Samsung and MediaTek have recently conducted a successful test of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology over virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN) in Samsung’s R&D lab in Korea. The integration of RedCap features with vRAN and Open RAN has been confirmed in this trial, which has the potential to extend battery life for IoT devices by focusing on energy-saving technologies like Paging Early Indication (PEI) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX).
Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 software, OpenRAN compliant radio, and MediaTek’s M60 modem-equipped RedCap testing platform were used in the test. This successful collaboration between Samsung and MediaTek is expected to build market confidence in transitioning to this new standard and open up new opportunities for IoT application developers.
Eun Yong Kim, Vice President and Head of Air Technology at Samsung’s Networks Business, highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting Samsung’s continuous advancements in 5G RedCap over vRAN. HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek, emphasized the impact of the collaboration on the 5G RedCap industry.
Samsung plans to make its RedCap technology available this year for both traditional RAN and vRAN, with intentions to integrate it into Tier 1 operators’ networks. This successful test marks a significant step forward in the development of energy-saving features for 5G connectivity and IoT devices.
