Terminology » 5G RedCap vs eMBB: Key Differences

5G RedCap vs eMBB: Key Differences

Introduction : In the evolving landscape of 5G wireless communications, two distinct paradigms stand out : Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Reduced-Capability NR (RedCap). eMBB represents the high throughput, ultra fast spectrum of 5G. On the other hand, RedCap is designed to fill the gap between full blown eMBB and massive IoT. Let us understand difference between 5G eMBB and RedCap in terms of device capability, network requirements and use cases and more.

5G eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband)

It is the mainstream, high performance version of 5G designed to deliver the fastest possible speeds and lowest latency for data hungry human centric applications like smartphones and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
Its goal is maximum performance.
It’s analogy is like high performance “sports car”.

5G RedCap (Reduced Capability)

It is the It is a specialized, stripped down version of 5G designed specifically for IoT devices (the “machines”). It intentionally sacrifices peak performance to achieve a “good enough” balance of speed, cost and power consumption.
Its goal is balanced efficiency for IoT.
It’s analogy is like reliable, fuel efficient “delivery van”.

5G NR eMBB & RedCap standard Image Courtesy : Rohde & Schwarz

Difference between 5G eMBB and RedCap

Feature	5G eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband)	5G RedCap (Reduced Capability)
Primary goal	Maximize data speed and capacity.	Balance performance with low cost and power for IoT.
Peak Data Rate	Multi-Gigabit per second (Gbps).	Up to ~100 Mbps
Latency	Very low (single-digit milliseconds).	Low (tens of milliseconds).
Device Bandwidth	Up to 100s of MHz	20 MHz (in FR1)
Antenna Complexity	Complex MIMO (e.g., 4x4 or more antennas).	Simple configuration (e.g., 1 Transmit, 2 Receive antennas).
Cost & Power Consumption	High	Low
Target Devices	Smartphones, Laptops, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) routers.	Industrial sensors, CCTV cameras, wearables, logistics trackers, smart grid components.
Network Requirement	Works on both Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) 5G.	Requires a 5G Standalone (SA) network.
3GPP Release	Introduced in Release 15 (the foundation of 5G).	Introduced in Release 17 (an addition for the IoT ecosystem).

Summary: We can think eMBB as the high speed express lane on the 5G highway. RedCap adds a new, efficient, and cost effective utility lane. It allows a different type of traffic (IoT devices) to travel on the same modern highway, benefiting from its core advantages (like low latency and security), but without needing to be a race car.