Semtech Corporation, a provider of high-performance semiconductors, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and cloud connectivity services, has announced two new AirLink® 5G RedCap routers designed to address a gap in industrial and commercial IoT deployments: the need for future-ready and energy-efficient 5G connectivity scaled to real-world IoT requirements.
“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 one watt of power when idle, supporting deployments in remote, off-grid locations previously served by LTE networks or higher-power traditional 5G solutions. Both routers provide the throughput and low latency required for IoT applications and feature a 2×2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration to simplify integration into new and existing deployments.
Based on 3GPP Release 17 and 5G Standalone (SA) architecture, 5G RedCap technology offers enhanced network performance and long-term viability as carriers continue infrastructure modernization. The RX400 and EX400 support both 5G RedCap and LTE Cat-4, enabling flexible connectivity and immediate deployment options.
“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
The AirLink RX400 is designed for outdoor environments, featuring an IP64 and MIL-STD-810H rating. Its low power consumption supports solar-powered operation in remote locations. The router supports global private LTE and 5G bands, including Anterix Band 106 in the 900 MHz spectrum standardized under 3GPP Release 18. Additional features include single or dual serial ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, edge computing capabilities, and optional Wi-Fi 6.
AirLink EX400
The AirLink EX400 features a semi-rugged design intended for commercial IoT deployments in retail, manufacturing, and agricultural environments. It includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, edge computing capabilities, and optional Wi-Fi 6.
Both routers include one year of AirLink Complete, which provides hardware warranty coverage, 24/7 support, and cloud-based management through the AirLink Management Service (ALMS). Semtech is also expanding management options for AirLink OS-based routers through optional support for AirLink Manager (AM) and AirLink Mobility Manager (AMM), which can be deployed either hosted or on-premises.
The AirLink RX400 and AirLink EX400 routers are available to order through authorized Semtech AirLink channel partners. Semtech will also present the routers at DistribuTECH 2026, taking place February 2 to 5, 2026, in San Diego, California.
Click here to learn more about the AirLink RX400.
Click here to learn more about the AirLink EX400.
