RedCap – Efficient 5G for IoT
Industries, energy systems and mobility in Switzerland are becoming increasingly interconnected. However, not every application requires ultra-fast, high-bandwidth 5G connectivity. Many simply require stable, efficient and affordable connectivity.
Here at INOVIS Live Automation AG in Rüti, Switzerland, we believe that RedCap represents a significant advancement: it unites the dependability and forward-thinking nature of 5G with the straightforwardness and effectiveness of LTE, providing the perfect equilibrium for businesses seeking to achieve sustainable digital transformation.
🔍 What Is 5G RedCap?
RedCap (Reduced Capability) is a simplified variant of 5G developed for devices that require long-term, reliable and efficient connections, but not extreme data throughput.
While traditional 5G (eMBB, or Enhanced Mobile Broadband) is geared towards high-performance consumer applications such as streaming and AR/VR, RedCap is designed for industrial and IoT applications that prioritise consistency, low power consumption and cost efficiency.
⚙️ How RedCap Works
RedCap operates on the same 5G architecture, but with simplified hardware parameters.
- smaller bandwidth (20 MHz instead of 100 MHz);
- fewer MIMO antenna streams (1×1 or 2×2 instead of 4×4).
- reduced modem complexity
- lower overall power draw
The result is data speeds of up to 200 Mbps, which is faster than LTE Cat 4 but uses far less energy.
Importantly, RedCap is designed for 5G Standalone (SA) networks, meaning it communicates directly with the 5G core. This ensures future compatibility, even as LTE networks are gradually phased out.
🌍 Why RedCap Matters for Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its precision, innovation and efficiency, and RedCap is a perfect fit. It provides reliable and cost-effective 5G connectivity for important Swiss industries, including:
- Smart Cities: intelligent lighting, environmental sensors, traffic monitoring
- Energy: smart metering, EV charging, solar installations
- Industry & Manufacturing: PLC control, predictive maintenance, remote management
- Transportation: GPS tracking, telematics, fleet monitoring
RedCap is particularly valuable in rural or alpine regions, where network coverage can be limited. It delivers stable performance and energy-efficient communication, ensuring reliability across Switzerland’s demanding terrain.
💡 Key Benefits of RedCap
| Feature | Benefit for Swiss Applications |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Perfect for solar or battery-powered systems in remote areas |
| Compact Hardware | Easy integration in control cabinets, vehicles, or IoT boxes |
| Low Latency | Real-time communication for automation and mobility |
| Future-Proof Design | Compatible with 5G Standalone and LTE fallback |
| Cost-Effective | Lower hardware complexity and power consumption |
| Sustainable | Aligns with Switzerland’s environmental and efficiency goals |
🏭 RedCap in Practice – Real-World Applications
In order to take full advantage of RedCap, companies require devices that support this technology.
One such device is the RedCap router series from TELTONIKA Networks, which is available from INOVIS Live Automation AG in Switzerland:
The RUT976, RUT271 and RUT276 models.
Combining industrial-grade design, easy deployment and full RedCap capability, these routers are ideal for Swiss IoT and automation projects.
📊 Comparison of RedCap Routers
| Feature | RUT976 | RUT271 | RUT276 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Technology | 5G RedCap (Sub-6 GHz) | 5G RedCap (Sub-6 GHz) | 5G RedCap (Sub-6 GHz) |
| SIM Slots | Dual SIM with auto-failover | Single SIM | Dual SIM with auto-failover |
| Ethernet Ports | 4× RJ45 (1 WAN, 3 LAN) | 2× RJ45 (1 WAN, 1 LAN) | 2× RJ45 (1 WAN, 1 LAN) |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n |
| GNSS | Yes (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo) | No | Yes |
| Digital I/O | 2× DI / 1× DO | 1× DI / 1× DO | 1× DI / 1× DO |
| USB Interface | 1× USB 2.0 | 1× USB 2.0 | 1× USB-C |
| Operating Voltage | 9–50 V DC | 9–30 V DC | 9–30 V DC |
| Temperature Range | −40 °C to +75 °C | −40 °C to +75 °C | −40 °C to +75 °C |
| Main Use Cases | Transport, industrial automation, security | Energy, IoT, smart metering | Smart cities, mobile and remote systems |
⚡ RedCap and Sustainability
One of RedCap’s biggest advantages is energy efficiency. For a country like Switzerland – deeply committed to green technology and sustainable innovation – this is a crucial factor.
Lower power consumption leads to:
- Longer device lifespan
- Reduced operational costs
- Smaller environmental footprint
By using RedCap, businesses contribute directly to Switzerland’s long-term sustainability and digital infrastructure goals.
As a Swiss-based company, INOVIS Live Automation AG offers more than just RedCap-compatible hardware.
We provide complete project support.
Our mission is to help Swiss companies integrate efficient, reliable, and future-ready 5G solutions into their operations.
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