Telit Cinterion has teamed with Digi and Nokia to transform IoT connectivity with 5G redcap integration; the result will be shown in a live demo at next week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Telit Cinterion has integrated its FN920C04 5G redcap M.2 card into Digi’s IX20 industrial router and EX15 enterprise router. This integration, in collaboration with Nokia, marks a milestone for all parties, demonstrating a shared commitment to evolving 5G technology and future-proofing user networks.

Redcap, a foundational 5G technology, addresses the requirements of mid-speed IoT applications in the era of 5G standalone (5G SA) networks. With a focus on improved quality of service, low latencies, enhanced capacities and heightened security, 5G redcap can ensure extended device lifecycle and longevity in the mid-speed IoT market.

In contrast to early 5G technologies tailored for enhanced mobile broadband, redcap reduces performance levels and economic barriers to those needed for mid-speed IoT applications. Compared with 4G, 5G redcap provides an improved uplink data rate, which is crucial for router, gateway and camera applications. Additionally, it enhances power efficiency, making it essential for battery-operated devices such as telematics units, ensuring extended device operation.

Telit Cinterion has developed a family of redcap modules that leverage nthe Snapdragon X35 5G modem-RF system – including LGA modules such as the FE910C04 (www.telit.com/devices/fe910c04) and M.2 cards such as the FN920C04 (www.telit.com/devices/fn920c04) – to provide seamless hardware integration into diverse applications. The dual-mode capability, including fallback to LTE Category 4, allows for a smooth transition from 4G LTE to 5G redcap, ensuring optimal on-field connectivity. These modules set the benchmark for security and implementations, offering embedded processing through Telit Cinterion AppZone.

Digi’s IX20 (www.digi.com/products/networking/cellular-routers/industrial/digi-ix20) industrial router is a versatile networking option designed for mission-critical applications. One of its attrctive features is its field-replaceable Digi Core plug-in modem, which lets users deploy today, and easily move from 4G LTE to 5G redcap. This flexibility enables seamless transitions, future-proofing investments, and the ability to keep pace with the ever-evolving connectivity ecosystem.

Additional features of the IX20 industrial router include: compact and economical cellular routing platform with an industrial feature set; redundant connectivity with dual SIMs and Digi SureLink; FirstNet Capable models for first responder communications; built-in Digi TrustFence for device security, secure encrypted connections, ongoing monitoring and support; Digi Remote Manager platform for easy setup, mass configuration and management; dual Ethernet ports and a serial (RS232) port for machine connectivity; and Digi WAN Bonding value-added service for WAN aggregation and seamless failover.

The Digi EX15 (www.digi.com/products/networking/cellular-routers/enterprise/digi-ex15) offers affordable, primary or backup enterprise connectivity for office, retail and branch networks that cannot tolerate network downtime. With the Core plug-in modem, dual Ethernet and wifi, the EX15 offers flexible connectivity for enterprise networking.

Additional features of EX15 include: compact and economical cellular routing platform for enterprise networks; zero-touch provisioning and cloud management with Remote Manager; serial port for remote, out-of-band management; and WAN Bonding value-added service for WAN aggregation and seamless failover.

Initiated in 2023, Telit’s collaboration with Digi and Nokia is indicative of the industry’s unity in supporting the mainstream introduction of 5G for IoT. Telit, Digi and Nokia are at the forefront of this shift, focusing their efforts on shaping the future of industrial connectivity.

The 5G redcap modules and devices due to be sampled at MWC in Barcelona (www.mwcbarcelona.com) will be available for commercial purchase during the second half of 2024.

“This collaboration represents an incredible achievement in the evolution of 5G mid-speed industrial connectivity,” said Harald Remmert, CTO at Digi (www.digi.com). “The integration of Telit Cinterion’s 5G redcap modules into our routers showcases our commitment to providing industry-leading and future-proof IoT applications.”

Ari Kynäslahti, head of strategy and technology at Nokia (www.nokia.com), added: “Nokia has played a significant role in driving industry standards and the adoption of redcap technology. We are committed to supporting the growth of the ecosystem to enable the further development of 5G industrial and enterprise applications. This joint live demonstration highlights the seamless integration of Digi’s routers powered by Telit Cinterion’s 5G redcap modules with our 5G networks.”

And Manish Watwani, chief marketing and product officer at Telit Cinterion (www.telit.com), said: “We are proud to be leading the charge in 5G IoT. The integration of 5G redcap technology into Digi International’s routers is reflective of our commitment to providing cutting-edge, high-performance connectivity for the evolving needs of the IoT landscape.”

For more information, please visit www.telit.com/modules-overview/cellular-5g.