Anritsu and others demonstrate 5G expansion on expressways using reflectors

On 30 September, Anritsu jointly demonstrated technology with the Nakao Laboratory at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering, AGC, Toshiba and NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation to efficiently expand local 5G coverage for expressways. The demonstration confirmed that combining a distributed antenna system (DAS) with transparent radio-wave reflectors can extend coverage within the roadway while suppressing unwanted signal leakage outside it.

For the demonstration, DAS equipment was installed along a 200 m expressway test section, with a transparent reflector placed at the midpoint. The reflector directed radio waves from the DAS toward the opposite side of the roadway, allowing the effects of expanding coverage and suppressing leakage to be assessed. The transparent reflector was designed for installation on sound barriers, with consideration given to visibility and the surrounding landscape.

The demonstration confirmed that DAS can form a linear communications coverage area within the roadway and that controlling the direction of propagation with reflectors can expand coverage without substantially increasing the number of base stations or antennas. However, some sections had radio signals blocked by elevated structures or sound barriers, making technology for delivering signals appropriately to the required sections a future challenge.

For the demonstration, the University of Tokyo provided local 5G technology, AGC provided radio-wave reflectors called Radivia, Toshiba provided DAS and a measurement vehicle, Anritsu provided measurement equipment and technical expertise, and NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation provided base stations. The 5 parties will continue to pursue the advancement and commercial deployment of local 5G on expressways.