Exploring the Effects of Glasses on mmWave: Attenuation, Thermal Impact, and Implications for 5G and Beyond Mobile Technologies

The growing demand for higher bandwidth has pushed mobile carrier frequencies into the millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum such as high-band 26 GHz, to meet the requirements of 5G networks and advanced communication technologies. While mmWave frequencies provide the necessary bandwidth for high-speed data transmission, they pose significant challenges, especially in urban environments where signals interact with common building materials like glass. This study focuses on the effects of 26 GHz mm Wave propagation through various glass types commonly found in modern urban architecture. Our experiment measured electric field (E-field) strength loss, attenuation, and temperature variations as the waves passed through different glass samples. Results show that highly reflective and coated glass types, such as Low-E and silver reflective glass, caused significant E-field strength reduction reaching up to ${9 3 \%}$. The experiment also revealed a noticeable temperature increase in some glass samples, further influencing signal degradation. These findings underline the importance of consideration of the glass materials as they can cause signal loss, impacting reliability of the 5G and beyond connectivity in urban environments.