Reduced Capabilities (RedCap): A New Class of 5G Device

With the introduction of 5G, the 3GPP standardization organization is seeking to increase the number of use cases for wireless communications. The result is the well-known triangle of services with the three facets eMBB, uRLLC and mMTC. The reduced capability(RedCap) work item in 3GPP Release 17 targets massive machine type communications(mMTC). This encompasses the service continuation of legacy technologies like NB-IoT as well as support for both enhanced and new machine type services. Initially, 3GPP described a new study item formally known as NR light, which was then renamed 5G RedCap. It is intended as the first 5G standard for the vast and growing internet of things(IoT) landscape. RedCap should meet the requirements of IoT devices for smaller, less complex and lower cost RF solutions with better battery life than existing 5G products.Basically,

RedCap targets IoT services needing a higher data rate than mMTC services but lower data rates than 5G eMBB, while simultaneously reducing UE complexity and improving power saving aspects. This also enables smaller form factors in IoT devices,which is highly desirable in many use cases (e.g. wearables). The white paper concludes with a summary of why we believe RedCap will continue to play a pivotal role within the overall 5G system.