Measuring EMF and Throughput Before and After 5G Service Activation in a Residential Area

Authors: Chiaraviglio, L., Bartoletti, S., Blefari-Melazzi, N., Lodovisi, C., Moretti, A., Zampognaro, F., Alouini, M.-S.

Year: 2023

Category: Telecommunications

Journal: IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society

DOI: 10.1109/OJCOMS.2023.3277782

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10129117

Abstract

Overview

The deployment of 5G networks is entering a mature phase globally, but there has been inadequate scientific effort to assess the changes in ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) exposure and data throughput before and after the activation of these networks.

Methodology

This study employs an EMF meter and a spectrum analyzer, controlled remotely by a measuring algorithm, to analyze EMF levels and throughput both before and after 5G activation.

  • The effect of pre-5G and 5G frequency bands on local exposure is dissected.
  • A traffic chain helps in evaluating the resulting data throughput levels.

Findings

Results indicate a moderate increase in EMF exposure post-5G activation on mid-band frequencies, with significant traffic enhancement, doubling previous levels and exceeding 200 Mbps. However, lower frequency bands (< 1GHz) saw negligible changes in data transmission performance.

Conclusion

The introduction of 5G has influenced EMF exposure slightly, due to changes in geographic and infrastructural conditions needed for 5G. There is a significant rise in traffic capacity where higher frequency bands are employed, indicating both potential benefits and emerging concerns about EMF health risks.

EMF 5G Deployment Traffic Levels Spectrum Analysis Health Risks Comparative Assessment
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