Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Dai Nippon Printing has announced the development of a “Reflect Array” that can bounce the millimeter waves used in 5G mobile communications systems to devices in an expanded coverage area.
Once installed–for example on the side of a building–the Reflect Array helps the 5G signals emitted from base stations and relays to cover a wider area than would otherwise be the case.
Unlike the conventional 4G technology, the higher frequency 5G milliwaves have more difficulty passing through solid objects such as buildings, and thus it requires more base stations and relays to ensure that 5G capable devices are receiving the signals.
The Dai Nippon Printing Reflect Arrays are constructed to selectively reflect predetermined frequency bands. It can also be adjusted to reflect the milliwaves in a desired direction. This creates a solution for many urban spaces that is cheaper than installing additional base stations and associated relay equipment.
It is also possible to print various patterns on the surface of the array, making it possible to add external designs, including advertising signboards.
A related product was unveiled by NTT Docomo and glass manufacturer AGC in January. In that case, the product was a prototype metasurface that allows 5G radio signals to pass through closed windows, also expanding the reach of 5G networks.
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