Abstract

Executive Summary

Overview

The IT'IS Foundation, in collaboration with the IMEC WAVES group of Ghent University, conducted a study mandated by the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) to evaluate various 5G network topologies. This investigation was in response to queries from the political Motion Häberli-Koller and aimed to explore human exposure to electromagnetic fields, mobile communication quality, and overall sustainability.

Findings

• The study effectively utilized a mobile network planning tool to simulate 4G and 5G networks, considering different network structures and their impact on radiation exposure and network efficiency.
• Results indicated that transitioning from 4G to 5G could significantly reduce human exposure to electromagnetic fields in most scenarios while simultaneously increasing network capacity tenfold.
• Analysis demonstrated that a unified mobile network could enhance uplink exposure conditions and cut down the number of base station locations by up to 50%, depending on the technology and environment.
• The use of adaptive antennas in 5G was shown to further decrease human exposure, especially in less densely populated areas, without compromising mobile communication quality.

Conclusion

The study advocates for an optimal network structure that minimizes radiation exposure and meets high standards of mobile communication quality. It also highlights the importance of continuing research into network configurations and the potential future application of millimeter-wave technologies.