Improving communications networks through wideband wireless-over-fibre connections

UCL research has led to the introduction of wideband Distributed Antenna Systems to the global marketplace, providing cost-effective wireless coverage for hospitals, offices and public buildings.

A good mobile phone signal is often hard to find when inside large buildings such as hospitals and airports. This is because wireless signals from external base stations can be absorbed by the building’s fabric. Since the 1980s, wireless signals have been distributed within buildings by coaxial cable, which is cumbersome and has limited capacity. 

Professor Alwyn Seeds’ (UCL Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering) research, in collaboration with colleagues at Cambridge University, has helped overcome the limitations and developed ways to transmit wireless signals over optical fibres. The work has led to commercial systems using either single-mode optical fibre or multimode fibre.  

The commercialisation of the technology 

The UCL group identified ways to transmit multiple wireless signals over multimode fibre without any further modification. The novel approach also enabled multiple wireless signals to be reliably distributed over a single, low-cost multimode cable, reducing costs dramatically. The technology was patented jointly by UCL and the University of Cambridge, and Zinwave Ltd was established in 2002 to commercialise the technology. 

Since then, Zinwave Ltd has developed a global business with their wireless-over-fibre systems implemented in hospitals, offices, and public buildings in Europe, Australia, China, the US, and the Middle East. 

Innovation and future development  

The company is unique in providing wireless-over-fibre distribution over a wideband Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) network. In a single system, Zinwave can distribute multiple wireless services operating with different protocols and at different frequencies. For example, a single system can carry private VHF radio, public safety radio and 3G/4G services from multiple operators. 

Professor Seeds' research underpins several Zinwave wave systems that provide communications solutions for a range of applications and settings. Zinwave was acquired by McWane Inc. in 2014 and annual revenues have risen from £3.5 million in 2013 to more than £10 million in 2019. 

Professor Seeds said: "Following patient and visitor concerns over mobile phone connection problems, the Broomfield Hospital Trust, with a floor area exceeding 43,000sqm, identified Zinwave DAS as the most suitable and cost-effective solution to wireless coverage problems."

Links

• Professor Alwyn Seeds' academic profile
• UCL Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering 
• UCL Faculty of Engineering 
• UCL Faculty of Engineering REF 21

Image 

• Image credit: iStock NicoElNino