5G modules for industrial and IoT applications
Technical solutions for migrating from LTE to 5G
The transition from 4G to 5G is a crucial step for businesses looking to benefit from higher data rates, lower latency, and improved network capacity. While 4G networks will continue to operate, 5G offers significant advantages for Industry 4.0, IoT, autonomous systems, and mobile broadband applications. However, migration requires updated hardware, optimised software, and careful planning to consider network coverage, device compatibility, and costs. Businesses should assess when and for which applications switching to 5G modules makes sense to remain competitive in the long term.
Our 5G modules support industrial and IoT applications with optimised power consumption and low latency, the 5G RedCap modules, are available in different formfactors, M.2, LGA, and mPCIe, and offer power-efficient performance for applications like industrial sensing and smart metering. 5G Sub-6 GHz modules available in M.2 and LGA deliver high data rates and stable connections, suitable for low-latency applications such as industrial automation and video surveillance.
5G RedCap – an alternative to LTE Cat 1-4
5G RedCap is designed as an intermediate solution between high-performance 5G and energy-efficient IoT applications.
This innovative technology bridges the gap between 4G and full-fledged 5G and offers you the perfect balance of performance, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.
What area does 5G RedCap cover?
With the evolution from 4G LTE to 5G, the areas of eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications) – an application profile for Massive IoT, based on LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies – and URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication) are specifically covered. However, there has been a gap in between, which is now being closed by RedCap. It offers a balanced combination of moderate data rates, low latency, high energy efficiency and medium medium device complexity.
Network support and future-proofing
Our 5G modules are compatible with 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) modes, making them suitable for both existing LTE networks and standalone 5G environments. With optimised network management and low latency, they are ideal for critical applications in industrial automation and communications.
We are offering of 5G modules provide engineers and developers with a reliable, high-performance, and future-proof solution for demanding industrial and IoT applications. The partnership with Semtech and Fibocom ensures robust and secure technology. Learn more about our 5G modules and their applications.
FAQs about our 5G modules for industrial and IoT applications
5G FAQs
5G RedCap, short for Reduced Capability, is a variant of the 5G technology specifically developed for IoT applications that do not require the full capabilities of 5G. It offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to conventional 5G and is ideal for devices such as smartwatches, wearables, and industrial sensors.
5G RedCap offers improved efficiency, lower latency, and reduced costs compared to conventional 5G. It is particularly suitable for applications that do not require high data rates but still need reliable and cost-effective connectivity.
5G RedCap is ideal for applications such as smartwatches, wearables, industrial sensors, and monitoring systems. It is also suitable for industrial IoT applications in sectors like mining, utilities, and smart cities.
5G RedCap is ideal for applications such as smartwatches, wearables, industrial sensors, and monitoring systems. It is also suitable for industrial IoT applications in sectors like mining, utilities, and smart cities.
5G Enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) is an advancement of 5G RedCap planned for 3GPP Release 18. It is expected to reduce the bandwidth to 5 MHz and lower the peak transmission rates to the level of LTE Cat-1 or below. eRedCap is anticipated to become commercially available around 2026 and will further strengthen the IoT sector.
5G, or the fifth generation of mobile networks, is a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity. It supports a wide range of applications, including autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and enhanced mobile broadband.
5G provides much faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously compared to 4G. It also offers improved energy efficiency and supports a broader range of frequencies, enabling more flexible network configurations
5G modules can be purchased directly from Acal BFi. We offer a broad portfolio of industrial-grade 5G modules, including RedCap and Sub-6 GHz variants. As a technical B2B partner, we support you with product selection, integration, and provide comprehensive engineering support.
Key applications of 5G include fixed wireless access, healthcare, sensor-based systems, edge computing, remote devices, and augmented reality. It is particularly useful for industries requiring high-speed data transmission and low latency, such as manufacturing and logistics
In practice, actual data rates are significantly lower than the theoretical maximums. Average 5G download speeds often range from 5 Gbps and more, depending on network coverage and the frequency bands used. While the theoretical maximum data rates of 5G are up to 20 Gbps for the downlink and up to 10 Gbps for the uplink. However, these rates are only achievable under ideal conditions.
5G Non-Standalone (NSA)
- Network Architecture: 5G NSA utilises an existing 4G LTE network as the core network and integrates 5G radio access networks (RAN) over it. This means the 5G network does not operate independently but relies on the 4G infrastructure.
- Advantages: Quick and cost-effective deployment, as existing infrastructure is leveraged. Ideal for the transition from 4G to 5G.
- Limitations: Limited support for advanced 5G features such as network slicing and ultra-reliable communication with low latency.
5G Standalone (SA)
- Network Architecture: 5G SA is based on a standalone 5G infrastructure, including a dedicated 5G core network. This allows for a complete separation from 4G technology.
- Advantages: Full utilisation of 5G features such as ultra-reliable communication, network slicing, and enhanced mobile broadband. Offers better performance, efficiency, and flexibility.
- Limitations: Higher investments are required for building a new infrastructure. Overall, 5G SA is the more advanced and powerful variant, fully leveraging the potential of 5G, while 5G NSA serves as a transitional solution to quickly provide 5G services.