RedCap
5G NR Reduced Capability
RedCap is an alternate, simplified version of the 5G (NR) specification intended for devices where 4G LTE would be adequate — or perhaps even more appropriate — but there is a need or desire to have the device use the 5G network instead of the 4G network.
For example, full 5G is both difficult to implement — and in most cases unnecessary — in a smartwatch. But 5G RedCap should be well-suited to such devices. Some service providers are 5G-only (they don't have a 4G network), so 5G RedCap is a way those networks can provide service for connected smartwatches.
5G NR RedCap is not as fast as regular 5G; it's roughly equivalent to LTE Category 4, with some improvements in latency and efficiency.
