Viavi introduces RedCap device emulation for testing 5G IoT devices

Test and measurements company Viavi has launched Reduced Capability (RedCap) device emulation for 5G network testing, enabling true performance validation for Internet of Things (IoT) and private networks based on a new class of simpler, lower-cost devices, including wearables, industrial wireless sensors, and video surveillance. The solution is based on Viavi’s TM500 network test platform, used by network equipment manufacturers for base station performance testing.

Technical specifications body The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) introduced RedCap devices, also known as Broadband IoT or NR-Light, in 5G NR Release 17. These mid-tier IoT devices have average speed and latency requirements, in between high-end use cases like Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and lower-end Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) applications. In so doing, 3GPP formalized support for devices being deployed at the network edge for IoT and Industry 4.0 applications.

“5G deployment may be stabilizing globally, but industrial and private networks are just getting started,” said Ian Langley, senior vice president, wireless business unit, Viavi. “RedCap specifications provide the missing link for the class of devices used in such applications, so equipment manufacturers and operators can pursue development and deployment with confidence.”

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