Abstract

Overview

This paper investigates radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from 5G new radio (NR) base stations in a commercial network in Bern, Switzerland. Measurement of multiple base station sites assessed the exposure from MaMIMO antennas at various distances.

Findings

• Field levels without traffic were below 0.05 V/m, showing minimal exposure due to low traffic loads and antenna inputs.
• Maximum downlink traffic increased exposure to 0.6 V/m at most, still only 0.6% of ICNIRP recommended levels.
• The NR network's impact on RF-EMF exposure was generally low, contributing on average only 2% to total environmental exposure.

Conclusion

The study is the first to evaluate real and maximum exposure levels in a 5G NR network. It presents an extrapolation method that does not require prior network data and confirms the low impact of 5G networks on overall RF-EMF exposure, insisted even at maximum traffic scenarios.

Note: With the evolution of 5G, methodologies require updates to uphold safety standards, aligning with potential increases in frequency and transmission techniques.