Samsung and MediaTek have successfully tested 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology on a virtualized radio access network (vRAN), which could potentially extend battery life for IoT devices. The test, conducted at Samsung’s R&D lab in South Korea, used the RedCap test platform, which includes Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 software, an OpenRAN compliant radio and MediaTek’s M60 modem.
The trial focused on energy-saving techniques such as Paging Early Indication (PEI) and enhanced Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) and confirmed the effective integration of RedCap capabilities with vRAN and Open RAN.
PEI proactively notifies devices of paging signals, waking them less frequently and allowing them to stay in a lower power state longer. eDRX allows devices to go into sleep mode for longer periods (up to 3 hours in some cases), further conserving power and extending battery life.
Kim Eun-young, vice president and head of Air Technology for Samsung’s Network Business Division, highlighted the significance of this milestone. He noted that Samsung’s continued progress in 5G RedCap over vRAN since last year has now culminated in testing energy-saving capabilities. This progress will not only enhance 5G connectivity, but also expand the IoT ecosystem by reducing energy consumption and associated costs.
HC Hwang, general manager of wireless communications systems and partnerships at MediaTek, highlighted the impact of this collaboration on the 5G RedCap industry, saying the successful test will boost market confidence in the transition from traditional connectivity to the new standard and open up new opportunities for IoT application developers.
Samsung plans to make its RedCap technology available for both traditional RAN and vRAN and integrate it into Tier 1 operators’ networks this year.
