5G IoT: Different Solutions for Different Use Cases – From NB-IoT to RedCap and Beyond
5G IoT: Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming how different sectors, cities, and people engage with technology. As more IoT devices come onto the scene, they need connectivity solutions that find a good balance between data rate, bandwidth, power efficiency, and latency.
The image shared by Telcoma Global illustrates how 5G IoT provides various connectivity options—each one designed for specific applications, from massive IoT sensors to wearables, industrial automation, and mobile broadband.
The 5G IoT Landscape: A Network for Diverse Needs
The main challenge with 5G IoT lies in its varied use cases. On one side, there are basic sensors that throw out small bits of data now and then (think smart meters), and on the other side, we have industrial robots and wearables that require high reliability and decent throughput.
5G IoT meets this variety through a layered connectivity model, where each technology tier serves a distinct purpose based on bandwidth and data rate.
Key Factors Defining 5G IoT Categories
Bandwidth: The radio spectrum used by devices (ranging from 200 kHz to hundreds of MHz).
Data Rate: The amount of data transmitted every second.
Power Consumption: A key factor for battery-powered devices.
Coverage and Range: How far signals reach in rural, indoor, or crowded areas.
These trade-offs form the basis of different IoT categories under 5G.
NB-IoT and eMTC: The Backbone of Massive IoT
NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)
Bandwidth: ~200 kHz
Data Rate: Up to 100 kbps
Use Case: Massive IoT, sensors, and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) devices
Common Applications:
Fleet tracking
Smart city lighting
Wearable health monitors
The image notes that both NB-IoT and eMTC have advanced significantly as features have developed through multiple 3GPP releases. As Telcoma points out, “There shouldn’t be any more L1 redesign in the 5G era”—these technologies are now stable and standardized.
RedCap: The Connection Between IoT and Broadband
What’s RedCap?
Reduced Capability (RedCap), introduced in 3GPP Release 17, fills the gap between massive IoT (NB-IoT/eMTC) and high-performance 5G NR broadband.
It's aimed at devices that:
Need higher throughput than NB-IoT,
But don’t demand full 5G NR capabilities (like smartphones).
Key Features of RedCap
Parameter RedCap (FR1)RedCap (FR2)Bandwidth5–20 MHzUp to 100 MHz Data Rate10 Mbps – 250 Mbps100 Mbps – 1 Gbps Latency<10 ms<5 ms Target Devices Wearables, cameras, sensorsAR/VR devices, advanced IoT
Highlighted Use Cases in the Image
Industrial Services: RedCap supports connected machinery, real-time control, and monitoring.
Video Cameras: It enables video streaming for surveillance or automation at moderate data rates.
Wearables: Fitness trackers, medical monitors, and AR/VR headsets benefit from RedCap’s energy efficiency and low latency.
Positioning and Sidelink: 5G-Advanced builds on RedCap to include RedCap + Positioning and RedCap + Sidelink, promoting device-to-device communication and location accuracy.
This makes RedCap a flexible and scalable option for the next generation of mid-tier IoT devices.
5G NR Mobile Broadband: The High-End IoT and Smartphones
At the high end of the spectrum, we have 5G NR Mobile Broadband, which powers smartphones, laptops, and high-performance IoT devices.
Key Attributes
Bandwidth: Up to 800 MHz
Data Rate: Up to 10 Gbps
Latency: <1 ms
Use Cases: AR/VR, 8K streaming, connected vehicles, and industrial robotics
This segment follows the usual evolution path, focusing on expanding bandwidth and throughput instead of simplifying things.
In the context of IoT, high-end robotics, AI-driven analytics, and real-time video systems rely on these broadband capabilities.
Evolution Path: RedCap as the Natural Transition Point
The diagram includes an important note:
“Future RedCap will evolve in various directions. Over time, some use cases currently on LPWA may naturally ‘shift up’ to RedCap.”
This suggests a strategic evolution:
As IoT needs grow (like higher video quality, lower latency), devices currently using NB-IoT or eMTC might upgrade to RedCap.
RedCap acts as a scalable bridge, accommodating various mid-tier IoT applications without putting too much strain on the network.
This migration guarantees continuity and efficient spectrum usage in the 5G era, preventing fragmentation.
Comparing 5G IoT Technologies
Technology Bandwidth Data Rate Power Efficiency Use Case ExamplesNB-IoT200 kHz100 kbps Ultra-high Smart meters, sensorseMTC1.4 MHz1 Mbps High Asset tracking, wearables RedCap (FR1)5–20 MHz10–250 Mbps Moderate Cameras, industrial IoT RedCap (FR2)Up to 100 MHzUp to 1 Gbps Moderate AR/VR, high-speed wearables5G NR Broadband Up to 800 MHzUp to 10 Gbps Low Smartphones, autonomous systems
This tiered structure ensures no single solution dominates all IoT segments, allowing for optimal performance, cost, and energy efficiency.
Why RedCap is a Game-Changer for 5G IoT
a) Balanced Performance
RedCap finds the sweet spot between budget-friendly IoT and full 5G NR, making it suitable for applications that require medium data rates and long battery life.
b) Streamlined Hardware
RedCap devices come with fewer antennas, reduced MIMO layers, and lower power amplifiers, which helps to lower manufacturing costs.
c) Spectrum Efficiency
It supports both FR1 and FR2 bands, allowing for smooth deployment within the existing 5G setup.
d) Future Scalability
5G-Advanced (Release 18) is set to enhance RedCap with positioning, sidelink, and AI-driven optimization, ensuring it adapts well for future needs.
The Future: 5G-Advanced and Beyond
As we move toward 5G-Advanced (Release 18 and beyond), several enhancements are set to reshape IoT connectivity:
RedCap Evolution: Integrating sidelink and positioning for collaborative sensing.
LPWA Coexistence: NB-IoT and eMTC will keep serving low-cost sensors.
AI-Driven Resource Management: Smarter allocation of spectrum for IoT traffic.
6G Outlook: A combination of RedCap and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) for global IoT coverage.
These upgrades will unify terrestrial, aerial, and satellite IoT systems into one intelligent network.
Conclusion
The 5G ecosystem isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario—it’s a multi-layered architecture designed for various IoT demands.
From the ultra-low-power sensors of NB-IoT to the high-performance industrial IoT powered by RedCap and full 5G broadband applications, each layer plays a vital role.
The diagram from Telcoma succinctly captures this evolution, showing how bandwidth, data rate, and device complexity align with distinct IoT use cases.
As 5G-Advanced and RedCap further develop, we can expect a seamless integration of massive, critical, and broadband IoT, paving the way for a truly connected intelligent world.