Transforming IoT with Private Networks & 5G Redcap

While public mobile networks serve billions of users globally, they are not always the best fit for industrial or mission-critical applications. In such cases, private networks offer a compelling alternative – secure, customisable, and highly reliable network infrastructure wireless tailored to specific operational requirements. 

The Power of Private Networks 

A private network is a cellular system isolated from a public network for an enterprise or facility. It can leverage advanced technologies such as 4G LTE or 5G, including Redcap to meet performance and reliability standards that public networks cannot ensure. 

With a private network, enterprises gain full control over essential parameters such as security protocols, access management, bandwidth distribution, and quality of service.

This level of control is critical in environments that demand uninterrupted, high-performance private connectivity. 

For instance, a self-service launderette relies on a private network to manage and monitor internal systems, while a separate Wi-Fi network allows customers to complete payments securely.

This ensures that user traffic remains isolated and sensitive operational data is protected from unauthorised access. 

What is 5G Redcap & Why Does It Matter? 

As private networks reshape enterprise connectivity, a new technology emerges that further streamlines performance and efficiency. 

5G Reduced Capability, known as 5G Redcap, is a scaled-down version of the full 5G New Radio (5G NR) technology. But don’t let the term "reduced" fool you. 5G Redcap offers all the essential benefits of 5G, including lower latency, better reliability, and improved network efficiency – without the complexity and cost that full 5G demands. 

The foundation of traditional 5G is built around three frequency bands: low-band, mid-band, and high-band. Each serves specific applications such as massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (uRLLC). Yet, many IoT solutions find themselves caught in between, needing elements of all three without fully fitting into any one category. 

Redcap was designed to meet this exact challenge. It optimises for devices that require moderate data throughput, reasonable latency, and excellent reliability, all while significantly reducing the hardware complexity typically associated with 5G network devices. The result is a technology that perfectly balances performance and cost, making it ideally suited for everything from smart city to industrial automation. 

Simplicity & Efficiency: The Cornerstones of Redcap 

One of the most significant advantages of 5G Redcap is its streamlined design. Redcap devices are less complex to manufacture, consume less power, and are more affordable to deploy compared to full 5G devices.

This allows users to take advantage of modern 5G capabilities without committing to the heavy infrastructure investment typically associated with a full 5G rollout. 

However, it's important to understand that Redcap is not trying to outperform full 5G in every metric. Instead, it offers a smart compromise – a balanced solution tailored to what industrial IoT actually need today. 

At Teltonika, we are embracing this shift through our RUT976, RUT271, and RUT276 Redcap 5G routers! 

When Redcap Meets Private Networks

Individually, private networks and 5G Redcap each represent a major advancement. Together, they form an unbeatable combination for modern IoT solutions!

Deploying Redcap within a private network environment allows you to tap into reliable, efficient, and cost-effective connectivity, designed around their specific operational needs. It means that connectivity devices can be deployed with high reliability and low latency, without overspending on capabilities that are not needed. Redcap’s lower complexity complements the streamlined and highly controlled nature of private networks perfectly.

When comparing Redcap-enabled private 5G networks to 4G LTE private networks, the advantages become even clearer. While 4G was never designed with ultra-low latency, network slicing, or massive device density in mind, 5G Redcap inherits these features from the broader 5G standard and delivers them in a streamlined, cost-effective form.

This means enterprises benefit from faster response times, greater scalability, and stronger security without the overhead of full 5G infrastructure. In practice, Redcap provides the affordability and simplicity of LTE, while unlocking the advanced capabilities of 5G, making it the smarter, future-proof choice for modern private network deployments.

Real-life examples 

Smart waste management

For instance, in a smart waste management solution, Redcap is deployed within a private network to connect sensors, surveillance cameras, and a control centre with low-latency, cost-effective communication.

This setup ensures operational data stays secure and independent from public networks. Teltonika’s 5G Redcap router, the RUT271, enables this configuration, helping cities optimise waste collection without overspending on unnecessary network capacity. 

Innovative manufacturing

In innovative manufacturing field, combining Redcap with a private 5G network allows precise, real-time coordination across production lines and automated systems.

The RUT976 5G Redcap router connects a large number of industrial devices while maintaining low latency and strong network control.

This approach reduces costs compared to full 5G network yet delivers the performance and reliability essential for modern Industry 4.0 operations. 

Ready to take the next step?  

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and turn the potential of private networks and 5G RedCap into your competitive advantage!