The right-sized path to 5G IoT.
5G RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, is designed for IoT and mid-tier connected devices that need more performance than LTE-M or Cat-1, without the cost, complexity, or power requirements of full 5G NR.
RedCap fills the gap between low-power IoT technologies and full 5G devices — ideal for use cases that need better speed, lower latency, or future 5G alignment without overbuilding the device.
5G performance, simplified for IoT.
RedCap is a streamlined version of 5G NR created for connected devices that do not need smartphone-level 5G performance. It reduces device complexity and energy usage while still supporting advanced 5G capabilities for enterprise and industrial applications.
Built for Mid-Tier IoT
Designed for devices that need more capability than basic sensor networks but do not require full 5G NR throughput.
Lower Complexity
Enables simpler modem and antenna designs compared with full 5G, helping support smaller, more efficient devices.
Future 5G Migration
Helps IoT deployments align with 5G standalone networks as carriers evolve beyond legacy 4G technologies.
RedCap creates a practical bridge between LTE IoT and full 5G.
Many connected products need better performance than low-power LTE options but do not justify the size, power draw, cost, and complexity of full 5G modules. RedCap gives OEMs and solution providers a more balanced path.
- Reduced device complexity
- Better power efficiency
- Lower-cost 5G device designs
- Improved latency potential
- More scalable 5G IoT ecosystem
- Support for evolving network capabilities
Ideal for devices that need more than basic IoT, but less than full 5G.
RedCap supports emerging consumer, enterprise, and industrial use cases, including wearables, video surveillance, industrial sensors, smart grids, and connected endpoints.
Industrial IoT
Connected controllers, gateways, machine monitoring, field equipment, and higher-performing industrial sensors.
Video & Security
Lower-complexity video endpoints, security devices, access control, and remote monitoring applications.
Wearables & Health
Smart wearables, medical devices, mobile health, and connected devices where size and battery matter.
Utilities & Smart Grid
Grid devices, field monitoring, smart infrastructure, meters, and connected utility equipment.
Asset Tracking
Higher-performing trackers and mobile assets requiring stronger network performance than basic IoT.
Push-to-Talk
PTToC devices and team communication endpoints needing dependable mobile connectivity.
Routers & Gateways
Compact gateways, backup connectivity, and mobile endpoints where full 5G may be unnecessary.
Smart Cities
Lighting, parking, environmental monitoring, municipal infrastructure, and connected city devices.
RedCap is not just a device decision. It is a deployment strategy.
Choice IoT helps solution providers, OEMs, and product teams evaluate where RedCap fits, how it compares to LTE and full 5G options, and how to manage the deployment lifecycle through CAMP™.
Is RedCap right for your connected product?
Talk with Choice IoT about device requirements, carrier readiness, certification planning, and the best connectivity model for your deployment.