Car as a mini radio cell: improved cellular reception in the car

D a cars strongly shield cell phone signals with their body, reception is often disturbed while driving, especially in areas with poor cell phone coverage. To this end, BMW started the research project 'Vehicular Small Cell' with the network specialist Nash Technologies GmbH and the automotive supplier peiker acustic GmbH & Co. KG.

Mini radio cell in the car

A femto cell is a stationary mini radio cell that is used to enable a cellular connection in closed rooms. BMW is now bringing such a femtocell into the vehicle for the first time, making it mobile The 'Vehicular Small Cell' ensures optimal coupling with the cellular network via the vehicle antenna. Thanks to the mini radio cell, the mobile device in the vehicle only needs to transmit with minimal power. This greatly reduces the radiation. A pleasant side effect: the lower transmission strength also leads to lower battery consumption.

BMW did not provide any information on when this technology could go into production.