Waveforms of 4G and 5G Radiofrequency Signals: Are Differences Relevant to Biology or Health?

Authors: Foster KR, Maxson D, Zollman PM

Year: 2024-11-20

Category: Health Physics, Electromagnetic Field Safety

Journal: Health Physics

DOI: 10.1097/HP.0000000000001895

URL: https://journals.lww.com/health-physics/abstract/9900/waveforms_of_4g_and_5g_radiofrequency_signals_are.200.aspx

Abstract

Overview

This note reviews the similarities and differences between the waveforms of 4G Long-Term Evolution (4G LTE) and 5G New Radio (5G NR) transmitted by cellular base stations. It is intended for health physicists and others engaged in public communication about cellular telephone technologies.

Waveform Differences and Public Concerns

  • Both 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies transmit radiofrequency signals that appear noise-like and remain narrowly contained within their assigned channels.
  • While 5G NR offers system designers a much wider choice of parameters than 4G LTE, the actual differences in baseband waveforms are minimal.
  • Despite these technical similarities, 5G NR differs in offering access to a much broader frequency range, notably including the FR2 millimeter-wave band.

Findings

  • The modulation differences between 4G LTE and 5G NR are unlikely to have significant biological relevance.
  • However, the greater range of accessible frequencies, especially in the 5G FR2 millimeter wave band, suggests the need for ongoing and future health research into potential biological effects.

Broader Health Implications

  • The discussion extends beyond transmission technology to encompass assessment of population exposures, risk perception, and risk communication.
  • Public concerns are fueled in part by the deployment of small wireless facilities (“small cells”) in close proximity to homes and along city streets, now used for both 4G LTE and 5G NR in some areas.

Conclusion

Although current evidence does not support significant biological differences due to modulation, expansion into new frequency bands with 5G technology underscores the importance of ongoing research into EMF health risks. To address these questions, the European Union in 2022 funded the “CLUE-H” project, a collaborative effort among more than 70 European research organizations, to study both real and perceived health risks of 5G technology. Continued high-quality research is necessary to resolve gaps in our understanding of EMF exposure and health risk.

4G LTE 5G NR radiofrequency waveform health effects millimeter waves modulation
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