SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For many IoT devices, upgrading to 5G is not simply about achieving higher bandwidth. Industrial gateways, security and surveillance systems, aftermarket automotive applications, energy applications and MiFi devices often have different priorities. Reliable connectivity, power efficiency, cost and product development efficiency can matter just as much.

To address these requirements, Fibocom has launched the RU311 5G RedCap module series. The new series offers customers a practical option for upgrading mid-tier IoT devices from 4G to a streamlined 5G architecture.

Built on the UNISOC V527 platform, the RU311 supports 5G RedCap and is also compatible with LTE Cat.4. It provides a flexible upgrade path between traditional 4G and higher-end 5G for mid-tier IoT applications.

A Streamlined Path to 5G for Mid-Tier IoT Devices

For these devices, the key to a 5G upgrade is not simply higher speed. The more important question is whether 5G can meet actual application requirements with the right balance of performance, power consumption and cost.

The RU311 supports dual-mode 5G RedCap and LTE Cat.4 connectivity. In 5G RedCap mode, it delivers peak downlink speeds of up to 226 Mbps and uplink speeds of up to 120 Mbps. In LTE mode, peak speeds reach 150 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink.

These data rates can support applications such as status reporting, remote control, video uplink, mobile broadband access and industrial data transmission.

For customers planning product upgrades, the RU311 balances 5G evolution with power and cost considerations. It helps existing mid-tier IoT devices transition more smoothly from 4G to 5G.

Compatible Design Reduces Upgrade Effort

The challenge of upgrading a device often extends beyond the wireless standard itself. Manufacturers may also need to redesign the motherboard, adapt interfaces, complete testing and validation, and manage a new product introduction cycle.

The RU311 LGA variant comes in a compact 32 mm × 29 mm × 2.4 mm package. Its pin layout is designed with compatibility considerations for Fibocom's FG132 RedCap module and NL668/L716 Cat.4 modules. This makes it easier for customers to develop 4G and 5G products on compatible hardware designs.

For customers with existing 4G platforms, this approach can reduce hardware migration and repetitive development work. It also allows more development resources to be focused on application experience, use-case adaptation and product introduction.

Multiple Form Factors Accelerate Product Development

The RU311 series is available in LGA, M.2 and Mini PCIe form factors to support different device designs and development stages.

The M.2 variant is suited for rapid validation and platform integration. The Mini PCIe variant can be integrated into industrial gateways, routers, industrial PCs and embedded platforms. These options can reduce hardware adaptation work and accelerate product development.

The RU311 series supports protocols including TCP/UDP, HTTP/HTTPS, SSL and MQTT. It also provides interfaces such as USB, UART, RGMII, SDIO, I2C, SPI and GPIO.

Together, these capabilities support key functions across device connectivity, remote operations and maintenance, data transmission and platform integration.

"RedCap further expands the application potential of 5G in the mid-tier IoT market. It gives more devices a new technology option for balancing performance, power consumption and cost," said a representative from UNISOC.

"The Fibocom RU311 is built on the UNISOC V527 platform. We will continue to deepen our collaboration with Fibocom and jointly expand the application scope and ecosystem of RedCap technology."

Kony Li, General Manager of Fibocom's MTC Business Unit, said, "As IoT devices evolve from 4G to 5G, different types of devices require connectivity capabilities that match their specific business needs. The RU311 further expands Fibocom's 5G RedCap portfolio."

"Going forward, Fibocom will continue working with UNISOC to advance RedCap product innovation. We aim to provide customers with a broader range of adaptable 5G connectivity options and support the continued evolution of different types of IoT devices."

The launch of the RU311 series further strengthens Fibocom's multi-platform, multi-form-factor 5G RedCap portfolio. It will also help accelerate RedCap adoption across a broader range of mid-tier IoT applications.

About Fibocom

Fibocom, founded in 1999, is China's first wireless communication module company listed on both the A-share and H-share markets. Fibocom leverages wireless communication and artificial intelligence as its core technologies to provide integrated hardware and software solutions that empower industry applications. These solutions accelerate the transformation from "Connect Everything" to "Intelligent Connectivity" across diverse industries.

Fibocom's one-stop solutions encompass cellular communication, AI, automotive, and GNSS modules, as well as AI toolchains, supporting industry-side and mainstream large model integration, and providing AI Agent, global connectivity, and cloud services, driving the digital intelligence upgrades in industries such as robotics, consumer electronics, low-altitude economy, intelligent transportation, smart retail, and smart energy.