Abstract

Overview

This review delves into the current state of technologies for measuring radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), specifically focusing on 5G networks. Various tools and devices employed in this area are discussed, including spectrum analyzers, broadband field meters, and area monitors.

Findings

• The discussion includes both standardized and non-standardized measurement protocols.
• The prevalence of mobile apps in characterizing 5G-NR radio network data is highlighted.
• There is a growing demand for low-cost "sensors" or "sensor nodes" which can withstand varied environmental conditions for better data collection on a micro and macro scale.
• Body-worn sensors, mobile measurements integrated into vehicles, and distributed sensor networks are emphasized as areas needing affordable and durable solutions.
• The review identifies a lack of comprehensive data on custom-developed RF-EMF measurement tools, particularly concerning their measurement uncertainties.
• The necessity for real-time, fast-sampling technologies to capture temporal variations in EMF distributions across next-generation networks is articulated.

Conclusion

A comprehensive comparison of these various tools and methods is deemed crucial for developing the requisite statistical tools needed to aggregate and analyze measurement data effectively.