5G connectivity continues to reshape industrial operations, now with a new focus on lower power consumption. Meeting the demands of asset monitoring and remote infrastructure, Semtech Corporation has launched its latest AirLink RX400 and EX400 routers. These devices promise to bridge the gap between the high energy requirements of traditional 5G and the phasing out of LTE, offering reliable solutions for operators looking to modernize without inflating power costs. Businesses in remote or hard-to-access locations may now find more options for staying connected with minimal energy usage, and new deployment models are expected to follow.
Previous reports on industrial IoT connectivity highlighted high costs and energy needs as substantial barriers, especially when transitioning from existing 4G LTE to new 5G infrastructure. Traditional 5G routers typically required consistent energy sources, limiting their use in remote or solar/battery-powered deployments. Competitors have released similar products but often struggled to lower idle power to these levels. The introduction of sub-1W idle power in Semtech’s routers stands out from earlier offerings and responds directly to feedback from utilities and industrial firms seeking cost-effective, future-proof solutions.
How Do the AirLink RX400 and EX400 Routers Address Industrial Needs?
The AirLink RX400 and EX400 routers aim to provide industrial and commercial IoT users with 5G RedCap connectivity tailored for their operational realities. Both models reduce idle power consumption below one watt, addressing energy constraints inherent in solar- and battery-powered sites. Their throughput, low latency, and support for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas ensure these routers deliver performance without overspending on power or complexity. RX400’s ruggedized build handles extreme conditions, whereas the EX400’s semi-rugged style suits commercial deployments such as manufacturing and retail settings.
What Benefits Do Advanced Management Tools Offer Organizations?
Semtech includes its AirLink Complete package with every RX400 and EX400 unit, providing hardware warranty, continuous support, and access to the AirLink Management Service (ALMS) cloud platform for remote oversight. This suite is designed to enable large-scale monitoring and automatic updates, streamlining IT tasks for distributed installations. Enhanced management flexibility is available through optional tools like AirLink Manager and AirLink Mobility Manager, which accommodate both hosted and on-premises needs, serving industries with rigorous reliability requirements.
Will 5G RedCap Replace LTE for IoT Deployments?
Industry analysts and Semtech executives position 5G RedCap as a natural successor to LTE for long-lifecycle IoT applications. The routers comply with 3GPP Release 17 and support both 5G Standalone and LTE Cat-4, ensuring immediate usability while providing a path forward as networks evolve. These features enable energy companies, utilities, and field operations to future-proof infrastructure investments as LTE sunsets. Reflecting on this shift, Semtech’s leadership commented:
“As LTE networks phase out through the 2030s, 5G RedCap will provide organizations with a deployment path that makes both technical and economic sense.”
“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.”
The RX400 and EX400 introduce sub-1W 5G connectivity explicitly targeting off-grid and energy-constrained deployments, thus lowering barriers for remote monitoring, critical infrastructure oversight, and distributed commercial IoT solutions. Unlike previous market options, this approach suits both stringent industrial use-cases and more commercial environments, and each device supports broad connectivity through global private LTE and designated 5G bands, making them adaptable for future regulatory and technical changes. Companies now have viability for battery-based or solar-powered networks where previously high power consumption blocked 5G adoption.
Organizations deploying IoT solutions in harsh or off-grid environments face ongoing challenges navigating network upgrades as legacy LTE infrastructure ages. Semtech’s release of AirLink RX400 and EX400 provides new possibilities for sustainable connectivity while supporting flexible network transitions. These routers allow companies to extend the operational lifetime of industrial deployments, avoid over-investment in high-spec equipment, and efficiently manage large device fleets through integrated software. For firms planning remote installations or temporary deployments, sub-1W 5G RedCap routers present a practical option to maintain reliable communication without dependency on full-time grid power. Users considering network investments for SCADA, advanced metering, or remote site management should closely review these devices for applications that demand both longevity and cost efficiency.
