Ericsson
has unveiled a new reduced capability RAN software that will enable new 5G use
cases and enhance existing ones for an array of devices such as smartwatches, other wearables, and industrial
sensors by lowering complexity and extending battery life.
Known as
Ericsson Reduced Capability (RedCap), the solution according to a statement
issued on Monday will be commercially ready in November 2023 as a software addition
to 5G standalone (5G SA) networks powered by Ericsson, with no need for any new
hardware. RedCap will strengthen the ecosystem for new types of devices that
can be connected to 5G networks.
An expanded
New Radio (NR) device ecosystem with new capabilities will in turn spur the
growth of even more 5G use cases. Ericsson RedCap will support leaner
procedures for optimizing device energy consumption and enable wearables that
are currently only available with LTE devices.
David
Hammarwall, Head of Product Area Networks, Ericsson, says: “Ericsson Reduced Capability will open up a new world of possibilities
for new types of devices that do not require the full range of 5G’s
capabilities. The RedCap software will enhance 5G connectivity for everything
from consumer wearables to industrial sensors in a way that is both cost- and
energy-efficient, unlocking a whole range of new use cases.”
With the new
5G radio access network (RAN) software solution, communications service
providers can offer more connectivity options for diverse consumer and
enterprise use cases and in industrial settings on the FDD (frequency division
duplex) and TDD (time division duplex) spectrums.
Ericsson
RedCap will support devices with reduced complexity such as low-end augmented
reality (AR) wearables, video surveillance equipment, industrial sensors, and
smart grids. The new solution is more energy-efficient than existing LTE low
categories and it has already caught the attention of the wearable OEM
(original equipment manufacturer) industry.
Bill Stone,
Vice President for Technology Planning at Verizon, says: "5G is designed fundamentally as a highly
customizable service. The evolution of NR RedCap from Ericsson, coupled
with the advanced technologies deployed throughout our 5G network, will serve
to bring that customization to life for a variety of devices, allowing us
to efficiently allocate network resources while giving customers the best
possible experience on our network. We look forward to how this advancement
will help evolve the 5G ecosystem."
Ericsson is
closely collaborating with leading chipset vendors to bring multiple types of
5G devices to the market. HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication
Systems & Partnerships at MediaTek, says: “MediaTek's upcoming solutions supporting 5G RedCap will certainly
benefit from Ericsson’s infrastructure readiness, ensuring that operators,
consumers and businesses can immediately benefit from the next generation of
innovative 5G products and services.”
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye