5G RedCap Resources

5G Reduced Capability. A streamlined version of 5G New Radio defined in 3GPP Release 17, designed for IoT devices that need more capability than LTE-M but don't require full 5G performance. Also known as NR-Light.

5G Standalone architecture. A 5G network that uses a native 5G core (5GC) without relying on a 4G LTE anchor. Required for full 5G RedCap support and network slicing capabilities.

5G Non-Standalone. An architecture where 5G radio is anchored to a 4G LTE core network. Does not support 5G RedCap - SA deployment is required.

Enhanced Reduced Capability. Defined in 3GPP Release 18, eRedCap targets even lower power and cost than standard RedCap, optimised for wearables, sensors, and long battery life applications.

An embedded SIM that can be remotely provisioned with operator credentials over-the-air. Enables flexible network switching without physical SIM swaps. See also: eUICC.

The hardware standard for remotely programmable SIMs. Allows multiple operator profiles to be stored and switched on a single physical SIM chip, critical for IoT devices with long field deployment lifetimes.

The application of IoT technology in industrial environments including manufacturing, energy, utilities, transport and logistics. 5G RedCap is specifically designed to address IIoT connectivity requirements.

A unique 15-digit identifier associated with a mobile subscriber. Each SIM card contains an IMSI that identifies the network and subscriber. Critical for multi-IMSI and eUICC deployments.

Also known as CAT-M1. An LTE variant optimised for low-power IoT devices with moderate data rates (up to ~1 Mbps). A predecessor technology to 5G RedCap for IoT connectivity.

A category of wireless technologies designed for long-range, low-power, low-data-rate IoT applications. Includes LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, and LTE-M. RedCap sits above LPWA in the capability spectrum.

An antenna technology using multiple transmit and receive antennas to improve data throughput. 5G RedCap simplifies MIMO requirements (typically 1Tx/1Rx or 1Tx/2Rx) compared to full 5G, reducing device cost.

A company that owns and operates licensed spectrum and radio network infrastructure. UK MNOs include EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2. Responsible for deploying 5G SA and RedCap network capabilities.

A mobile operator that does not own radio network infrastructure but resells services using MNO networks. Many IoT-focused MVNOs offer multi-network SIMs suitable for RedCap device deployments.

A 3GPP low-power IoT standard using a very narrow 200 kHz channel. Designed for simple sensors with small, infrequent data payloads. Lower capability than RedCap but longer battery life.

The official 3GPP name for 5G RedCap within Release 17 specifications. "NR" refers to New Radio (5G), "Light" indicating the reduced capability profile versus standard NR devices.

See 5G RedCap. Shortened form used widely in industry documentation, vendor literature, and engineering discussions.

The 3GPP specification release (frozen March 2022) that introduced 5G RedCap (NR-Light). Also introduced enhanced positioning, drone communication improvements, and sidelink enhancements.

The 3GPP specification release (frozen 2024) that introduced eRedCap (enhanced RedCap) with lower power and reduced bandwidth, alongside 5G Advanced features.

A standard RF connector type widely used in cellular and Wi-Fi equipment including industrial IoT routers. SMA connectors use a threaded coupling mechanism and are rated to 18 GHz - suitable for 5G RedCap sub-6GHz bands.

Refers to 5G frequency bands below 6 GHz, including n28 (700 MHz), n77 (3.7 GHz), and n78 (3.5 GHz). All current UK 5G RedCap deployments use sub-6GHz bands. Provides good balance of coverage and capacity.