Comparative analysis of downlink signal levels emitted by GSM 900, GSM 1800, UMTS, and LTE base stations

Authors: Ibrani M, Hamiti E, Ahma L, Halili R, Dragusha B

Year: 28-30 June 2017

Category: Telecommunications Engineering

Journal: Ad Hoc Networking Workshop (Med-Hoc-Net), 16th Annual Mediterranean

URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8001655/

Abstract

Overview

Determination of exposure levels is considered a crucial aspect of planning and optimizing green cellular networks. As the global communications framework evolves towards 5G, understanding exposure levels prompted by previous generation technologies (2G, 3G, 4G) becomes even more significant.

Findings

  • The study employed the use of a calibrated spectrum analyzer NARDA SRM 3006 to measure downlink signal levels in various urban environments in Kosovo, exploring both outdoor and indoor locations, as well as line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) positions.
  • The highest recorded signal level was 2.82 V/m in an outdoor LOS setting for a GSM 900 network.
  • The study determined that GSM 900 contributed the most to cellular systems' downlink signal levels, followed by UMTS, GSM 1800, and LTE.

Conclusion

The collected data were also benchmarked against ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) reference levels and compared to measurements from other countries, emphasizing the need for careful oversight and rigorous standards to safeguard public health against potential EMF risks.

EMF exposure GSM LTE UMTS cellular networks signal strength
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