Before a groundbreaking product hits the market, there is a pivotal step: the Proof of Concept (POC). This essential phase aims to validate the features of the product, its value proposition (deploying seamless indoor connectivity) and the correct functioning in a real-life environment. This article unveils the POC of WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi realized beginning of 2023 in AGC Technovation Center on 11 Access Points, distributed over two floors, in collaboration with Zetes.
Revolutionizing Wi-Fi deployment: with WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi, indoor connectivity meets aesthetics
WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi wants to revolutionize Wi-Fi deployment in design constrained environments, bridging the gap between functionality and aesthetics. Traditional antennas have often been synonymous with bulky, unsightly installations, detracting from the visual appeal of modern architectural designs. Access points with integrated antennas can also jeopardize the visual aspect when no satisfying camouflage solution can be found.
Validating WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi visual integration
The first objective of the POC was to validate the visual benefits of the antenna and especially its ability to blend harmoniously into premium places thanks to its elegant design and printing on glass capabilities. WAVEANTENNA can indeed be functionalized in two ways : it can replace mandatory signage (exit signs, fire extinguisher, etc.) or functional signage (toilets, meeting rooms, wayfinding, etc.) or can be used to brand the company logo, being part of the corporate communication. The 11 antennas were deployed as shown below :
Transparent Antennas (AP 102, AP 104, AP 201 and AP 205) fit perfectly with a modern interior. The elegant design of the product and the glass material sublimate the atmosphere of the place. Antennas with a the printed Wave Logo (AP 101, AP 105, AP 106) show how the branding value can be embedded in the device (high-end stores, companies headquarters). However, the most remarkable antennas were those featuring a printed Exit signage (AP 103, AP 202, AP 204), seamlessly blending into the building’s interior. No employee or visitor could guess the signage was an antenna at first sight !
Assessing WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi signal effectiveness for optimal indoor connectivity
However, aesthetics alone does not define innovation. The true test for any technological advancement lies in its functionality and real-world applicability. Hence, our team rigorously assessed the antenna’s signal strength and reliability through Wi-Fi site survey, design and measurements in Ekahau (the software helping network professionals to analyze and improve Wi-Fi performance through heatmaps, signal strength measurements, and real-time location tracking of Wi-Fi devices). Plugged on Access Points from the brand Extreme (AP 410e), results show us that signal strength and coverage were very satisfying as shown in the heatmap example below for the 5 GHz frequency on the second floor. Employee feedback in AGC Technovation Center regarding their indoor connectivity experience have confirmed this point.
Finally, the POC was an opportunity to strengthen our approach into the Wi-Fi deployment process of such a disruptive device. We clearly understood how to identify the best localizations for WAVEANTENNA regarding the visual value to highlight and the installation feasibility (easiness to hide the AP, cable length, easiness to fix the antenna).
In conclusion, the POC confirms once again the unicity of WAVEANTENNA: the ability to blend harmoniously into constrained design environments (luxury hotels, historical protected areas, theme parks, company headquarters, cruise ships, etc.) locations thanks to its elegant design and camouflage possibilities without compromising network coverage performance.
WAVEANTENNA Wi-Fi represents not just a technological milestone but a transformative leap towards a more connected and aesthetically pleasing future. With this innovation, we are not merely disrupting the status quo; we are shaping the very fabric of tomorrow’s wireless landscape. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we pave the way for a world where indoor connectivity knows no bounds.
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