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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

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

Healthcare innovation and ways to successfully drive sustainable evolution were the focus of the 14^th FM Zorgcongres 2024. So, it was no surprise that for its first attendance, WAVE by AGC sparked a lot of interest in how technology can manage mobile connectivity issues and shape a brighter, more interconnected future for healthcare environments.

Facility managers of large hospitals and nursing homes who manage large investments in terms of the transformation and modernization of infrastructures learned first-hand from WAVE by AGC how the convergence of glass technology and healthcare offers boundless opportunities for collaboration. Healthcare professionals, managers, engineers, electro mechanics, discovered how they can introduce a cost-effective, maintenance-free alternative to traditional IT solutions.

At this FM Zorgcongres event focused on innovative advancements in the healthcare and technology sectors, Danny Havenith, Chairman of the European Health and Public Procurement Alliance (EHPPA), emphasized the significance of a robust ecosystem and the sharing of best practices for achieving sustainability success. He delved into the crucial role played by responsible hospital purchasers and the policies guiding decision-making, including the Green Deal, Procure4Health, Intrakoop, and the EHPPA Sustainability and Social Value Working Group.

Havenith also explored strategies for positively impacting the climate, the environment, and society. He discussed the importance of reducing energy consumption, striving for carbon neutrality, and making mindful investment decisions to foster a climate-responsible healthcare infrastructure. This includes minimizing usage and extending the lifespan of technology. For the healthcare sector, the deployment of highly interconnected technology is vital. Such technology ensures the continuous provision of essential services, elevates patient care, and boosts operational efficiency. It is indispensable for the secure and efficient exchange of data updates on patient health and critical communications, underscoring its foundational role in the industry.

WAVE by AGC at FM Zorgcongres 2024: a number of solutions that can help cost effectively manage the daily pressures

The revolutionary WAVETHRU from WAVE by AGC improves the transmission of radio frequencies with a laser glass surface treatment. This innovative and seamless technology enhances mobile connectivity without the need for mobile boosters. WAVETHRU is easy to install, requires no maintenance, and is compatible with all mobile network operators and technologies, including 5G. At FM Zorgcongres 2024 we demonstrated how the solution holds many benefits for the healthcare sector such as enhanced communication for patients and families, emergency alerts, immediate access to diagnostic results and images, augmented reality assisted robotic surgery, high quality video for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, …

WAVETRAP is ideal for new hospitals. Invisible to the eye and featuring high coating technology, this transparent glass prevents the transmission of unwanted electromagnetic radiation to indoor environments and offers vital protection for departments such as MRI as it eliminates the need for partition walls. It also blocks waves without losing light and does not affect the insulating or thermal performance of glazing.

WAVEANTENNA is a range of aesthetic glass antenna solutions designed to enhance the visual experience in urban environment and building interiors while addressing network densification issues. WAVEATTOCH, the first product to join the WAVEANTENNA adventure in 2017 is designed to address mobile outdoor network densification issues in urban landscapes byoffering a seamlessly integrated glass antenna inside the building, behind the glazing, to enhance the network coverage outside. With WAVEANTENNA (Wi-Fi / Private 5G), seamlessly integrated glass antennas discreetly enhance the visual interior experience without compromising on connectivity performance. This solution is ideal for high-end spaces as it ensures top-notch performance without sacrificing aesthetics.

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

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By Bernard Monville, Head of WAVE by AGC

Artificial Intelligence is on the lips of everyone at the moment and the exhibitors and attendees at MWC 24 were no exception.

One particularly engaging and inspiring talk was given by Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsch Telekom. He stated: “Nothing has affected everyone, every business model, and the way we are operating and processing, more than AI”.

Endless Gains With AI

Research from Accenture has shown that with the same input productivity gains can be increased and output maximised by up to 37% when using AI.

But it is not just about cost savings. AI can help an operation to be more energy efficient, ensure higher quality, increase network stability, better harness predictive maintenance and enhance customer experience.

Mr Höttges stated there are endless gains in the ways customers can be served with AI. He explored how we can be takers, shapers, makers, and facilitators. You can be a taker by using what is there, you can be a maker by shaping what exists, you can then build using skills from AI and the cloud to become a facilitator.

Deutsch Telekom has established a competence center of 500 AI experts developing products that support smarter ways of working. When it comes to chatbots, AI has helped create more fluid conversations and better quality answers that has improved first call success by 50%. AI is helping answer employee HR questions, improve the productivity of fiber build out planning by as much as 75%, respond to external technician questions, identify network capacity demand, create energy savings, and identify malware.

AI is here to stay Mr Höttges concluded.

Growth Opportunities

It was also interesting to have greater discussions at MWC around the use of augmented reality demonstrations and see the growth opportunities for Open Radio Access Network (Open Ran) and private networks.

Open Ran is a network infrastructure that enables greater choice and flexibility in telecoms supply chains to help improve diversity in the supply chain. It allows suppliers to build and improve their networks using different bits of technology. A private network is secured and isolated from public internet. It allows authorised devices and apps to connect and exchange data with one another. Businesses often use private networks to create local area networks, which offer secure access within a defined geographic location. However, making a network private can be costly as well as complex to design and scale. While it is easy to add a device there still needs to be a dedicated infrastructure in place to support increasing demand.

Most providers of audit tools (Keysight, RS, Anritsu, …) and performance platform (OOKLA and opensignal) have extended their measurement capabilities to offer a global connectivity view for all technology. They now map 5G latency, WIFI6, and 4G and 5G signal strength to give a clear overview of the network capabilities. It is expected that this will ease the deployment of 5G use case.

Tackling challenges

However, there are challenges with using higher frequencies for mobile networks, as these signals have difficulty penetrating buildings. The market is actively exploring solutions such as installing repeaters or distributed antenna systems (DAS) in all buildings. Additionally, there is growing interest in utilizing millimeter wave (mmWave) bands to ensure high network capacity. Another area of interest is reconfigurable surfaces, with demonstrations of technologies like Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) being presented by companies such as NTT Docomo Lab and KT Telecom. These technologies aim to improve signal distribution both indoors and outdoors, as well as in transportation settings like aircraft.

In fact, Qualcomm presented on its booth how the capabilities of our WAVETHRU solution have been explored at its 5G mmWave technology testbed in San Diego. They investigated how it drives consistent connectivity. Using our easy-to-install retrofittable glass surface treatment solution the propagation of 5G mmWave technology was enabled in challenging areas.

The future of connectivity outside and inside buildings and in cities is something big players such as NTT are focusing their attention on. They are exploring the use of higher frequencies but these can be more difficult to evenly deploy. Signals can also be delivered and distributed via femtocells, RIS and internal DAS systems. AGC offers some versatile and effective options in the form of WAVETHRU and WAVEANTENNA.

Sustainable Steps

The works on developing WAVETRAP, the specialty glass, first started roughly 2.5 years ago. It was developed as a team

Discussed too, was network sustainability. GSMA, a global trade body representing mobile network operators, has taken significant steps toward promoting sustainability with the creation of the Sustainability Assessment Framework. Its primary purpose is to evaluate and understand operator efforts related to social and environmental sustainability within the mobile industry. The framework aims to provide a comparable and leading-edge assessment of sustainability practices. It examines the performance of mobile network operator (MNO) operations and considers their interactions with society. However, while it looks at data about BTS consumption there is no information on DAS or repeater consumption. This could present some exciting opportunities for our WAVETHRU solution.

All these topics, and more, featured in many of the conversations were had during our packed agenda of meetings at our dedicated desk in the Belgium pavilion. Attendees were keen to explore how our solutions including WAVETHRU, WAVEANTENNA, and WAVETRAP can help ensure consistent and reliable connectivity in increasingly technologically advanced environments.

Want to know more on how to enhance user experience and ensure a productive environment with WAVETHRU? Or experience WAVETRAP and WAVEANTENNA innovative solution? Get in touch with us today

Article in Logistic NEWS 1-2/2024 | Author: Markéta Vojáčková

When you hear the words interception of communication or data theft, you’d probably think of an action film, or in real life, maybe of public administration or law enforcement authorities. However, in today’s world, where cyber risks are on the rise following the advances in technology, this has become quite common also in the world of business. Data theft can cost a company a lot of money or cause some undesired complications. Dyn Lock s.r.o. focuses specifically on customer protection by developing and offering so-called defensive technologies. We asked Luďek Vokál, CEO of Dyn Lock s.r.o., to tell us more about this somewhat unusual topic.

Could you start by explaining what defensive technologies are?

Simply put, defensive technologies are technologies that prevent any third party from making any recording or intercepting any communication. Most people for sure can imagine what such technologies might be used for in public administration or law enforcement. However, these technologies are often implemented also in boardrooms, corporate offices, law firms, courthouses, and other facilities.

But privacy is only one function. The pinnacle of defensive technologies in RF radiation is glass. Yes, you heard right, clear transparent glass that can stop radio frequency signals propagation. This is where we see the future not only in terms of protection, but especially in the elimination of EM pollution.

Tell us about your beginnings: why did you decide to start a company that develops and manufactures defensive technologies?

These technologies used to operate on the white-noise basis. That was a very outdated technology from the 1970s-1980s But together with the progress in technologies, a matrix removing the white noise was developed, making it possible to record clean sounds. And so, we started thinking about developing something to use in place of the white noise, something that would be impossible to remove.

In 2015 I established two companies Dyn Lock s.r.o. and Dyn Tedes s.r.o. (last year they both merged), which focused on the highly sensitive, yet very promising, area of customer protection in terms of security. The goal was to better protect clients with defensive technologies and thus successfully eliminate any recording devices.

We partnered with a number of global agencies in the US, Europe and e.g. Israel to develop and apply defensive technologies. The launch of our products was preceded by several years of research and in 2016 we managed to market the first generation of defensive products in the Czech Republic. We have introduced the eight generation of the technology and so currently the total of eight types of defensive technology-based devices are available.

We supply our technologies worldwide. Perhaps the company’s greatest success is the ultrasonic stationary security solution we provided for the government and the president in two destinations abroad.

Where can defensive technologies be applied?

Dyn Lock and Dyn Tedes products have a variety of possible applications. The company offers stationary or mobile security solutions as part of the original security concept. Currently the company provides customized equipment to be fitted anywhere from meeting rooms, offices, private homes or public administration facilities. Our technology can protect the client against eavesdropping of calls, but also against unwanted in-app recordings, interception of encrypted communications, and it also gives control over mobile devices with the option to download an application that blocks recording of any communication or makes it impossible to identify the specific place where the communication is happening.

These technologies ensure so called audio jamming. We provide both mobile and stationary solutions. We even offer those “tiny boxes” where you can lock up your phone and thus make sure you are not being recorded.

And then there is the special glass that I have already mentioned. The glass protects data, sensitive information and ICT infrastructure of companies, public institutions, law enforcement authorities and ensures the security of critical infrastructure. It is a physical firewall in a way, another security layer in the overall cybersecurity landscape. This innovative solution can also protect sensitive diagnostic equipment or highly automated operations from unintentional or deliberate electromagnetic interference. However, it has also another important function, namely, it protects mental and physical health or the general wellbeing, acting as a shield against EM smog for people exposed to its effects.

How and where did the idea to develop this special glass come up?

The works on developing WAVETRAP, the specialty glass, first started roughly 2.5 years ago. It was developed as a team effort by Czech, Belgian and Japanese scientists from AGC, a company that builds on its deep expertise in the development and manufacturing of antenna systems, electronics and materials used in these areas. AGC has been working on them since the 1970s and now it applies its experience in new applications through its startup project, WAVE by AGC. They managed to develop glass that is impossible to distinguish from conventional glass, but which offers an excellent EM wave blocking functionality. Moreover, despite this enhancement, the glass can still be combined with other glass products, especially safety glass or privacy glass products. These include e.g. bulletproof, anti-burglary and fire-resistant glass.

Why should you opt for specialty glass products?

Whether you are working or chilling, it is always very important to have good access to natural light inside. Here glass is unparalleled, and its use goes well beyond this crucial function. As our lifestyles and work habits evolve, so do the demands for additional glazing functions. There is a whole spectrum of those, which apart from such evergreens as thermal insulation, noise protection or various levels of security and safety glazing against physical risks, also include current, brand new and unique innovation that will ensure cybersecurity and safety of digital infrastructure. The selective electromagnetic shielding means that now glass can block the propagation of communication and other electromagnetic waves. Whether it’s reducing the risk of hacks in the wireless communication systems, increasing the resilience of vulnerable systems to electromagnetic interference or providing a premium quality indoor environment with low levels of EMF exposure, the applications of this brand new glass are plentiful.

How does this specialty glass, WAVETRAP, work?

The glass provides selective electromagnetic shielding thanks to the so called transparent shielded coating on the glass, very often combined with the integrated shielding fabric. Both these technologies are very discreet design-wise, so the glass preserves its natural look, transparency and clarity. Some solutions may be used in many applications, others are specialized to block a very specific type of radio waves. Apart from standard solutions, tailored designs to customer specifications are possible wherever the functional requirements are subject to a special application regime.

How does the indoor connectivity work (phones, the Internet) under such conditions? Is it somehow compromised?

It is a very common question that has in fact a very simple answer. Some types of WAVETRAP glass can let in certain types of signals while blocking those that matter. This is what we mean by selective shielding. In some cases, however, it is necessary to block these communication signals as well, and so the connectivity within the shielded area is ensured by an autonomous, specially designed DAS or WIFI communication circuit.

Is it enough to replace existing windowpanes with WAVETRAP glass to achieve perfect digital silence, or do you need to get brand new windows?

The optimal application of this glass requires a metal frame and proper shielding solution on other relevant sections of the building, such as walls, floor or ceiling. Good news however is that these non-transparent elements can be shielded with solutions that are readily and long available. The missing and weak link has always been the transparent inserts in doors, windows, lightweight envelopes or interior partitions. WAVETRAP is an absolute gamechanger here, bringing completely new options to the table.

What are the main benefits of WAVETRAP?

In addition to the brand-new ability to block EM waves, which is second to none, its great advantage is that it can be combined with other glass functionalities, without compromising on the aesthetics of glass as a decorative and naturally beautiful material. Thanks to the technological competence of the AGC Group this new glass is manufactured in large sizes, unique to date, so that you can have selective shielding glass of up to six meters in size. The new range of glass in manufactured in the EU, with the Czech Republic playing the key role here. WAVETRAP specialty glass is delivered worldwide.

In case of WAVETRAP, are you eligible for the same subsidies as when you change your glazing for IGUs?

The new functionality of this glass has no adverse effect on its other properties, which not only was a tough nut to crack for the R&D before the launch but was also a very clear objective and requirement. So, if the subsidy is offered for energy-saving glazing and cladding solutions, for example, all you need is to select the right solution from the WAVETRAP range.

Interested in a glazing solution against eavesdropping? Get in touch with us today and experience WAVETRAP, our transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass.

In our previous blog a few weeks ago, we defined what is eavesdropping and why it is important to protect yourself and your business against an eavesdropping attack. This time round, we would like to further expand by giving you some concrete eavesdropping examples.

What do Watergate and Edward Snowden have in common?

Both are famous examples of eavesdropping, ie. the secret or covert listening to a conversation or private communication between other people without their knowledge or consent.

The Watergate scandal in the early 1970s caught US agents working for President Richard Nixon’s administration breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. They were attempting to install listening devices and wiretap phones to gather information on Nixon’s political opponents. The discovery and following investigation resulted in legal proceedings and ultimately President Nixon’s resignation.

In 2013, Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, leaked classified documents revealing the extensive global surveillance programs conducted by the NSA and its Five Eyes alliance partners. Snowden’s actions brought widespread attention to the extent of government eavesdropping and sparked a global debate on privacy, security, and surveillance.

Eavesdropping can occur anywhere

While these examples are high profile, eavesdropping can occur at various levels, from governments conducting mass surveillance to individuals secretly listening in on private conversations. In many cases, the ethics and legality of eavesdropping depend on the context and the methods employed. But it is an invasion of privacy and, often, unethical, or even illegal, depending on the circumstances and the jurisdiction.

Traditional eavesdropping typically involves attempting to gather information or overhear discussions that were not intended for the eavesdropper to hear.

Electronic eavesdropping via electromagnetic waves refers to the interception of communication signals that travel through the air in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This type of eavesdropping is often associated with electronic surveillance and can involve intercepting radio frequency (RF) signals, microwave transmissions, or other wireless communication methods.

Examples of eavesdropping via electromagnetic waves include:

1. Wireless Communication Interception – signals from wireless communication devices such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi networks, or Bluetooth connections are intercepted and monitored. This can be done using specialist equipment that captures and analyzes radio signals.

2. Radar and Microwave Interception – radar signals and microwave transmissions used in various technologies, including military radar systems and microwave communication links, are intercepted and analyzed.

3. Radio Frequency (RF) Eavesdropping – radio signals are monitored and communication between devices is intercepted. This can include listening in on radio broadcasts, intercepting signals from electronic devices, or even capturing signals from wireless microphones.

What is a TEMPEST attack?

Another example of eavesdropping via electromagnetic waves is a TEMPEST (Transient Electromagnetic Pulse Emanation Standard) attack. TEMPEST is a set of standards and guidelines that address the potential eavesdropping risks associated with unintentional electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices. A TEMPEST attack involves the unauthorized interception of these electromagnetic emissions to gather information about the data being processed by a device.

One famous demonstration of a TEMPEST-like attack is the “Van Eck phreaking” by Wim van Eck in the 1980s. Van Eck demonstrated that it was possible to eavesdrop on computer monitors by capturing and interpreting the electromagnetic emissions emitted by the monitor. When a computer monitor displays information, it emits electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can extend beyond the physical confines of the monitor’s screen.

An attacker, using specialized equipment, then captures the electromagnetic emissions from the monitor. This can be done from a distance, even through walls, without any physical connection to the targeted computer. It is possible to analyze the captured electromagnetic signals and to reconstruct the information displayed on the monitor. With the right equipment and expertise, an attacker could potentially read sensitive or confidential information being processed on the monitored computer.

How to protect against an eavesdropping attack?

For companies that care about the confidentiality of business information research has resulted in recommendations for best cyber security practices and the application of security measures that include the:

• Use of portable electronic devices that can operate for a limited period of time without connection to the power supply source such as smart phones, multifunctional tablets, or laptops. Where this solution cannot be applied for every technology, for example video projectors or personal computers that do not support battery power supply, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices can be used, but without being connected to the power supply mains for a specific period of time, e.g., between 30 min and two hours.

• Application of clamp-on ferrite beads (or rings) on the power cable of the targeted electronic equipment. Ferrite beads are passive electronic components that can suppress high frequency signals on a power supply line.

• Filtering out the electromagnetic disturbances injected by the electronic equipment in the power supply network. The installation of specialized EMI filters is recommended on one of the electrical circuits that supply the electrical sockets in the targeted space or room.

It is also important to note that while Van Eck phreaking was a proof-of-concept demonstration, modern electronic devices are designed with greater consideration for TEMPEST standards. This includes the use of shielding and other protective measures to reduce unintentional electromagnetic emissions and enhance the security of information processing. TEMPEST countermeasures are particularly important in environments where the confidentiality of information is critical, such as military and government facilities.

Implementing best protection

There are other countermeasures that can also be taken against electromagnetic eavesdropping. They include encryption, secure communication protocols, and physical security measures that protect against unauthorized access to electronic equipment. Additionally, organizations often implement security practices to preserve data security and minimize the risk of information leakage through unintentional electromagnetic emissions.

The best protection against TEMPEST attacks and any kind of eavesdropping is to block outgoing electromagnetic waves. One way to achieve that quickly, easily, and affordably is with WAVETRAP from WAVE by AGC. The transparent glass product from WAVE by AGC is a wave blocking solution can provide a physical barrier that protects against eavesdropping.

Interested in a glazing solution against eavesdropping? Get in touch with us today and experience WAVETRAP, our transparent electromagnetic wave shielding glass.

Electric waves and electromagnetic waves are fundamental physics concepts used to describe the behaviour of electricity and magnetism. While they are closely related, there are important distinctions between them.

What are electric waves?

Electric waves describe the flow of electrons in a circuit. They are variations in electrical voltage along a conductor. They require a physical medium, usually metallic conductors and are essentially linked to the movement of electrons. These waves can be generated by sources such as electrical generators.

Electric waves are commonly used in electrical circuits, transmission cables and electronic systems.

They heat a filament inside electric light bulbs, producing light, generate heat in electric heaters and are manipulated in electronic circuits to power mobile phones, computers and televisions.

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are created by the interaction between electric and magnetic fields. They can propagate in a vacuum and need no material support. Photons are the smallest packets of energy that propagate as electromagnetic waves. You can “feel” an electromagnetic wave if it excites the atoms in your body and causes them to vibrate as they absorb and re-emit photons, giving off heat.

Examples of electromagnetic waves

For example, sunburn is caused by photons from the Sun. Also examples of electromagnetic waves are visible light, microwaves, radio waves and X-rays.

The waves are used in televisions to pick up signals and display images and sound, mobile phones to establish wireless communications between devices, microwave ovens to rapidly heat food by agitating the water molecules it contains, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines to create detailed images and satellites to transmit communication signals.

As we have seen electrical and electromagnetic waves are utilized by a variety of devices for applications as diverse as lighting, heating, communication and medical imaging. Understanding these principles is crucial to the development and operation of many modern technologies.

6 factors act as signal blockers of electromagnetic waves

The ability of electromagnetic waves to propagate depends on the frequency of the wave and the characteristics of the medium through which they travel. Certain substances and conditions can hinder or stop their propagation such as:

Absorption by materials: Some materials, including certain types of glass, water and metallic materials, have the ability to absorb electromagnetic waves leading to significant attenuation of the signal.
Reflection: Electromagnetic waves can be reflected by metal surfaces. They can bounce back and be reflected in a different direction rather than continuing to propagate in the original direction.
Blockage by physical obstacles: Physical obstacles such as buildings, mountains or metal structures can block or attenuate electromagnetic waves. Also known as “obstruction” it can result in shadow zones where the signal is weakened or completely interrupted.
Diffraction: Diffraction is a phenomenon whereby electromagnetic waves will bypass the edges of an obstacle. However, if the obstacle is large enough relative to the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave, diffraction can be limited.
Electromagnetic interference: Other sources, such as electronic equipment, can disrupt the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This can be particularly relevant in densely populated environments where many devices are transmitting signals.
Earth’s atmosphere: Certain types of electromagnetic waves can be absorbed by certain layers of the earth’s atmosphere. For example, very high frequency radio waves can be absorbed by the ionosphere.

As we have seen, several factors can impact the attenuation of electromagnetic waves to varying degrees. By controlling these variables, we can also better manage electromagnetic pollution, electromagnetic interference and cyber privacy?

What about electromagnetic pollution?

We come into contact with electromagnetic fields every day and the growth of “electromagnetic pollution” is worrying more and more people. Studies are ongoing about the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. They include the ISSeP (Scientific Institute of Public Service) and the University of Ghent measuring electromagnetic fields in order to assess public exposure. The BBEMG (Belgian BioElectroMagnetic Group) is specifically interested in the effects of electric and magnetic fields, at the grid frequency (50 Hz), generated by the transportation and use of electrical energy as well as electrical hypersensitivity and UCL (Université catholique de Louvain) conducts studies to understand the biological effects of prolonged exposure to radio waves. So far laboratory studies have shown no link between low-frequency magnetic fields and diseases.

However, it is a matter of concern and people are looking for solutions such as geobiology.

What about electromagnetic interference?

Electromagnetic interference is the disturbance of the operation of an electronic device that typically occurs when a device is close to an electromagnetic field.

There are ways to improve the performance and reliability of devices in professional facilities by reducing the level of electromagnetic radiation that is present within the environment.

What about cyber security?

It is not well known but electrical measurements (EM) is one factor to be considered in the cyber risk analysis. It might be the root cause of data leakage via eavesdropping, image reconstruction, war driving, etc. Controlling EM is also a means of controlling the ability to reduce the risk of a cyber-attack

Mastering the EM topic is also understanding and better apprehending the above listed concerns.

Solutions such as WAVETRAP, the transparent glass product from WAVE by AGC. It offers best protection by preventing the transmission of unwanted electromagnetic radiation to indoor environments. Invisible to the eye and featuring high coating technology, reduces radiation pollution. It can be used indoors to provide shielding between separate spaces. It also blocks waves without losing light and does not affect the insulating or thermal performance of glazing.

Speak to us to discover more about how to optimize protection against exposure to electromagnetic waves and ensure consistent connectivity.