Measuring the impact of ICNIRP vs. stricter-than-ICNIRP exposure limits on QoS and EMF from cellular networks

Authors: Jaime Galán-Jiménez, Luca Chiaraviglio

Year: 01/06/2021

Category: Telecommunications

Journal: Computer Networks

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2021.107824

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389128621000128

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of varying EMF exposure limits, as defined by international and national standards, on the installation of new cellular network equipment, including 5G Base Stations (BSs).

Findings

  • The research compares the impact of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines and national regulations imposing stricter limits in Spain and Italy.
  • A large-scale measurement campaign assessed Quality of Service (QoS) and ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) levels in both regions.
  • Results indicate that while stricter EMF limits enhance safety by reducing exposure levels, they also significantly degrade the network's QoS compared to scenarios where ICNIRP-based limits are enforced.

Conclusion

The study highlights the complex balance between ensuring public health through lower EMF exposure and maintaining satisfactory network QoS.

EMF ICNIRP cellular networks 5G exposure limits QoS health risks
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