps | Cat 4 (200/75 Mbps) | Multiple |
| Cavli Wireless | CQM220 | — | M.2 / LGA | 220 / 120 Mbps | Yes | Global |
| Semtech (Sierra Wireless) | EM8695 | — | M.2 | 223 / 123 Mbps | Cat 4 | Global (FCC / PTCRB) |
| MeiG Smart | SRM813Q series | Snapdragon X35 | LGA (29×32 mm) | 220 / 120 Mbps | Cat 4 | CN, NA, EA |
| Neoway | N512A-CN | — | LGA | — | Yes | China |
| MultiTech | 5G NR RedCap Microcell | Telit module | USB modem | — | Yes | — |
Most RedCap modules support 5G Standalone (SA) operation with LTE Category 4 fallback, allowing deployments in areas where 5G SA coverage is not yet available.
LGA modules are intended for embedded designs, while M.2 cards suit routers and gateways with standard module slots.
5G RedCap routers and gateways
Industrial routers and gateways with dedicated RedCap support are now commercially available, targeting IoT, M2M, and enterprise connectivity applications.
Industrial RedCap routers and gateways
| Manufacturer | Product | Module / chipset | Type | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teltonika Networks | RUT271 | Quectel (MediaTek) | Compact industrial router | 223/123 Mbps, Wi-Fi 4, 2× Ethernet, single SIM, −40 °C to 75 °C |
| Teltonika Networks | RUT976 | MediaTek | Industrial router | 223/123 Mbps, Wi-Fi 4, 4× Ethernet, RS232/RS485, dual SIM, GNSS |
| Digi International | IX20 (RedCap upgrade) | Telit FN920C04 | Industrial router | Field-replaceable CORE modem, dual Ethernet, cloud management |
| Digi International | EX15 (RedCap upgrade) | Telit FN920C04 | Enterprise router | CORE modem architecture, enterprise-grade security |
| PLANET Technology | 5G NR Industrial Gateway | Fibocom | Industrial gateway | 5G RedCap + fibre, industrial-grade design |
| Askey | NR-Lite 5G RedCap Camera | Fibocom FG132 | IP camera | Outdoor surveillance, integrated 5G |
Note: Robustel R5020 series routers are full 5G NR devices (3GPP Release 15/16), not RedCap. They support higher throughput using full 5G radios, but with higher cost and power consumption than RedCap-based devices.
5G RedCap consumer devices
Consumer-oriented RedCap devices are beginning to appear, mainly as USB dongles, mobile hotspots, and CPE products for fixed or nomadic use.
Consumer RedCap devices
| Manufacturer | Product | Type | Chipset | Speed | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL | LINKPORT IK511 | USB-C dongle | Snapdragon X35 | 220 Mbps DL | T-Mobile US (Oct 2024) |
| TCL | LINKHUB HH511 | RedCap CPE | Snapdragon X35 | 220 Mbps DL | 2024–2025 |
| TCL | LINKZONE MW511 | Mobile hotspot | Snapdragon X35 | 220 Mbps DL | 2024–2025 |
| MeiG Smart | SRT835 | RedCap CPE | SRM813Q + Wi-Fi 6 | 220 Mbps DL | 2024 |
| MeiG Smart | SRT875R | RedCap MiFi | Snapdragon X35 | 220 Mbps DL | 2024 |
| MeiG Smart | SRT835R | RedCap ODU | SRM813Q | 220 Mbps DL | 2024 |
The TCL LINKPORT IK511 is widely regarded as the first commercially available RedCap consumer device in North America.
UK and European availability
5G RedCap availability in the UK and Europe depends heavily on operator 5G Standalone deployments.
As of early 2025:
- Modules: European variants of the Quectel RG255C, Fibocom FG131/FG132, Telit FE910C04/FN920C04, and SIMCom SIM8230 are available.
- Routers: Teltonika RUT271 and RUT976 support European 5G NR bands including n1, n3, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78, and n79.
- Network support: 5G SA availability must be verified per operator and region. Most UK 5G services remain Non-Standalone.
RedCap hardware may operate in LTE fallback mode where 5G SA is unavailable.
Selecting 5G RedCap hardware
When evaluating RedCap modules or devices, consider the following:
- Regional certification: Verify EU, UK, or global certification and supported frequency bands.
- Operator support: Confirm 5G SA and RedCap device profile support with target networks.
- LTE fallback: Most modules support LTE Cat 4 fallback for coverage continuity.
- Form factor: LGA modules require custom PCB integration; M.2 suits modular routers.
- Chipset platform: Qualcomm X35 often has broader operator certification; MediaTek T300 may offer cost advantages.
- Future compatibility: Release 17 devices will not automatically support Release 18 eRedCap features.
Device specifications and availability change frequently. Always confirm current status and certifications before procurement.
Relationship to 5G RedCap fundamentals
For an explanation of what 5G RedCap is, how it compares to LTE-M and full 5G, and where it fits in the connectivity landscape, see the dedicated reference page: