EM shielding: what is it, simply?

In our previous article, we explained that an electromagnetic (EM) wave is energy traveling through space as electric and magnetic fields—and that two ideas help you “read” EM topics quickly: frequency (Hz) and attenuation (dB).

EM shielding is the practical step that follows: it is the act of reducing electromagnetic energy passing from one side of a boundary to the other. That boundary can be a device enclosure, a room, a vehicle, or even an entire building zone.

A simple mental image is the Faraday cage: an enclosure designed to limit how EM waves enter or exit. In real projects, however, EM shielding is rarely “a single metal box.” It’s usually a system made of materials, interfaces, and details that must work together.

Why do shielding at all?

EM waves enable modern life—Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, GPS, radio, satellite links—so the goal is not to “ban waves.” The goal is to control them, in the contexts where uncontrolled EM propagation creates problems. Here are three common motivations, with simple examples:

1) Interference (performance and reliability)

Some environments contain sensitive electronics or measurement systems. Unwanted signals can cause noise, instability, or degraded performance.

Technical rooms / labs: external RF can pollute measurements.
Hospitals / imaging suites: electromagnetic noise can contribute to artifacts or reduced signal quality in certain systems.
Critical infrastructure: stable operation sometimes requires controlling external EM “pollution.”

2) Interception and information leakage (security)

In secure environments, uncontrolled electromagnetic emissions can become a leakage path—not necessarily because someone is “hacking Wi-Fi,” but because signals can cross boundaries where they’re not supposed to.

Confidential meeting rooms: reduce unwanted connectivity and limit signal propagation beyond the perimeter.
Government / defense / sensitive corporate spaces: control exposure of signals through the building envelope.

3) Operational control (workflow and safety)

Sometimes shielding is used to support a process: keep specific signals out—or in—during critical operations.

Forensics / evidence handling: reduce external radio communications to help maintain controlled conditions around devices and data handling.
Test environments: prevent outside signals from affecting tests, and prevent test emissions from affecting the outside world.

How does EM shielding work? Two mechanisms to remember

While real engineering can be complex, there are two easy concepts to keep in mind:

Reflection:
Conductive surfaces can reflect part of the incoming EM energy. This is one reason metals are commonly used.
Absorption / losses:
Some materials and layered systems dissipate energy as it travels through, reducing what emerges on the other side.

In practice, shielding effectiveness is measured as attenuation in dB, and it always depends on frequency. A solution can be excellent at one band and less effective at another. That’s why serious specifications always answer two questions:

✅ Which frequencies are we targeting?
✅ What attenuation level (dB) is required across those frequencies?

Materials: yes, conductivity matters… but the system matters more

It’s true: more conductive materials generally support stronger shielding behavior than non-conductive ones. A simple (non-exhaustive) way to think about it:

Highly conductive metals (e.g., copper, aluminum) are commonly used for shielding layers, foils, meshes, and panels.
Steel can also be used and is often convenient structurally, though performance depends on thickness, design, and frequency.
Non-conductive materials (e.g., wood, gypsum) don’t provide meaningful shielding by themselves, but they can be part of a wall system combined with conductive layers.

However, focusing only on the material is a classic mistake. In real projects, shielding performance is often limited by interfaces, not by the main surface. In other words:

A shield that is “perfect” on 99% of its area can be compromised by a single poorly treated joint.

The real challenge: continuity (and avoiding leakage paths)

If you remember one thing about EM shielding, make it this:

Shielding is about continuity.
An EM wave should not find a convenient gap to enter or exit where it is not invited.

Typical weak points include:

Doors (frames, thresholds, seals)
Windows / glazing (especially where transparency is required)
Cable penetrations (power, data, HVAC controls, antennas)
Seams and junctions between panels, walls, or modules
Grounding and bonding details (how parts are electrically connected)

A tiny opening can act like a leakage path—especially at higher frequencies where small discontinuities can become significant. That’s why high-performance shielding is as much about design and installation discipline as it is about selecting the “right metal.”

Shielding vs hardening: what’s the difference?

These two terms are often used together, but they don’t mean the same thing.

Shielding focuses on controlling electromagnetic waves: limiting what can enter/exit a device, a room, or a zone.
Hardening is a broader concept: reinforcing devices, zones, or buildings to withstand threats, constraints, or hostile environments (which can include EM, but also physical, cyber, and operational factors).

In practice, projects often combine both: you may shield a specific room while also hardening the building’s overall security posture.

Shielding vs hardening: what’s the difference?

These two terms are often used together, but they don’t mean the same thing.

Shielding focuses on controlling electromagnetic waves: limiting what can enter/exit a device, a room, or a zone.
Hardening is a broader concept: reinforcing devices, zones, or buildings to withstand threats, constraints, or hostile environments (which can include EM, but also physical, cyber, and operational factors).

In practice, projects often combine both: you may shield a specific room while also hardening the building’s overall security posture.

What this means for glazing (and why frequency + dB matter)

Glazing is one of the most challenging elements in shielding because it must remain transparent, usable, and architectural—yet it can easily become a weak point if not designed as part of the shielding system.

That is why solutions like WAVETRAP approach EM control in glazing using the same two fundamentals that apply everywhere else:

Target frequency range(s)
Required attenuation (dB)

When these two criteria are clearly defined, you can specify a solution that fits the real use case—whether the goal is reducing interference, improving security, or enabling controlled operational environments—without sacrificing daylight and usability.

Get in touch with us now.

An electromagnetic wave is energy traveling through space as linked electric and magnetic fields. Unlike sound, which needs air (or another medium) to travel, electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum—this is how sunlight reaches Earth.

In everyday life, we often call EM waves “signals” or “radio waves,” but the electromagnetic spectrum is much broader. What changes from one EM wave to another is mainly its frequency—how fast the wave oscillates—measured in hertz (Hz).

Electromagnetic wave frequency spectrum with examples (Wi-Fi, GPS, 4G/5G, MRI) and shielding glass attenuation concept.”

Frequency: the “channel selector” of EM waves

Frequency is the first key concept because different frequency ranges behave differently and correspond to different technologies. A simple way to think about it: frequency is like a channel selector. It tells you which part of the EM world you are dealing with, and what devices are using it.

Here are three practical ranges, with common examples you’ll recognize:

1. Lower frequencies (kHz to low MHz — and nearby)
These frequencies can travel far and penetrate well, but they carry limited data compared to higher bands.
Examples include some broadcast and long-range communication systems.

2. Radio frequencies (RF: hundreds of MHz to a few GHz)
This is where most day-to-day connectivity lives—especially inside buildings.
Examples include:

Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Bluetooth
GPS (around 1.5 GHz)
Microwave Oven (2,4 GHz)
Professional radio systems (e.g., TETRA)
Mobile networks (2G/3G/4G and 5G “sub-6”)

3. Higher frequencies ( mmWave: above ~10 GHz)
These frequencies can carry a lot of data, but they tend to be more “line-of-sight” and more sensitive to obstacles.
Examples include:

5G mmWave (commonly around 28–39 GHz in some regions)
Satellite communications in higher bands
Certain radar and specialized links

So when someone says “we need shielding,” the first question is always: shielding against which frequencies?

WAVETRAP radio waves illustration Download

Why attenuate electromagnetic waves?

EM waves are not “good” or “bad” by default—they are tools. But in some environments, it becomes useful (or critical) to reduce them, for example:

1. To avoid interference
In hospitals, laboratories, data centers, or technical rooms, unwanted signals can disturb sensitive equipment, create measurement noise, or reduce system stability.

2. To improve security
In high-security settings, controlling EM waves can reduce unwanted connectivity and lower the risk of information leakage (proximity attack, EM Pulse, Eavesdropping). If signals freely pass through windows, the building envelope can become a weak point.

3. To manage exposure and comfort concerns
Some projects aim to limit electromagnetic exposure for comfort or precautionary reasons—especially in dense urban areas where multiple signals overlap.

This reduction is called attenuation.

Attenuation in dB: the “volume knob” for EM waves

Attenuation is typically expressed in decibels (dB)—just like sound insulation. The idea is similar:

A higher dB value means more reduction of the wave passing through a material or system.

You don’t need to be an engineer to use dB correctly. Just remember:

dB is a logarithmic scale, so a small increase can represent a significant performance step.
20–30 dB can already be meaningful in many everyday RF situations.
50-60 dB can mean no more Mobile, Bluetooth or Wifi signal in your environment
80–100 dB corresponds to very high shielding levels used for demanding environments.

So attenuation answers the second essential question: how much reduction do we need?

Frequencies + dB: the two criteria that define the right solution

When specifying an EM control solution, the decision is driven by two parameters:

Which frequency range(s) are we targeting?
What attenuation level (dB) is required?

This is especially important for glazing, because glass is often the most challenging part of a protected space: it must remain transparent and architectural while controlling waves.

Here is a practical comparison:

In glazing, the right EM solution is defined by two parameters: the frequency range to address and the attenuation level (in dB) required.

For example, a standard architectural insulating glass unit—even with advanced coatings such as high-performance multi-silver low-E—may provide around ~30 dB attenuation for certain radio signals in typical conditions. That’s quite helpful when you want to reduce RF penetration… but it can be a little frustrating when you’re simply trying to keep a phone conversation flowing without repeating: “Can you hear me?”

An MRI (IRM) observation window is a completely different world. MRI systems operate using RF energy (often in lower RF ranges, typically in the MHz region depending on magnet strength) and must detect extremely weak return signals to form images. MRI rooms are therefore shielded to block outside RF that would degrade image quality and to contain the MRI’s own RF emissions. As a result, required shielding levels are much higher—often around ~100 dB at the relevant frequencies, depending on the specification.

Attenuation of 60 dB
=
signal divided by 1 000 000

WAVETRAP: mastering electromagnetic performance while speaking “glass”

This is exactly where WAVETRAP comes in: bringing electromagnetic logic into architectural glazing in a way that matches real project needs.

Instead of a generic “shielding” claim, the approach starts with the two questions that matter:

Which frequencies are relevant for the building and the use case (security, medical, technical, institutional, etc.)?
What attenuation level (dB) is needed to manage interference, reduce risk, or improve control—without losing daylight and transparency?

Because in the end, the right solution is not one-size-fits-all. It is the right frequency coverage and the right dB performance, delivered in a glazing system designed for the built environment.

When Confidentiality Becomes a Strategic Risk

In the basements of government buildings — and inside secure zones of defence installations worldwide — a quiet battle takes place every day. Not with weapons, but with electromagnetic waves: invisible emissions that can carry sensitive information beyond the walls where it’s created.

Welcome to the world of electromagnetic eavesdropping, data exfiltration, and TEMPEST-related threats.
Welcome to the reason the TACITA ROOM® exists.

Developed through the collaboration of Lootens and WAVE by AGC, the TACITA ROOM® integrates WAVETRAP electromagnetic shielding glass to bring transparent EM protection into modern architecture—without turning workplaces into bunkers.

TACITA ROOM powered by WAVETRAP electromagnetic shielding glass

The Problem Nobody Sees

Imagine a meeting about a confidential defence project. The door is locked. Phones are surrendered. Everyone has clearance. It feels secure.

But inside the room, devices and infrastructure can still emit electromagnetic signals (laptops, projectors, cables, even the wiring in the walls). With the right equipment, those emissions can be intercepted and analysed from outside the room.

This is not science fiction; it’s a known risk category in information security. And for organisations handling state-sensitive information, critical IP, or large volumes of personal data, it’s not theoretical: it’s a vulnerability that needs to be managed.

The Traditional Answer: Bunkers in the Basement

Until now, the solution has often been drastic: build a highly shielded room — sometimes SCIF-like in approach— thick walls, heavy doors, limited daylight. Effective? Yes.

But these spaces are frequently uncomfortable, visually “loud,” expensive to construct, and difficult to retrofit into existing buildings. They can also disrupt operations due to long construction timelines and structural constraints.

There had to be an alternative way.

Enter TACITA ROOM®

A Secure Space Featuring WAVETRAP EM Shielding Glass

The TACITA ROOM® starts with a simple question:
Can we combine electromagnetic shielding with transparency, light, and modern architecture?

By combining laminated shielded glass (WAVETRAP) with a precision-engineered steel frame, the TACITA ROOM® creates a secure environment that can be integrated into modern workplaces.

It can be designed to:

provide shielding effectiveness above 60 dB across frequencies from 10 MHz to 7 GHz

maintain high light transmission for a bright, open space
integrate into modern office layouts with a premium architectural finish
support installation approaches that can minimize structural impact on the building (project-dependent)

The result: a secure space that feels like a modern room, not a bunker.

How WAVETRAP Electromagnetic Shielding Glass Enables Transparency

Shielding is traditionally associated with opaque materials—because metal is highly effective. But metal doesn’t let light through, and it doesn’t blend easily into contemporary architecture.

The breakthrough lies in transparent shielding layers laminated within the glazing. This enables the glass to remain transparent while contributing to electromagnetic attenuation. The engineered frame then reinforces the overall integrity of the enclosure and helps control leakage points at interfaces and edges.

Utilities matter too. Secure spaces are only as strong as their weak points—ventilation openings, power lines, and data lines. That’s why the room can be configured with shielded components and filtering strategies so signals are controlled not only through the walls, but also through the utilities that enter the space.

Technically, it’s engineered down to the details.
For the user, it simply feels like a bright, functional space where work can happen confidently.

Transparent RF shielding glazing WAVETRAP by WAVE by AGC

More Than Defence

Applications Across the Board

While the TACITA ROOM® is highly relevant for defence and government environments, demand is growing across sectors where confidentiality is mission-critical:

financial institutions handling M&A or sensitive negotiations
technology companies preparing product launches and strategy
hospitals and research environments handling sensitive data
law firms where confidentiality is non-negotiable
executive teams managing high-impact decisions

Where information is valuable—and where leaks carry serious consequences—the TACITA ROOM® is relevant.

Installation Without Drama

A key advantage is the modular approach, which can enable deployment with less disruption than traditional construction-heavy secure rooms.

Configuration is adaptable to project requirements: dimensions, layout, performance targets, and integration constraints. Where compliance or certification needs apply, the project can be aligned to the relevant specifications and validation pathway.

Probably the Safest Room in the Building

This baseline isn’t meant as hype. It reflects a design philosophy: security without compromise on usability. The TACITA ROOM® is built for organisations that need more than privacy, where confidentiality must be engineered, not assumed. It combines protection with professionalism. It doesn’t hide the need for secure work, it enables it, comfortably and convincingly.

Welcome to the Future of secure Spaces

The TACITA ROOM® proves you don’t have to choose between protection and a pleasant work environment. It’s a new way to think about secure spaces: transparent, integrated, and engineered for the realities of modern threat environments.

Want to see it in action ?

Discover the TACITA ROOM® and WAVETRAP electromagnetic shielding glass meet us at BEDEX (Brussels, March).

">Book a demo at BEDEX

FAQ — WAVETRAP & TACITA ROOM®

What is WAVETRAP?
WAVETRAP is WAVE by AGC’s electromagnetic shielding glazing solution, designed to attenuate electromagnetic signals while preserving transparency.

What shielding level can TACITA ROOM® achieve?
Depending on configuration, TACITA ROOM® can be designed for shielding effectiveness above 60 dB across 10 MHz to 7 GHz. Curves are made available on request. ( IEEE-299 Standard measure Protocol)

What are TEMPEST-related threats?
They refer to risks linked to electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices and infrastructure that may be intercepted and exploited.

Can TACITA ROOM® be installed in existing buildings?
Yes—its modular approach can support installations that reduce disruption and structural impact (project-dependent). Check TACITA Room Web site

Debunking the Myths of Digital Security and Unveiling the Unseen Threats to Your Organization

In our hyper-connected world, are your physical spaces truly secure from threats you can’t even see? We surround ourselves with firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption, believing our digital assets are safe. But what if the biggest vulnerability isn’t in your software, but in your architecture itself?

Introducing WAVETRAP®, the first line of architectural defense against the growing risk of electromagnetic interference and proximity-based cyber-attacks. This is more than just glass—it’s an invisible shield. WAVETRAP’s specialized technology blocks harmful electromagnetic signals without sacrificing natural light or aesthetic appeal. By seamlessly integrating this protection into your façade or as interior partitions, you create a secure sanctuary for your most sensitive operations.

But to understand why this physical shield is essential, we must first dismantle the common myths that give us a false sense of security.

Myth #1: “My Wi-Fi is safe. I use WPA3 encryption and a strong password.

The Reality: Encryption is a lock, but attackers can still knock on your door.

Strong encryption like WPA3 is a fundamental and necessary layer of security. However, it doesn’t make your network invincible. Attackers don’t always need to crack your password to cause chaos.

Deauthentication Attacks: An attacker sitting in a car outside your building can flood your Wi-Fi network with “deauthentication frames,” forcibly disconnecting your employees from the legitimate network. In the ensuing confusion, they can present an “Evil Twin” network—a fake access point with the same name as your real one. A frustrated employee, trying to reconnect quickly, might connect to this malicious network, handing the attacker full access to their traffic. The Marriott hotel group was fined $600,000 by the FCC for using this very technique.

Protocol Vulnerabilities: Even the most secure protocols have been proven vulnerable. The KRACK and FragAttacks vulnerabilities showed that flaws in the WPA2 protocol could allow attackers within range to decrypt or even inject data into a secure network, regardless of password strength. While patches are released, the continuous discovery of such flaws proves that software-level security is a constant arms race.

WAVETRAP® acts as a “physical firewall” for radio frequencies. It creates a semi-Faraday cage effect, blocking over 99.9% of signals from passing through the glass. An attacker in the parking lot can’t launch a deauthentication attack or broadcast an Evil Twin network if their signals can’t penetrate your building’s perimeter in the first place. It neutralizes the threat before it even reaches your devices.

Myth #2: “Digital eavesdropping is a science-fiction scenario. The technology is out of reach for common criminals.”

The Reality: The barrier to entry for wireless hacking has been dramatically lowered

What was once the exclusive domain of intelligence agencies is now accessible to criminals, competitors, and even hobbyists.

Affordable Hacking Tools: A motivated attacker can begin attempting Wi-Fi attacks within minutes using a €5 Wi-Fi adapter and freely downloadable software like Kali Linux. Specialized devices like the Wi-Fi Pineapple, designed for Wi-Fi attacks, or Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) for cellular experiments are available for just a few hundred euros.

New Attack Vectors: The threat is now mobile. In 2023, a financial firm’s network was infiltrated using a drone equipped with a Wi-Fi Pineapple, which landed on the roof. This demonstrates that an attacker no longer needs to be physically present in a suspicious van; they can operate covertly from a distance, turning public spaces near your building into a launchpad for attacks.

Electromagnetic Eavesdropping: Your devices leak information. Attackers can use sophisticated antennas to capture the electromagnetic emanations from your computer screens, keyboards, and printers, effectively reconstructing what you are seeing and typing from a distance.

By containing electromagnetic signals within a defined space, WAVETRAP® prevents them from leaking outside. This drastically reduces the risk of war-driving, drone-based snooping, and remote eavesdropping. A conference room shielded with WAVETRAP® glass becomes a secure “digital black-out” zone, ensuring that sensitive discussions and the data on your screens remain confidential.

Myth #3: “Ransomware attacks are always remote. Our anti-phishing training is enough to prevent them.”

The Reality: Proximity attacks are a growing initial vector for deploying ransomware.

While phishing remains a dominant threat, a 2024 analysis by Kroll showed that nearly 10% of all unauthorized external breaches began by exploiting weaknesses in externally accessible services—a category to which wireless networks inherently belong.

An attacker doesn’t need an employee to click a malicious link if they can gain access to your network directly. A study by ALTEPRO revealed that corporate buildings consistently leak wireless signals into public areas. An attacker can use this leakage to find a weak point, gain initial access to your guest or corporate Wi-Fi, and from there, move laterally through your network to deploy ransomware. In this scenario, your best-in-class phishing drills become irrelevant because the initial breach completely bypassed employee interaction.

WAVETRAP® secures your physical perimeter against this initial breach. By preventing wireless signals from leaving the building, it eliminates the opportunity for an attacker to exploit them from a nearby, publicly accessible location. This strengthens your defense-in-depth strategy, ensuring that your first line of defense isn’t an employee’s inbox, but your building’s own structure.

Myth #4: “Our software and network security tools are sufficient to protect our digital assets.

The Reality: True cyber resilience requires a multi-layered approach, including physical security.

Modern cybersecurity standards like NIS2 and DORA mandate a “defense-in-depth” strategy, which combines multiple security layers. These layers are typically categorized as:

Technical Measures: Firewalls, encryption, network segmentation.

Organizational Measures: Employee training, security audits, incident response plans.

Physical Measures: Access control, and increasingly, shielded rooms and specialized glass.

Relying solely on software is like locking your files in a digital safe but leaving the doors and windows of the building wide open. If an attacker can get inside the network via a wireless vulnerability, many of your software defenses can be bypassed.

digital age. It is a passive, always-on defense that doesn’t require updates, patching, or configuration. It doesn’t care if it’s a zero-day Wi-Fi exploit or a new type of IMSI catcher; it simply blocks the radio frequency signals, rendering entire categories of attacks ineffective. It complements your existing technical and organizational measures to create a truly comprehensive and resilient security posture.

Myth #5: “The cyber incidents that shielding glass prevents are rare and not that serious.”

The Reality: These incidents are happening now, and the consequences are devastating.

The history of cybercrime is filled with examples where a wireless vulnerability led to catastrophic results.

The TJX Breach: One of the largest retail data thefts in history began when attackers used war-driving to find a store with weak WEP Wi-Fi. They cracked it, pivoted to the corporate network, and stole over 45 million credit card numbers, costing the company over $200 million.

SS7 Bank Hacks: In 2017, criminals exploited flaws in the global telecom network to intercept SMS two-factor authentication codes, draining German bank accounts.

IMSI Catcher Espionage: Foreign spies have been confirmed to be using fake cell towers (IMSI catchers) near sensitive government locations like Washington D.C. to intercept mobile communications.

The economic impact is staggering. The global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach **$12 trillion USD by 2025**, making it figuratively the world’s third-largest economy. Underestimating the risk of proximity attacks is a critical gap in any modern security strategy.

WAVETRAP® offers a proactive defense against these high-impact threats. By shielding sensitive areas, you protect against data breaches, financial theft, and corporate espionage. It is an essential tool for any organization operating in critical sectors.

Your Invisible Shield Awaits

The digital and physical worlds have merged. Your architectural choices are now a critical component of your cybersecurity strategy. Don’t let your most valuable assets be compromised by a threat you can’t even see.

WAVETRAP® offers transparent electromagnetic shielding that enhances the reliability of your digital services, improves electromagnetic compatibility for your complex systems, and provides an unparalleled layer of security.

Secure your space. Protect what matters. Contact the WAVETRAP® experts today to learn how our groundbreaking glass technology can become your ultimate invisible shield.

Get in touch with us now.

Original article can be found here.

Un verre innovant au service de la durabilité et de la technologie

Spécialiste de la production de verre depuis longtemps, AGC Glass Europe a pris le virage du 21e siècle à pleine vitesse, grâce à des innovations qui combinent

Ayant une longue tradition de verrerie en Belgique, depuis plus de cent ans, AGC Glass Europe s’impose comme un leader en innovation verrière. Fondée en 1961 sous le nom de Glaverbel – né d’une fusion des deux producteurs de verre belges, Glaver et Univerbel, l’entreprise belge a rapidement marqué l’histoire du verre plat en implantant la première usine de production fl oat en Europe continentale. Aujourd’hui, AGC Glass Europe produit, transforme et distribue du verre plat pour la construction, l’automobile et l’industrie high-tech. Avec plus de 100 sites industriels et 13 000 employés à travers l’Europe, l’entreprise fait de l’innovation son moteur de croissance. «Nous avons toujours cherché à dépasser les standards du marché pour développer des solutions à forte valeur ajoutée», explique Jérôme Goubau, Director Advanced Solutions chez AGC. Parmi les innovations récentes, trois technologies se distinguent particulièrement: FINEO, WAVETHRU et WAVETRAP.

Une nouvelle génération de vitrage isolant, alliant performance et esthétisme

FINEO représente l’avenir du vitrage isolant. « Dans dix ans, ce sera la norme », assure Jérôme Goubau. Contrairement au double ou triple vitrage classique, FINEO intègre une fi ne couche sous vide entre deux lames de verre, espacées de seulement 100 microns. « Ce procédé réduit fortement
la transmission de chaleur et de sons », détaille-t-il. Son avantage principal? Une isolation thermique comparable à celle d’un triple vitrage, tout en étant beaucoup plus fin et léger. « Cela permet de préserver l’esthétique des bâtiments classés, où les fenêtres modernes trop massives ne peuvent être installées », explique Jérôme Goubau.

L’innovation ne se limite pas à la performance thermique. «Nos vitrages sont recyclables à l’infi ni et off rent une durée de vie de 60 ans, avec une garantie de 20 ans », souligne-t-il. Produite en Belgique, la technologie FINEO a nécessité l’écriture de nouveaux standards de production et de certification, un défi relevé avec succès par AGC. Aujourd’hui, FINEO équipe déjà des bâtiments emblématiques comme le Kanal à Bruxelles ou l’aéroport de Stockholm-Bromma. «Nous avons lancé une première ligne de production en 2019, et nous allons la multiplier par quatre d’ici 2026 pour répondre à la demande croissante», annonce Jérôme Goubau.

Cette évolution technologique s’accompagne également d’une forte ambition écologique. «L’utilisation de FINEO permet de réduire l’empreinte carbone en allégeant les structures et en améliorant l’efficacité énergétique des bâtiments, ajoute Jérôme Goubau. C’est un produit qui répond aux exigences des rénovations patrimoniales tout en apportant des solutions modernes. De plus, le partenariat avec Panasonic a permis d’industrialiser et de perfectionner le procédé, garantissant ainsi des performances optimales et une production maîtrisée.»

Améliorer la connectivité sans compromettre l’isolation

L’innovation chez AGC ne s’arrête pas à l’isolation thermique. La technologie WAVETHRU a été développée pour répondre à un autre défi moderne : la connectivité dans les bâtiments. «En emménageant dans notre siège de Louvain- la-Neuve, nous nous sommes rendu compte que les couches métalliques des vitrages, indispensables pour une bonne isolation, atténuaient fortement les ondes radio et le réseau mobile», se souvient Bernard Monville, responsable pour WAVE chez AGC. Pour résoudre ce problème, l’entreprise a créé WAVETHRU, une technologique laser qui permet de traiter ces couches d’argent sur une zone limitée du vitrage et de créer une grille microscopique invisible à l’oeil nu, permettant aux ondes de traverser tout en conservant les propriétés isolantes et esthétiques du verre.

Les technologies WAVETHRU sont déjà intégrées dans des bâtiments tels que les agences de certaines banques, les stations- service Bruno en Flandre ou encore les espaces de coworking Silversquare à Bruxelles. « Le principal défi reste de faire connaître ces innovations », reconnaît Bernard Monville. Grâce à un traitement au laser, WAVETHRU peut être appliqué sur des vitrages existants, une solution pratique et économique pour améliorer la connectivité sans installation complexe. «Dans dix ans, ces technologies feront partie des standards du marché, au même titre que le Wi-Fi ou la fi bre optique», prévoit Bernard Monville.

Un bouclier invisible pour la cybersécurité et la confidentialité

Mais AGC a aussi développé l’inverse : WAVETRAP. « Nous avons reçu des
demandes pour des vitrages capables de bloquer complètement les ondes, notamment pour des entreprises soucieuses de leur cybersécurité », explique Bernard Monville. Cette technologie permet de créer des espaces hautement sécurisés, empêchant toute fuite de données ou espionnage via les réseaux sans fi l. « Jusqu’ici, on devait utiliser des bunkers sans fenêtre, peu confortables. Avec WAVETRAP, on combine sécurité et lumière naturelle. » Cette solution séduit déjà des entreprises sensibles aux cyberattaques. « Nous sommes en train de créer une véritable barrière physique contre le piratage, sans impacter le confort des occupants. » WAVETRAP répond également aux besoins grandissants de confidentialité. « Nous avons même conçu des solutions spécifiques pour des hauts dirigeants et certaines institutions gouvernementales », révèle Bernard Monville. « L’intérêt pour ces technologies ne cesse de croître, notamment dans un contexte de préoccupations accrues en matière de cybersécurité et de protection des données sensibles. » Enfin Jérôme Goubau conclut : « Nous ne nous contentons pas de suivre les tendances, nous les créons. »

Copy of the original article available here. All credits go to Mediaplanet Belgium

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An audit should be conducted when serious connectivity issues occur, such as poor call quality, network outages, or slow communication. These problems can disrupt business operations and should be addressed promptly. Before investing in new technology, businesses should first identify existing issues through a connectivity audit, which can reveal ways to enhance current systems and ensure they remain effective in the future.

Enhancing Network Performance through Telecom Data Insights

Conducting a connectivity audit is the most effective way of identifying and resolving issues that may impact communication within a business. Both outdoor and indoor signal strength is measured, and connection quality assessed to ensure robust communication. The audit should focus on measuring:

Signal Level: Understanding the strength of the incoming signal is fundamental to identifying connectivity issues.
Signal Quality: Evaluating the quality of the signal helps determine its reliability.
Signal Frequencies: Analyzing the frequencies provides insight into potential interference and performance.
2G-3G-4G-5G Technology: Assessing call quality and data performance.

This information is aggregated using several devices, including phones connected to a tablet, which allows the simultaneous performance analyses of different providers. By measuring both indoor and outdoor conditions, a benchmark can be established that highlights areas for improvement.

Choosing the Right Connectivity Audit App

The WAVETHRU audit follows a meticulous protocol that includes measuring signal strength and quality, as well as analysing frequencies to map the current telecom performances. Advanced measuring tools and proprietary software developed by WAVE by AGC, designed to provide accurate results, are used during the procedure. The audit tool can connect multiple operators and assess signal strength simultaneously for each one of them. This is especially useful as data can vary from one provider to another due to the differences in infrastructure, the technology used, and the network coverage. Each provider may have unique characteristics that influence signal quality and performance.

The audit also includes measuring connectivity outside the building, to establish a benchmark for analyzing the results. It is important to remember that it will never be possible to improve the level of connectivity inside the building beyond the level of connectivity that is available outside.

The WAVETHRU audit tools are a powerful solution that facilitates connectivity audits and in-depth data analysis. It offers a user-friendly interface to monitor performance and streamline recommendations.

In addition to WAVE audit tools, we offer a second type of audit based on NEMO outdoor tools from KEYSIGHT. This involves a backpack composed of several pieces of equipment such as specific phones and a RF scanner. These tools provide a full overview of telecom KPIs. It offers also continuous acquisition of data over time during the measurements. An additional post-processing provides a deep analysis of the measurement.

The results are then evaluated to best address the areas to enhance and to ensure optimal performance.

The audit adds real added value by providing targeted recommendations to improve connectivity. This helps businesses optimize their resources and ensures their communication remains smooth and effective.

After the audit, a detailed technical report is provided to guarantee clients receive informed advice for their connectivity needs.

Some recent use cases reflecting on the benefits an audit can bring to your business are available on the WAVE by AGC website, check them out here:

Considering Important Factors

A key concern in the world of connectivity is the impact of electromagnetic waves on health. This is something we explored in greater detail here. WAVETHRU not only improves connectivity but also aims to mitigate any potential adverse effects by optimizing the signal level. A low signal level can cause the phone to increase its transmission power, resulting in higher exposure to electromagnetic waves.

Another is what operations are relying on. Precise connectivity mapping for each of the technologies from 2G to 5G at multiple points within a single building enables the building manager to make the right connectivity investment decisions. For instance, operators often phase out older technologies like 2G and 3G, but many facilities, such as nursing homes, still rely on these for essential communication.

Future Facing

While a connectivity audit is a vital first step in identifying and resolving issues that may hinder communication, businesses should then explore ways to significantly enhance their internal connectivity, allowing for better performance and reliability.

By embracing the insights provided by our game-changing WAVETHRU audit technology, that takes only one day to complete, organizations can navigate the connectivity complexities with confidence and clarity, and take relevant action to support their future operations.

Beyond offering an audit service, WAVETHRU also provides a comprehensive service line dedicated to enhancing connectivity by improving electromagnetic wave penetration, and thus provides a smoother and more reliable user experience.

In addition to being cost-effective, multi-operator, and maintenance-free, WAVETHRU offers users connectivity that is 5 to 10 times more efficient without any energy costs. The operating procedure also includes a post-treatment audit of the glass using WAVETHRU technology. This second assessment evaluates performance improvements for each operator across different technologies, from 2G to 5G, while also measuring data transfer efficiency.

if you’re looking to improve your connectivity, consider conducting an audit to discover how WAVETHRU can elevate your communication experience.

Interested? We are pleased to announce that we are offering a free audit! Take advantage of this opportunity right now!

Dive into our dedicated WAVETHRU website to read all about this use case and many more spaces we’ve transformed or contact our sales team now.

Want to know more on how to enhance the mobile communication experience and to ensure outstanding performances?
Get in touch with us now.

Request a free audit for your working space

WAVE by AGC sets its sights on clearer and simpler representation of electromagnetic shielding

WAVETRAP is committed to looking beyond the glass and we are excited to share how we are putting those words into action with the development of a new potential market standard – the Electromagnetic Shielding Index (ESI).

What is AGC’s role in Electromagnetic shielding?

The importance of connectivity in our society has been continuously increasing with the advent of technologies like 5G, WiFi networks, connected buildings, and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, In this age of unparalleled connectivity, it is crucial to recognize concerns about the potential impact on overall health on the one hand, more particularly for individuals that suffer from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), and on critical security precautions on the other hand, such as securing network spaces against cyber threats, keeping data safe in an environment marked by heightened competitiveness and geopolitical tensions, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations such as NIS II. In response, AGC developed a product range of special glazing engineered to protect against to electromagnetic waves from the surrounding environment.

How is the Electromagnetic Shielding (EM) performance determined?

The electromagnetic shielding performance of a material or structure is determined through standardized testing procedures, such as IEEE-299. These tests involve subjecting the material or structure to a range of electromagnetic waves in different frequencies and measuring the difference in electric field levels in decibels (dB) between the source side (where the EM waves originate) and the receiving side (where the EM waves is being measured) of the material or structure. The results, referred to as the shielding effectiveness (SE), quantifies how in decibels much a particular material or structure can reduce the amount of the electric field that passes through it. A higher SE value indicates better EM shielding performance.

DB	Power transmission in %
0	100
2	62.80
5	31.60
10	10.00
15	3.13
20	1.00
25	0.31
30	0.10
35	0.03
40	0.01
45	0.003
50	0.001
55	0.0003
60	0.0001

Table – Illustration of the relation between the SE value in dB and the percentage of EM power transmitted through the material or the structure. As an example, a material with an SE value of 40 dB reduces the penetrating EM power to only 0.01%.

What is the ESI and what problems have been overcome?

Shielding effectiveness (SE) quantifies the ability of a material or structure to block outgoing waves or attenuate the electromagnetic waves, which is crucial for protecting sensitive equipment, data, and individuals from electromagnetic interference. When planning construction or renovation projects that involve EM shielding, architects and designers traditionally use the SE values to select appropriate materials and construction techniques to achieve the desired level of EM shielding. However, understanding shielding effectiveness can be quite challenging for non-technical individuals such as architectures and marketers due to its dependence on intricate electromagnetic principles and the fact that it varies significantly across different frequency ranges. It often requires a deep understanding of physics and engineering to grasp how materials or structures perform in shielding against electromagnetic waves effectively.

To alleviate this problem, AGC introduced the Electromagnetic Shielding Index (ESI) as a simpler measure of how effective a building material or assembly is at reducing the transmission of electromagnetic waves through it. The ESI gives a single number that summarizes the effectiveness of a material or structure in reducing electromagnetic transmission across a range of frequencies. It is derived from the SE measurements taken across multiple frequencies and is post-processed to provide a simplified, single value for easy comparison.

This means that instead of considering how a material performs at each individual frequency, the ESI value condenses this information into one number, allowing for straightforward comparisons between different materials or structures. In this way, it removes the need to depend on specific frequency details and simplifies the assessment of EM shielding, making it easier to evaluate and choose the right materials or constructions. The ESI value is also expressed in decibels (dB).

How has the Electromagnetic Shielding Index (ESI) been designed?

The definition of the ESI was inspired from the definition of the acoustic Rw, a recognized and widely used parameter in the field of acoustics and construction, providing a standardized way to quantify and compare the sound insulation performance of building materials and structures. Similarly, the ESI computes how much the material or the structure outperforms the reference (which was assumed to be an open aperture) in terms of the EM shielding over a frequency range. This is achieved by determining the highest whole number that ensures the average of the sum of the undesirable deviation from the measured SE and that particular whole number across the frequency range does not exceed 2 dB.

To best support the different use cases and potential applications for AGC’s EM shielding products, three different frequency ranges were preselected for the computation of the corresponding ESI values. The three frequency ranges are:

Sub-1 GHz range includes the frequencies from 200 to 1000 MHz, and covers UHF broadcasting, TETRA, LoRa, SigFox, and low-band cellular.
Cellular range includes the spectrum assigned for 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G (sub-6GHz) cellular communications, i.e. 690-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, 2500-2690 MHz, and 3300-4200 MHz.
WLAN range includes the spectrum assigned for wireless LAN in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz ranges.

Why is a standard important?

Developing and adopting an industry standard enables:

Interoperability: With different products and solutions from various manufacturers working together seamlessly, customers can choose from a wide range of options without being tied to a specific vendor, promoting healthy competition and innovation.
Consistency and Quality: Specific requirements and performance criteria for products are defined. Adherence ensures consistency in product quality and performance, giving customers confidence that the shielding glass they are purchasing meets certain minimum requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: Manufacturers can ensure their products comply with regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and market restrictions.
Customer Trust: Companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and best practices. This fosters trust among customers as they know that the products they are buying have met certain industry-wide benchmarks.
Facilitating Research and Development: A common foundation for research and development efforts is formed. Engineers and scientists can then create new and improved shielding glass solutions.
Simplified Product Selection: With standardized products and testing methodologies, customers can easily compare different offerings and choose the most suitable solution for their specific needs.
Global Reach: Collaborative development and adoption by experts from various countries and regions can help manufacturers reach a broader market and simplify international trade.
Cost Efficiency: Manufacturing processes can be streamlined and the need for custom engineering and testing reduced, leading to cost savings.

How is the market responding?

Interest in a standard that produces an easy-to-read data sheet is high from all sectors. Potential clients are particularly interested in the interpretability possible. The ESI can provide the ability to choose from a different range of options without needing to go into too much detail.

Encouraging cross sector harmonization

We hope our competitors will join us in developing this highly transparent approach that enables non-technical clients to understand and engage with the data. We want to them make sense of the numbers and use that newfound knowledge to make the right decisions.

Ideally, we would like to develop a harmonious approach that empowers ease of understanding and enables confident decision making. This in turn will support the meeting of robust KPIs that will deliver solid return on investment and demonstrate clear effectiveness.

In Conclusion

There is a need for a more user-friendly approach to collating and sharing important technical data. We believe this goes a long way to achieving that and look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure it meets all required standards. We welcome their feedback and look forward to sharing this essential tool.

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