Abstract

Overview

In the rapidly expanding wireless world, the need to monitor environmental radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) is heightened due to growing public concern about RF-EMF exposure. Advances in smart city technology have enabled the development of sensor networks, although the cost of precise RF sensors remains inhibitive, and specialized RF monitoring networks are seldom seen.

Findings

• The study involved crafting a cost-effective RF-EMF sensor node that monitors four key frequency bands in wireless communications, delivering exceptional temporal resolution.
• Implementation involved a small-scale network with both stationary nodes on building exteriors and mobile nodes on postal vehicles, gathering nearly 10 million data samples between January 2019 and May 2020.
• Analysis from fixed sensor locations highlighted potential inaccuracies associated with slower sampling rates and shorter measurement durations, recommending a 30-minute sampling interval for retaining short-term data fluctuations.
• The study also derived an ideal density of 100 sensor nodes per square kilometer to enhance future network designs based on sensor correlation data.
• Mobile sensors mapped RF-EMF exposure hotspots across an unprecedented area exceeding 60 square kilometers, crucial for future urban planning and public health considerations.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis of both stationary and mobile RF-EMF sensor nodes in an urban setting provides critical insights for future technological deployments aimed at mitigating public health risks associated with RF-EMF exposure.