MaxLinear, Inc. and Airgain, Inc. Enable Multi-Gigabit Data Transfer Through Low-E Glass Windows for 5G Fixed Wireless Access
January 08, 2018 at 10:41 pm
Share
MaxLinear, Inc. announced a collaboration with Airgain, Inc. to demonstrate the wireless transfer of more than 2 Gigabits per second (Gbps) through low-emissivity (low-E) glass windows using a small, 90mm x 90mm window-mounted antenna module. The ability to bridge gigabit data rates from the outside of the house to the inside of the house is a key challenge for 5G and 60GHz fixed wireless access technologies that use millimeter wave radio frequencies (RF). Millimeter wave RF signals are ideal for supporting ultra-high broadband speeds with very low latency, but they’re incapable of penetrating building walls or energy efficient windows with low-E metallic coatings. MaxLinear’s AirPHY technology provides an ideal solution to this problem and eliminates the need for broadband service providers to drill holes in their customer’s homes. AirPHY can be combined with any broadband access technology in an outdoor unit (ODU) attached to the home. Indoor units (IDUs) can easily be self-installed by aligning with the ODU and attaching to an inside wall or window. AirPHY operates within unlicensed radio frequency bands and below the FCC limits for radiated emissions. Utilizing Airgain’s compact solution, the AirPHY system combines antennas on either side of the building to provide near field coupling, which can penetrate through low-E windows or walls, efficiently and in a small form factor.
Airgain, Inc. is a provider of wireless connectivity solutions, offering a range of embedded components, external antennas, and integrated systems worldwide. The Companyâs enterprise products include embedded cellular modems, antennas for access points and Internet of Things applications, and asset trackers. Its consumer products include embedded antennas for consumer access points, wireless gateways, smart home devices and fixed wireless access devices. The Companyâs automotive products include aftermarket antennas that are typically connected to third-party cellular and Wi-Fi-enabled routers, digital video evidence devices, and telematics gateways. It has launched a second generation AirgainConnect Fleet system solution, which is a roof-mounted 5G vehicle gateway, combining a cellular modem, antennas, and additional features into a single device. Its NimbeLink embedded modems serves enterprise sectors requiring cellular connectivity such as packaging, logistics, and smart cities.