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In an innovative leap for telecommunications, Japanese companies AGC and NTT Docomo have developed the WAVEAntenna, a cutting-edge glass antenna that transforms standard windows into base stations for 5G connectivity. This development promises to significantly improve 5G network coverage in urban environments without the need for additional tower construction.
Despite the rollout of 5G technology over the past four years, its coverage still lags behind that of 4G. The challenge arises from the high-frequency bands (24-100 GHz) that 5G employs to achieve faster speeds and lower latency. However, these higher frequencies have a limited range, necessitating a greater number of base stations to match the extensive coverage provided by 4G networks. Urban areas, with their space constraints and complex infrastructure, complicate the installation of traditional base stations, making innovative solutions like the WAVEAntenna essential.
The WAVEAntenna is designed to address these challenges by integrating the functionalities of a base station into a flat panel that can be discreetly installed on the interior surface of glass windows. This design preserves the building’s outer facade while optimizing 5G connectivity. AGC has a history of creating glass products that either facilitate or obstruct mobile signals, and the WAVEAntenna represents a significant advancement in this field.
Using transparent conductive materials, the antenna is embedded within a layer of transparent resin fit between two sheets of glass. This novel approach allows the antenna to operate optimally within the 3.7 to 4.5 GHz frequency range. While these frequencies do not reach the ultra-high bandwidth capabilities of mmWave frequencies, they are crucial for penetrating barriers like walls, enhancing overall network coverage—especially indoors.
The WAVEAntenna leverages Sub6 band frequencies, which are vital for ensuring that users have reliable coverage inside buildings. Although these frequencies offer lower bandwidth compared to higher frequencies, they play an integral role in maintaining network integrity in urban landscapes.
This innovative technology not only reduces the need for new tower installations but also offers service providers the flexibility to select optimal installation heights for their antennas. As telecommunications companies explore shared infrastructure options, the WAVEAntenna is poised to become a pivotal tool in enhancing 5G service delivery.
