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The rollout of 5G networks relies upon “small cell” installations of network equipment at relatively specific distances apart. This differs from previous iterations of 4G and 3G with regards to the amount of space between equipment installations that can be covered before areas of dropped coverage form. Macrocell tower sites were able to be much farther away from the devices accessing the network, as well as from each other. Distances of nearly a mile between equipment installations were possible without a loss of coverage between them.
5G microsites or “small cell sites” offer far faster speeds with regards to data transfer across the network, but do so at the expense of distances that can be placed between network nodes. This translates to far more equipment being placed within the regions that people physically interact within, with equipment being placed at street level and within about one-tenth of the distances that 3G/4G allows. The increased speeds are welcomed, but the increased amount of telecom infrastructure equipment installed within an already packed visual landscape is not. The result is an effort towards effective concealment, blending equipment in with existing structures or shrouding it all together to avoid a cluttered look.
Within urban areas, this is especially important as many push to keep the architectural and oftentimes historical integrity of the region above all progress. While exterior installations of 5G microsites are challenging, even more, challenging can be the installation of 5G networks within large enclosed spaces. In areas like airports, stadiums, arenas, malls, or other venues, the offering of 5G network speeds to customers is highly desired and often expected by the patrons. The problem is figuring out ways to install the equipment in the regions where people are physically interacting without creating visual blights.
In areas like Tampa International Airport, this goal has been effectively achieved through the use of both creativity and technologically advanced materials. Deploying 5G mmWave small cells inside an enclosed space is similar yet different from the methods used for external applications like poles and rooftops. In these specialized installations, the equipment must be incorporated into walls and ceilings up above where people walk and converge. The small cell concealments must be not only visually appealing but also provide safety aspects for airport workers who may need to access them directly for maintenance, all the while with throngs of customers.
Through the use of optional power disconnect devices integrated within the small cell setups, maintenance can be done without the potential mishaps that might come with working with electricity inside of areas that are accessed by the public. The use of Raycap’s InvisiWave® technology also allows for the 5G mmWave equipment and antennas to be mounted behind the concealments yet within proximity to customer traffic, presenting no visual clues that it is there. This specialized material allows 5G signals to move through it without disruption, yet provides enough stability to be used in the construction of small-scale concealments. The result has been the integration of 5G services through high-traffic areas of the airport, accessible to customers without showing itself to them. The new wave of 5G small cell concealment is possible with Raycap’s InvisiWave material and its other Stealth concealment product line
