5G networks have expanded rapidly worldwide, delivering faster speeds and reduced latency. However, the use of higher frequency bands requires more base stations compared to 4G.
This need for more infrastructure poses challenges, especially in densely populated areas where site availability and installation costs are higher. Tokyo, the most populous city in the world, perfectly illustrates these challenges.
In 2018, NTT DOCOMO collaborated with Japanese glass manufacturer AGC to tackle this problem by developing the world’s first glass antenna. Using AGC’s ATTOCH technology, the antenna can be installed in existing windows, allowing buildings to be seamlessly integrated into the mobile network without obstructing views or changing their appearance. It has been improved over the years and is now fully 5G compatible.
WAVEANTENNA
The antenna is made of transparent conductive material sandwiched between layers of glass, increasing durability and maintaining the transparent appearance of standard windows. The technology also features a Glass Interface Layer (GIL) that reduces signal attenuation and reflection, two common problems when signals pass through glass.
The WAVEANTENNA, as it is known, supports 5G Sub6 frequencies, which are more effective at penetrating walls and barriers compared to millimeter waves. This makes it ideal for dense urban environments where 5G networks suffer from interference and signal loss.
Akinobu Ueda, from the Radio Access Network Engineering Department of Japanese communications giant NTT DOCOMO, explains: “It is difficult to get permission from building owners to install small cell base stations in the middle and lower floors of a building, because the base stations can. spoil the landscape of an area. The same applies to indoor installations. In addition to spoiling the interior design of a building, it is difficult to create the ideal service area because attenuation occurs as signals pass through the building.”
Last month, JTower, a Tokyo-based company, installed the first WAVEANTENNA in the city’s Shinjuku district, marking a major milestone for the technology. The antennas are also adapted for use in vehicles, reducing signal dropouts.