5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, introduced in the 3GPP Release 17, is a streamlined version of 5G designed to enable low-power, cost-effective connectivity for applications that don’t require the high data rates of full 5G. RedCap is specifically beneficial for IoT devices, smart cities, wearables, and industrial automation, where low latency, moderate data rates, and power efficiency are prioritized over peak speed. This guide will cover leading manufacturers and their RedCap devices, detailing how they fit into various applications from industrial routers to consumer wearables.


What is 5G RedCap?

RedCap, also called NR-Light, serves as a middle ground between 4G LTE and full-scale 5G connectivity. This type of connectivity is highly suitable for devices with intermittent data needs and for battery-powered devices where power efficiency is critical. RedCap simplifies the 5G structure by reducing the number of antennas and the frequency bandwidth, which in turn lowers both costs and power consumption. It’s particularly well-suited for industries such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, as well as for consumer wearables and remote monitoring systems.


Key Manufacturers and RedCap-Compatible Devices

Several major manufacturers have pioneered RedCap technology, each offering unique devices that cater to specific industries and applications.

1. Qualcomm: Snapdragon X35 Modem

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 is one of the first commercial 5G RedCap modems, designed to balance power efficiency with adequate speeds for IoT applications. This modem is targeted at devices such as XR glasses, industrial IoT devices, and consumer wearables, including smartwatches. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 enables devices to maintain lower power consumption while delivering reliable connectivity, making it a versatile choice for both industrial and consumer markets​

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2. MediaTek: T300 Platform with M60 Modem

MediaTek’s T300 platform, featuring the M60 RedCap modem, is another example of 5G RedCap hardware focusing on power savings. The platform is marketed for use in IoT devices, including wearables, smart home devices, and certain industrial applications. It is designed to reduce power consumption by up to 60-70% compared to standard 5G modems, making it one of the more energy-efficient solutions on the market​

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3. Quectel: RM255C-GL Module

Quectel specializes in IoT modules, and its RM255C-GL module is a notable RedCap device. The RM255C-GL offers both standalone 5G and LTE fallback support, making it flexible across a range of IoT deployments. It supports up to 150 Mbps download speeds and includes integrated GNSS for applications that require precise positioning, like smart cities and automated industrial systems​

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4. TCL and T-Mobile: LINKPORT IK511 USB-C Dongle

TCL’s LINKPORT IK511 is a RedCap-compatible USB-C dongle developed in partnership with T-Mobile. It incorporates the Snapdragon X35 modem and is primarily designed for portable broadband use cases. With download speeds up to 220 Mbps, it’s well-suited for users needing mobile access in remote or emergency environments, like first responders​

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5. Fibocom and Neoway: FG131, FG132, and N512A-CN Modules

Fibocom and Neoway both provide RedCap modules for various IoT and M2M (Machine to Machine) applications. Fibocom’s FG131 and FG132 are designed for applications where moderate data rates are sufficient, like smart metering and industrial monitoring. Neoway’s N512A-CN module is tailored for use in China’s expanding IoT market, supporting low-latency connections suitable for large-scale IoT deployments​

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6. Teltonika Networks: RUT271 and RUT976

Teltonika offers two RedCap-compatible routers, the RUT271 and RUT976, designed for industrial IoT and M2M deployments. These routers are particularly suited for environments requiring secure, low-latency connections, such as remote monitoring and control systems. The RUT271 is a more compact model, while the RUT976 is intended for more complex applications needing additional functionalities like VPN support and remote management​

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7. Four-Faith: F3X26Q Industrial Router

Four-Faith’s F3X26Q is a rugged industrial router developed in collaboration with China Unicom. This router is targeted toward smart grid and industrial automation applications. It’s built to withstand harsh environments, making it a reliable option for outdoor or heavy-duty use cases​

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Expanding RedCap Applications Beyond Routers and Modules

5G RedCap’s flexibility has opened doors for applications beyond traditional routers and modules. Other areas where RedCap technology is anticipated to have a significant impact include:

  1. Wearables and Health Monitoring: RedCap-enabled wearables such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices can leverage the low latency and power efficiency of RedCap to continuously transmit health data with minimal battery drain.
  2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): RedCap is an ideal solution for AR and VR glasses, where high throughput isn’t necessary but reliable connectivity is essential for streaming content and enabling interactive features. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35, for example, supports these applications, making it possible to deliver seamless AR/VR experiences.
  3. Smart Cities and Environmental Monitoring: RedCap’s low-power features are suited for sensors in smart city infrastructure, such as traffic management, air quality monitoring, and waste management systems. Quectel’s modules with integrated GNSS support position these devices as suitable options for location-dependent monitoring.
  4. Connected Cameras for Security and Surveillance: Security cameras are another promising application for RedCap. The technology’s moderate data rate is ideal for streaming video feeds while maintaining energy efficiency, a critical factor for battery-operated surveillance in remote or outdoor locations.

The Future of 5G RedCap: Market Outlook

As RedCap becomes more prevalent, it’s expected to play a vital role in the future of IoT, facilitating applications that don’t require the high speeds of eMBB but benefit from 5G’s reliability and low latency. Manufacturers are continually innovating to produce new devices, while network operators are rolling out compatible infrastructure to support RedCap deployments worldwide.

With further advancements, RedCap is likely to become a standard for affordable, energy-efficient IoT solutions across industries, from consumer wearables to industrial automation and environmental monitoring. As more network rollouts and device certifications are completed, RedCap will help bridge the gap in 5G adoption across sectors where traditional 5G has been economically prohibitive or unnecessary.