Australian telco Optus has collaborated with Ericsson and MediaTek to achieve a significant milestone in enabling 5G technology for wearable devices and their applications. This milestone involves Australia's first over-the-air data call using Ericsson's pre-commercial Reduced Capability (RedCap) software on Optus' 5G network. Optus stated that with this advancement, it can now enable 5G in simpler, low-power, and low-cost RedCap devices in the future.
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Ericsson's RedCap Software
According to the official release, Ericsson's RedCap software is key to this advancement. Ericsson Reduced Capability (RedCap) is a new RAN software solution that enhances existing 5G use cases and enables new ones (mid-tier use cases) for wearable devices and industry sensors by lowering complexity and extending battery life.
Potential Applications
Optus says the RedCap software's attributes make it ideal for multiple applications, including wearables like smartwatches, health monitors, augmented reality devices (e.g., AR glasses), and industrial use cases such as video surveillance and industrial sensors.
Optus further added that Ericsson's RedCap software can play a role in building smart cities by enabling applications like smart grids, environmental sensors, predictive maintenance, and utility meters.
Also Read: Ericsson Introduces RedCap: New Solution for Enhanced 5G Connectivity and Extended Battery Life
Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
RedCap's use extends to industrial applications, contributing to operational efficiencies and the transformation of industries with 5G private networks. It enhances wireless connectivity for equipment, monitors processes, improves safety with surveillance cameras, and enhances human-machine interaction with handheld and wearable devices.
Future Innovations
The collaboration between Optus, Ericsson, and MediaTek is expected to lead to further innovation in various use cases for consumers, industries, and enterprises, leveraging the capabilities of RedCap software.
Also Read: Ericsson and MediaTek Test RedCap Interoperability for 5G SA
"This milestone has been made possible through Ericsson's advanced Reduced Capability (RedCap) software using any available 5G spectrum, with both time division duplex (TDD) and frequency division duplex (FDD), in low and mid frequency bands. RedCap advancement will enable Optus to offer improved 5G connectivity for a wide range of devices and use cases," said the statement.
Overall, this milestone in 5G technology and collaboration between Optus, Ericsson and MediaTek has the potential to shape the future of connectivity and smart device development, benefiting consumers, industries, and various applications.
