Garching, 15.09.2020 – Raycap, an international manufacturer of products and systems for passive telecommunication infrastructure, has developed the novel material InvisiWave, based on a new composite material. This development helps carriers, local authorities, and municipalities to push the expansion of the 5G infrastructure into more populated inner city areas. Due to its special properties, claddings made of InvisiWave do not significantly affect the5G mm wavelengths (mmWave) signal strength. This allows operators for the first time to combine the demands of both aesthetics and signal strength. In addition, inserting screen panels made of InvisiWave can be easily used to upgrade existing 4G cell sites to 5G.
The expansion of 5G infrastructure is taking shape; the demand for higher speeds and bandwidths are accelerating this process. The driving force behind 5G is the new transmitters in the mmWave range and the associated antenna systems, whose cell radii are around 100 m.
However, the expansion of the 5G infrastructure is causing discussions in many places. Antennas and transmitter masts disturb the cityscape – especially in historic old towns – and usually have to be covered up for aesthetic reasons. However, conventional coverings are often made of materials that will severely affect 5G signal strength. As a result, the existing materials used to hide infrastructure are not appropriate for 5G networks. To enable signal strength and network coverage, and aesthetic requirements, Raycap has developed the new and patent-pending material InvisiWave. For the first time, carriers, local authorities, and municipalities can now make the infrastructure necessary for 5G network expansion “invisible” without compromising signal quality. An important step on the way to the Smart City.
InvisiWave enables small cell locations in street lamps, distribution cabinets, flower pots, or other street furniture without the signal strength being significantly reduced by the material of the cladding. Thus, the network coverage is significantly increased without negatively affecting the visual appearance of the street scene. The safety of the infrastructure is also taken into account. The claddings made of InvisiWave are not only fireproof but also protect the sensitive technology against vandalism.
Easy upgrade of existing sites
The new InvisiWave screen panels can also be used to upgrade existing 4G sites to convert wireless sites to 5G. This involves replacing a small panel or aperture of the existing wall structure with a covert InvisiWave Screen Panel to hide the 5G mm-Wave equipment without compromising performance and coverage. With the world’s first drop-in upgrade of a 5G small-cell panel for existing covert broadcast points, the existing infrastructure can be easily and more economically upgraded. This allows operators to expand their 5G infrastructure without having to create new sites.
“We wanted to find a way to design the 5G infrastructure in cities in such a way that it would not be conspicuous in the cityscape. At the same time, however, it is important that the cladding does not or only marginally affect the signal quality. Based on this objective we developed InvisiWave. Also with a view to promoting smart cities,” explains Volker Lange, Vice President Sales EMEA at Raycap.
About Raycap
Raycap is an international solutions provider and manufacturer of telecommunications infrastructure products for broadband and mobile networks, as well as industrial electrical protection systems, with operations throughout Europe and North America. Raycap employs more than 1,500 people at eight facilities worldwide and has its own test laboratories and a strong R&D Division. Products are certified according to national and international standards. Telecom concealment solutions are marketed under the STEALTH® and APELIO brands, while surge protection brands include Strikesorb®, SafeTec, ProTec & RayDat. For more information, contact telecom@raycap.de
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