Wave Hello to Faster 5G

The rise of Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and edge AI has brought about many new opportunities, but along with those opportunities come a number of challenges. One notable problem that must be solved before the potential of these booming fields can be fully realized is the inadequacy of existing wireless communications technologies and networks. More data is flying around the airwaves than ever before, and the volume is only expected to increase in the years to come. This increase in transmissions is simply overloading today’s Wi-Fi and public 5G networks.

The large potential bandwidth of 5G communication has led many organizations to build their own private networks, outside of the public networks of the major carriers. Doing so eliminates the need to share the network with other customers, which would otherwise reduce available bandwidth and increase latency to levels that are unacceptable for many applications, especially where real-time operation is a requirement.

But private or not, networks must still operate in certain frequency bands, and when those bands start getting clogged with other traffic, many of the same old problems can crop up. This is becoming a more common issue for private 5G networks operating within the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band, so a team of researchers at Princeton University and the University at Buffalo decided to do something about it. They designed and built what they call WaveFlex, a smart surface that enhances private 5G networks operating on the CBRS band.

The design of WaveFlex addresses three key challenges: frequency diversity, time dynamism, and autonomy. Private 5G networks often have multiple base stations (gNBs) operating on different frequencies in close proximity. WaveFlex optimizes these diverse frequencies simultaneously using frequency-tunable filters and amplifiers on a custom printed circuit board. Additionally, the CBRS band’s dynamic nature — where gNB frequencies may shift to accommodate priority users — requires WaveFlex to adapt to changing conditions in real time. This is achieved through a high-resolution 5G channel monitor integrated with a real-time hardware-software control module.

WaveFlex operates independently of the 5G network, meaning it does not require direct access to base stations or user equipment but remains fully compliant with existing cellular protocols. It utilizes Arduino MKR WiFi 1010-based hardware controllers for managing real-time adjustments and interfacing with its high-resolution 5G channel monitor. This allows WaveFlex to dynamically adapt to frequency changes without modifying network infrastructure. Furthermore, WaveFlex’s adaptability, supported by Arduino's versatility, makes it effective at mitigating common indoor connectivity issues, such as signal attenuation and interference, which are typical in environments like basements or areas with physical obstructions.

Experimental evaluations showed significant improvements in network performance. WaveFlex achieved an average signal-to-noise ratio gain of 8.58 dB and enhanced throughput by 10.77 Mbps under a single gNB. When tested with three gNBs, it achieved an average throughput gain of 12.84 Mbps, corresponding to a 19.5 percent improvement. In areas with low throughput, WaveFlex delivered a 1.37-fold increase in performance.

Its ability to dynamically optimize the wireless environment positions it as a key innovation in supporting robust, high-performing private 5G networks. Additionally, it is backward compatible with private LTE networks, further extending its utility and adaptability in modern communications.