Window Archives - WAVE by AGC

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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Original article can be found here.

The rapid expansion of 5G technology has positioned the MENA region as a frontrunner in digital innovation, demonstrating impressive adoption rates that play an integral role in driving economic growth and transforming multiple industries. These advancements have enabled extensive regional connectivity, particularly among mobile users, with 5G subscriptions expected to climb to 500 million by 2030, based on the most recent projections.

However, while 5G networks allow for faster roll out, greater capacity, and broader coverage, the same technology has its disadvantages when mobile users move indoors. As buildings incorporate increasingly complex designs and varying materials, achieving adequate 5G coverage indoors has become an ongoing challenge.

Where Challenges Meet Solutions

Inconsistent indoor connectivity has plagued businesses, public spaces, and homeowners for over six years since 5G’s initial deployment, often preventing mobile network operators (MNOs) from fully leveraging the technology’s powerful features. This limitation affects users’ ability to access streamlined connectivity, creating an opportunity for innovative solutions that support data-heavy applications.

As the demand for 5G connectivity grows throughout the region, providers are tasked with ensuring that customers can seamlessly access their services at any time or any place.

Renowned for its leadership in 5G networks across Saudi Arabia and the region, Zain KSA is driving advancements that are reshaping connectivity. One such innovation is the deployment of Zain KSA’s 5G-powered Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which provides homes and small businesses with high-capacity connectivity using Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices that convert 5G frequencies into high-performance Wi-Fi. Recently, Zain KSA announced the successful testing of ‘The Glass Antenna,’ a new technology that will transform how 5G is experienced across the Kingdom and beyond.

Introducing The Glass Antenna

5G connectivity requires a denser network of base stations to ensure consistent indoor connectivity due to the smaller footprint coverage of the technology. Subsequently, companies are faced with implementing solutions to enhance user experience without resorting to traditional signal receptors that could disrupt architectural aesthetics. This principle drove AGC Glass Europe and Japanese companies to introduce the first glass antenna in 2020, turning windows into functional base stations. This technology was revolutionary in integrating 5G technology into buildings, improving connectivity, and preserving the exterior design.

Proof of Concept

As a digital innovation first-mover, Zain KSA consistently seeks solutions to push the limits of its 5G networks and make this high-speed connectivity more accessible and efficient for broader segments of users. Through a strategic collaboration with Nokia and AGC Glass Europe, Zain KSA is currently testing ‘WAVE by AGC’ transparent glass technology in Jeddah.

Building on the success of AGC’s tech, this proof of concept (PoC) aims to evaluate the enhanced delivery of indoor 5G coverage in real-world conditions, mitigating the need for intrusive equipment, such as traditional Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and smart, micro-outdoor solutions.

The PoC focuses on two specific use cases:

WAVEANTENNA-FWA: This involves discretely connecting the transparent antenna to the customers’ existing CPE and is installed behind existing windows treated with WAVETHRU technology. This setup captures external 5G signals and boosts 5G network performance in terms of coverage and speed.
WAVEATTOCH: This solution enhances outdoor network densification by installing glass antennas indoors, positioning them behind the glazing. This approach supports 4G/5G network expansion in urban areas, addressing challenges such as data traffic growth and compliance with electromagnetic field standards.

Remarking on the rollout of the project, Zain KSA’s Vice President of Engineering, Eng. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Nujaidi, stated, “Building on our 5G leadership and in line with Saudi Vision 2030, Zain KSA is committed to driving more innovation by integrating cutting-edge solutions into our 5G network. By implementing this technology in collaboration with industry leaders like Nokia and AGC, we aim to provide individuals and enterprises across the Kingdom with access to the latest advancements, empowering them to get more out of our expansive 5G network. The project endorses our efforts to support Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, particularly in urban spaces, and also reflects our dedication to accelerating the rollout of the latest technologies with minimal visual impact on the city landscape.”

Next-Level Connectivity

Zain KSA reported that the Proof of Concept for the transparent glass antenna, when connected to the company’s Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), demonstrated significant improvements in network performance, confirming its potential in addressing indoor signal challenges. Key outcomes include:

Signal Strength: Improved by 22%
Download Throughput: Enhanced by 36%
Upload Throughput: Increased by 57%
Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise Ratio (SINR): Boosted by nearly 270%

These results validate the glass antenna’s ability to strengthen the network’s stability and resilience, supporting Zain KSA’s commitment to providing customers with an exceptional 5G experience.

Potential Impacts

Zain KSA is leveraging this technology to accelerate the rollout of its 5G network across Saudi Arabia, fostering a digital economy and a vibrant tech-savvy society. This innovative solution addresses future connectivity demands efficiently, providing users with improved data throughputs that translate into a better customer experience. By integrating glass antenna technology, Zain KSA ensures reliable network performance, replacing traditional equipment and preserving the visual appeal of the urban landscape.

Bernard Monville, Head of WAVE by AGC, stated, “Glass antennas can be installed at lower heights and require less transmission power to cover dense urban areas; this will enable Zain KSA and Nokia to deploy the transparent glass antennas to comply with the world’s most stringent EMF standards.”

Mohammad Al Tayeh, Customer Team Head at Nokia, said, “Nokia’s state-of-the-art 5G product integrates seamlessly with the WAVE by AGC antenna, allowing Zain KSA to further expand and enhance its network capabilities. The collaboration between Zain KSA, AGC Glass Europe, and Nokia marks a significant milestone in driving next-generation telecom solutions in the Middle East region.

The Next Steps

Zain KSA plans to build on the success of this Proof of Concept by exploring opportunities for broader deployment across key locations in Saudi Arabia. The company plans to work closely with regulators and industry partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the glass antenna technology in the near future. The focus remains on developing innovative, sustainable solutions that address the increasing demand for high-performance 5G networks while maintaining the allure of urban and residential spaces.

Zain KSA’s Vice President of Engineering, Eng. Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Nujaidi, commented, “This Proof of Concept highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration. By integrating advanced solutions, such as the transparent glass antenna, we are addressing connectivity challenges while paving the way for a hyper-connected, sustainable future. We look forward to further partnerships that will enable us to deliver enhanced 5G experiences to people and businesses across the Kingdom.”

Copy of the original article available here. All credits go to Telecom Review.

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Glass plays a vital role in the design, functionality, and aesthetics of any building, whether residential or commercial. As glass technology continues to advance—improving solar, thermal, and acoustic performance—it’s essential to consider its impact on building connectivity.

Three Critical Glass Factors That Influence Building Connectivity

1. Glass Coatings

Sustainable building standards like LEED, BREEAM, and the EU’s Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) directive have driven innovation in glass coatings. These coatings significantly enhance energy efficiency and help reduce global warming by improving a building’s thermal insulation. Today, virtually all glazing on the market is coated, regardless of the supplier, as it’s the only way to meet modern high-performance energy standards. For example, uncoated double glazing typically has a thermal U-value of 3.0, while coated glass can lower this to a U-value of 1.0, offering much better performance.

However, while these coatings boost insulation, they also present a challenge: they can hinder the propagation of wireless signals inside buildings—a concern as coated glass becomes more widespread.

Glass coatings consist of extremely thin, nearly invisible layers of metal oxides (such as zinc, tin, and silver) that improve insulation and block solar radiation. These coatings are applied via an electromagnetic vacuum process and, while highly effective, are sensitive to humidity. This is why they are always placed inside the cavity of double or triple glazing units.

There are two main types of glass coatings:

Low Emissivity (Low-E) Coatings: Designed to reflect infrared radiation emitted by heating systems inside a building, while allowing solar heat to pass through from the outside, keeping interiors warmer during winter. Low-E coatings are mostly used in residential buildings.
Solar Control Coatings: These block more of the infrared spectrum and are optimized for balancing thermal comfort, light transmission, and aesthetic appeal, maintaining optimal indoor temperature and clarity. These coatings are common in commercial buildings with large glass facades.

While effective at their intended purposes, both coating types significantly reduce the strength of radio signals, which are already weakened by propagation from base stations and by physical obstacles. Coated windows can cause an additional 20-40 dB reduction in signal strength compared to uncoated windows. From a wireless communication standpoint, this signal loss is considerable and can lead to poor connectivity and degraded services inside buildings.

2. Glass Structure: Double and Triple Glazing

Beyond coatings, the structure of windows significantly influences signal transmission. It’s important to note that clear, uncoated glass is transparent to radio waves; however, once coated, glass attenuates signals.

Here’s how different glazing options affect connectivity:

Double Glazing: Comprising two layers of glass with a gap in between, this option offers improved thermal insulation. Typically, double glazing includes one coating, which moderately impacts signal transmission, causing around 25 dB attenuation.
Triple Glazing: With three layers of glass and two coatings, this option provides excellent insulation but results in higher signal attenuation, reaching up to 40 dB.

3. Building Configuration

The choice of glazing often depends on the building’s purpose:

Residential Buildings: Double glazing is commonly used in residential structures, offering a balance between energy efficiency and connectivity. These buildings usually use low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings to retain heat from heating systems while allowing solar heat to enter. In colder climates, or for enhanced energy efficiency, triple glazing may be preferred, though it further impacts signal transmission.
Commercial Buildings: For commercial spaces, where energy efficiency is paramount, double or triple glazing with solar control coatings is often used. The goal here is to reduce overheating in the summer and lower HVAC consumption while maintaining good light transmission. However, these coatings can negatively affect wireless signal strength, so it’s important to consider connectivity needs when making glazing choices.

Connectivity Considerations

Decibel Reduction: Glass windows with multiple layers and coatings can reduce signal strength by 25 to 40 dB, which can degrade connectivity and reduce data speeds.
Network Saturation: As more devices connect to wireless networks, signal penetration through coated glass becomes increasingly challenging.
Silver in Coatings: Many advanced glazing solutions use silver layers for insulation, which can effectively block radio waves, further complicating connectivity.

Innovative Solutions

To tackle these challenges, WAVETHRU offers a simple, non-intrusive solution. By laser-treating glass surfaces, WAVETHRU enhances wireless signal transmission through coated glass, effectively overcoming the attenuation caused by multiple layers. This innovation improves radio frequency transmission without compromising insulation or energy efficiency.

WAVETHRU is the perfect solution for future-proofing buildings, balancing low carbon footprints with energy efficiency and optimal connectivity. It’s a cost-effective and efficient choice for multi-use buildings, ensuring robust connectivity while preserving thermal and optical properties.

Network Saturation: As more devices connect to wireless networks, signal penetration through coated glass becomes increasingly challenging.
Silver in Coatings: Many advanced glazing solutions use silver layers for insulation, which can effectively block radio waves, further complicating connectivity.

While advanced glazing solutions are critical for energy efficiency, they can significantly hinder wireless connectivity. For more information on how WAVETHRU can help, contact us.