5G RedCap Talk over " Sembang AIOT"
In this session, We shared the subset of 5G which is designed for the IoT, the 5G RedCap. There are a few key areas touched on in this subject. Why 5G RedCap? Area of applications? and also the NB IOT (Narrowband IOT) vs 5G RedCap.
5G Reduced Capability, or 5G RedCap, is a new subset of 5G technology introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in Release 17. Also known as 5G NR-Light, it is designed to cater to IoT applications that require a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. This includes applications that do not need the full capabilities of traditional 5G, such as high bandwidth and ultra-low latency, but still benefit from faster data rates and improved efficiency compared to 4G and other LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies.
Origin and Development
5G RedCap originated from the need to address use cases falling between the high-speed, high-capacity demands of enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and the ultra-reliable low latency communication (uRLLC) as well as the low throughput and battery-efficient Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC) technologies. It was officially introduced in 3GPP’s Release 17 and further enhancements are planned for Release 18.
Main Objectives
The primary objective of 5G RedCap is to provide a more optimized solution for mid-tier IoT devices. This includes:
Lower Cost and Complexity: Reducing hardware requirements such as fewer antennas and lower bandwidth, making it more affordable and simpler to implement.
Improved Power Consumption: Enhancing battery life for devices by minimizing power usage, which is crucial for IoT devices that are often battery-operated.
Moderate Data Rates and Latency: Offering higher data rates and lower latency than 4G LTE, making it suitable for applications like video surveillance, industrial sensors, and wearables.
Bridging 4G and 5G: Facilitating a smoother transition from 4G LTE to 5G for various AIoT applications by providing a middle ground in terms of performance and capability (Qualcomm) (Cavli Wireless) (Telenor IoT) (Keysight).
Use Cases
5G RedCap is particularly suited for:
Industrial IoT: Managing sensors and actuators in factories and industrial settings.
Video Surveillance: Supporting real-time video transmission for security cameras.
Smart Wearables: Enabling connectivity for devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Smart Grids: Monitoring and controlling power grids for improved efficiency and reliability.
In summary, 5G RedCap aims to bring the advantages of 5G to a broader range of IoT applications by offering a cost-effective, power-efficient, and moderately performant solution that bridges the gap between existing 4G LTE and full-fledged 5G networks.
5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) are both designed for IoT applications but target different use cases and have distinct characteristics. Here are the main differences:
Target Use Cases:
NB-IoT: Designed for low-data rate applications like smart meters, environmental sensors, and basic asset tracking. It is optimized for long battery life and deep coverage.
5G RedCap: Aims at mid-range IoT applications requiring higher data rates and lower latencies than NB-IoT but not as high as eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband). Examples include industrial sensors, wearables, and smart city applications.
Data Rates:
NB-IoT: Supports data rates up to 250 kbps.
5G RedCap: Can achieve data rates similar to LTE Cat 4, reaching up to 227 Mbps downlink and 91 Mbps uplink under optimal conditions (ericsson.com) (REELNEDA).
Spectrum Usage:
NB-IoT: Operates in narrowband channels (200 kHz) within the LTE spectrum.
5G RedCap: Utilizes broader bandwidths, up to 20 MHz in FR1 and 100 MHz in FR2, allowing it to leverage the 5G NR spectrum efficiently.
Device Complexity:
NB-IoT: Simpler devices with single antenna configurations and lower power consumption.
5G RedCap: More complex than NB-IoT but simpler than full 5G NR devices, with support for multiple antennas and MIMO configurations, though reduced compared to full 5G NR devices,
Power Consumption:
NB-IoT: Very low power consumption with extended battery life, suitable for devices needing long operational periods without maintenance.
5G RedCap: Incorporates power-saving techniques like eDRX and reduced cell measurements, offering lower power consumption than eMBB but higher than NB-IoT (5G Training and 5G Certification) (REELNEDA).
Latency:
NB-IoT: Higher latency compared to 5G technologies, suitable for non-time-sensitive applications.
5G RedCap: Lower latency than NB-IoT, making it suitable for more time-sensitive IoT applications such as industrial automation and real-time monitoring.
Coverage:
NB-IoT: Provides excellent coverage, including deep indoor environments.
5G RedCap: Good coverage, though not as deep as NB-IoT, but better suited for environments needing moderate to high data rates (Qualcomm) (ericsson.com).
Deployment Scenarios:
NB-IoT: Ideal for rural and urban deployments where long battery life and extensive coverage are critical.
5G RedCap: Suitable for urban and industrial environments where moderate data rates and lower latency are required.
In summary, NB-IoT is best for low-power, low-data rate applications with long battery life and extensive coverage needs. In contrast, 5G RedCap targets mid-tier IoT applications requiring higher data rates and lower latencies while still maintaining reasonable power efficiency and coverage
“Sembang AIoT” is a series of live sessions and events organized by Axiomtek Malaysia, focusing on the applications and integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) in industrial settings. The sessions cover a wide range of topics, including machine learning, anomaly detection using vibration sensors, and the implementation of Vision AI for workplace safety.
One of the key aspects of “Sembang AIoT” is its emphasis on non-intrusive data extraction and digital data management. This involves using AI and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technologies to gather and analyze data from digital displays and industrial equipment without direct intervention. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Additionally, “Sembang AIoT” delves into the evolution of industrial revolutions, exploring how advancements in AI and IoT contribute to the transition from Industry 4.0, characterized by digitalization and interconnectivity, to Industry 5.0, which emphasizes human-centric automation and collaboration between humans and machines.
Watch the session live on youtube at :