Semtech Launches Industry’s Most Power-Efficient Rugged 5G RedCap Routers

Key Terms

5g redcap technical

A 5G RedCap (short for “reduced capability”) is a streamlined version of 5G cellular technology designed for lower-cost, lower-power devices such as wearables, sensors, and simple IoT gadgets. It trims advanced features to make chips and modems cheaper and batteries last longer, like an economy-class seat that still gets you to the destination. For investors, RedCap can expand the addressable market for device makers and carriers by enabling mass adoption of connected products while shifting revenue and cost dynamics across the 5G ecosystem.

mimo technical

MIMO stands for multiple-input multiple-output, a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to send and receive data at the same time. Think of it like several lanes on a highway letting more cars travel simultaneously and avoiding traffic jams. For investors, MIMO matters because it improves network speed and reliability, which can drive demand for telecom equipment, services and devices and influence revenue growth in wireless-related companies.

3gpp release 17 technical

3GPP Release 17 is a coordinated set of technical specifications that extends and refines mobile network technology, building on prior 5G standards to add new features for performance, efficiency, and device types. Think of it as a major industry-wide software update that enables new services (like improved machine-to-machine connections, energy savings, or faster, more reliable links) and guides what equipment vendors and network operators must build. Investors care because it shapes demand for network upgrades, new devices and services, and can influence which companies win contracts or gain market share.

lte cat-4 technical

LTE Cat-4 is a specification for 4G cellular modems that sets the modem’s maximum data speeds—commonly up to about 150 megabits per second downlink and 50 Mbps uplink—along with basic network capabilities. For investors, it signals the connectivity level built into a device: like choosing a car with a certain horsepower, Cat-4 affects product appeal, compatibility with mobile networks, battery use and cost, which in turn influence sales and market positioning.

mil-std-810h technical

MIL-STD-810H is a U.S. military engineering standard that describes laboratory and field tests to see how equipment performs under harsh environmental conditions—such as extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, humidity, dust, salt fog and altitude. For investors, a product tested or designed to meet this standard is like a vehicle with proven crash-and-weather tests: it signals higher durability and reliability in tough settings, which can lower warranty costs, support defense or industrial contracts, and improve market credibility.

wi-fi 6 technical

Wi‑Fi 6 is the latest mainstream wireless networking standard that makes home and business Wi‑Fi faster, more reliable, and better at handling many connected devices at once. For investors it matters because companies that adopt or enable Wi‑Fi 6 can offer improved customer experiences and support higher device density—think of adding highway lanes and smarter traffic lights to reduce congestion—potentially boosting sales, product value, and network-related revenue.

scada technical

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a computerized system that monitors and controls industrial equipment and infrastructure—think of it as a remote brain that collects sensor data and sends commands to pumps, valves, power grids, or factory machines. Investors watch SCADA because it affects operational reliability, safety, and cost: failures or cyberattacks can cause outages and fines, while efficient SCADA systems can boost productivity and reduce maintenance and capital expenses.

New AirLink® RX400 and EX400 deliver future-proof 5G connectivity with sub-1W power consumption, enabling solar- and battery-powered IoT deployments

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cloud connectivity service solutions, today announced two new AirLink® 5G RedCap routers that address a critical gap in industrial and commercial IoT: the need for future-proof and energy-efficient 5G connectivity scaled to real-world IoT application needs.

Semtech's New AirLink RX400 and EX400 5G RedCap Routers Deliver Sub-1W Power Efficiency for Industrial IoT

“5G RedCap adoption is accelerating, with connections projected to surpass 656 million globally by 2030 (including eRedCap),” said Shobhit Srivastava, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia. “The technology delivers the right combination of attributes for industrial applications: 5G network longevity, power efficiency, and 5G performance that matches real-world industrial requirements—without the cost premium of traditional 5G. As LTE networks phase out through the 2030s, 5G RedCap will provide organizations with a deployment path that makes both technical and economic sense.”

The new AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 routers deliver 5G RedCap performance while consuming less than 1 watt of power when idle, enabling deployments in remote, off-grid locations previously served by existing LTE networks or expensive, high-power traditional 5G solutions. Both routers deliver the throughput and low latency necessary for IoT applications and have a 2x2 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna configuration—to simplify integration into existing and new deployments.

Based on 3GPP Release 17 and 5G Standalone (SA) architecture, 5G RedCap technology delivers enhanced network performance and future-proof longevity as carriers continue to modernize their infrastructure. The RX400 and EX400 support 5G RedCap but also LTE Cat-4 for flexible connectivity and immediate deployments.

Industrial IoT Caught Between Existing 4G and Traditional 5G

“Industrial IoT has been caught between traditional 5G that’s too power-hungry and expensive for off-grid applications, and 4G LTE networks that have limited long-term viability,” said Kinana Hussain, vice president of AirLink networking solutions at Semtech. “AirLink 5G RedCap routers change the game. With sub-1W power consumption and ruggedized designs built for extreme conditions, these RedCap routers deliver 5G at IoT economics. This enables customers to upgrade their networks today to match the long lifespan industrial operations require, finally providing a sustainable path for connecting remote critical infrastructure.”

Key Applications and Use Cases

The sub-1W power efficiency of both routers enables entirely new 5G deployment scenarios:

• Remote Infrastructure Monitoring: Off-grid supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) backhaul in energy and utilities
• Critical Infrastructure Monitoring: Remote system monitoring in oil and gas
• Distributed Commercial IoT: Retail, manufacturing and agricultural operations
• Temporary Installations: Mobile deployments where grid power is unavailable or cost-prohibitive

AirLink RX400: Rugged 5G RedCap Router for Outdoor Environments

The AirLink RX400 is the industry’s most power efficient 5G RedCap router* with a rugged IP64 and MIL-STD-810H design for challenging outdoor environments and applications requiring maximum reliability. The combination of rugged design and low power consumption optimizes it for critical infrastructure applications where grid power is unavailable, enabling solar-powered operation in remote locations.

The router supports global private LTE and 5G bands, including Anterix Band 106 (900 MHz spectrum standardized under 3GPP Release 18), delivering the versatility and future-proofing that is essential for mission-critical deployments across energy, utilities and industrial sectors. The router also features a single/dual serial port, a single Gigabit Ethernet port, edge computing capabilities, and optional Wi-Fi 6.

AirLink EX400: Semi-Rugged Design for Commercial IoT

The AirLink EX400 features a semi-rugged design for use in IoT applications in retail, manufacturing and agricultural operations. The router features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, edge computing capabilities and optional Wi-Fi 6.

Comprehensive Network Management

The RX400 and EX400 include one year of AirLink Complete with hardware warranty, 24/7 support and remote management through the cloud-based AirLink Management Service (ALMS) platform. This allows organizations to securely monitor, manage and automatically update router deployments at scale without overwhelming IT support teams.

Semtech is also expanding management options for its AirLink OS-based routers—including the AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400—through optional management via AirLink Manager (AM) and AirLink Mobility Manager (AMM) platforms. These management solutions can be deployed hosted or on-premises, providing AirLink customers with flexibility to choose the management solution that best fits their operational and organizational requirements—leveraging the same field-tested management infrastructure trusted by leading energy and industrial organizations worldwide.

Availability

The AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 routers can be ordered now through qualified Semtech authorized AirLink channel partners.

See the AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 at DistribuTECH 2026

Learn more about the new AirLink RX400 and EX400 5G RedCap routers alongside Semtech's complete portfolio of cellular routers, modules and connectivity solutions at DistribuTECH 2026, Feb. 2-5, 2026, in booth #645, San Diego, CA.

For more information about the AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 routers, register for our upcoming webinar or visit:

• AirLink RX400: www.semtech.com/RX400
• AirLink EX400: www.semtech.com/EX400

* Based on a comparison of market-available data as of November 2025 for comparable rugged MIL-STD-810H IP64 5G RedCap routers

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC) is a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cloud connectivity service solutions dedicated to delivering high-quality technology solutions that enable a smarter, more connected and sustainable planet. Our global teams are committed to empowering solution architects and application developers to develop breakthrough products for the infrastructure, industrial, and consumer markets. To learn more about Semtech technology, visit us at Semtech.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, and AirLink are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names mentioned in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260127904177/en/

Michelle Lozada, pr@semtech.com

Source: Semtech Corporation