South Korea’s leading telecommunications company, SK Telecom Co., has introduced an advancement in 5G Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The company announced the development and testing of Reduced Capability (RedCap), a 5G IoT technology.
The announcement was made by SK Telecom’s CEO and President, Yoo Young-young. RedCap, an acronym for Reduced Capability, represents an innovation in 5G Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
The technology’s core advantage lies in elevating the existing 5G network to new heights. By reducing both the bandwidth and the number of antennas in 5G IoT terminals, RedCap achieves a twofold objective: it lowers the costs associated with these terminals while concurrently decreasing their power consumption.
The network that integrates RedCap technology seamlessly combines the low power consumption with the inherent benefits of the expansive connectivity characteristic of 5G networks. This blend renders it a solution for IoT devices, including wearable gadgets, connected vehicles, intelligent manufacturing facilities, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems that necessitate continuous network connectivity.
SK Telecom has collaborated with Nokia and MediaTek to develop and validate Red Cap technology within the framework of Release 17. This collaborative effort was executed with device validation, which was subsequently verified in a commercial pilot network operating on commercial frequencies within the Bundang Testbed.
This test within the Bundang testbed has unequivocally confirmed the technology’s potential in optimizing terminal functionality. The demonstration’s success lies in the technology’s ability to effectively lighten the bandwidth and antenna count of terminals, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
SKT has outlined plans for the collaborative development of diverse services with domestic and international operators and manufacturers, aiming to strengthen the widespread application of AIoT across various domains.
Beyond the advancement of RedCap technology, SKT has taken the lead in 5G-Advanced and 6G global standardization. The engagement involves contributions and presentations to prominent organizations like 3GPP and NGMN, pivotal players in mobile communications standards and operator alliances.
SKT recently unveiled the “6G White Paper,” the first Korean telecommunications company initiative, as part of its strategic preparations for a forthcoming 6G network era.
The advent of 5G IoT Red Cap-enabled devices is anticipated for commercialization in 2024, with leading communication chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek already supplying related products to device manufacturers this year.
Ryu Tak-ki, Head of Infrastructure Technology at SKT, remarked, “Through the pioneering development and validation of the 5G IoT technology RedCap – an achievement marking a first in Korea – SKT has effectively established the fundamental infrastructure required for 5G IoT services. Our commitment extends beyond solely driving the formation of ecosystems to facilitate the commercialization of 5G IoT and AIoT. We are equally dedicated to fostering technological advancements and the proliferation of ecosystems that will steer the evolution of 6G. This evolution will encompass diverse service terminals, encompassing wearables and other technologies.”
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