Actual Output Power Levels of User Equipment in 5G Commercial Networks and Implications on Realistic RF EMF Exposure Assessment

Joshi, Paramananda; Ghasemifard, Fatemeh; Colombi, Davide; Törnevik, Christer

doi:10.1109/access.2020.3036977

Cited by 30 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Several studies on the experimental assessment of the exposure due to NR base stations have been published in the past few years [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Furthermore, in [16], drive-test measurements in three NR networks operating in the 3.6 GHz band were performed, collecting samples of the transmit power (Tx) and of the synchronization signal reference signal received power (SS-RSRP) received by a mobile device, while millions of Tx power samples from user equipment were also recorded in two commercial NR networks in [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ Assessment of 5G NR Massive MIMO Base Station Exposure in a Commercial Network in Bern, Switzerland

et al. 2021

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This paper describes the assessment of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) base stations in a commercial NR network in Bern, Switzerland. During the measurement campaign, four base station sites were investigated and the exposure induced by the NR massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MaMIMO) antennas was assessed at 22 positions, at distances from the base station between 30 m and 410 m. The NR base stations operated at 3.6 GHz and used codebook-based beamforming. While the actual field levels without inducing downlink traffic were very low (<0.05 V/m) due to a low traffic load and low antenna input powers of up to 8 W, setting up a maximum downlink traffic stream towards user equipment resulted in a time-averaged exposure level of up to 0.4 V/m, whereas the maximum extrapolated exposure level reached 0.6 V/m. Extrapolated to an antenna input power of 200 W, values of 4.3 V/m and 4.9 V/m, respectively, were obtained, which amount to 0.5–0.6% of the reference level recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). In Bern, it was found that the impact of the NR network on the total environmental RF exposure was very limited; with maximum downlink, it contributed 2% on average. Finally, it was also concluded that extrapolation to the maximum exposure level can be done without prior knowledge of the radiation patterns, directly based on the measurement of the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) resource elements.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ Assessment of 5G NR Massive MIMO Base Station Exposure in a Commercial Network in Bern, Switzerland

et al. 2021

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“…The adaptive power control in response to the network quality has notably improved in 3G and 4G systems, the density of base stations has increased, and the average output power per call has decreased. Based on data reviewed in ( Joshi et al 2020 ), the average output power per call of mobile phones in 2G networks is around 50 times higher than with 3G/4G technologies (50% vs 1% of maximum power). A similar ratio between the contributions of 2G and 3G phone calls to the total whole brain dose (50% vs 0.8%) was obtained in a multi-country European study, combining source-specific SAR estimates ( Liorni et al 2020 ) with population data on usage patterns (time and emitted output power) per source ( van Wel et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review of human observational studies

Lagorio

Blettner

Baaken

et al. 2021

Environment International

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Highlights RF-EMF was classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (2B) in May 2011 A systematic review of all subject-relevant epidemiological studies is now needed. A detailed protocol ensures the review's transparency, utility and credibility. Original study validity will be evaluated with a customized OHAT risk of bias tool. Internal coherence and external plausibility will inform conclusions.

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“…The exposure to RF-EMFs has been analysed for various transfer protocols (2G to 5G) and for the technical features of the corresponding HHD ( Table 7 ) [ 35 , 36 , 38 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. TDs work in the data transfer mode and are not used for voice calls.…”

Section: Exposure and Risk Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The relationship between the peak power output and the mean power for voice calls and data traffic depends predominantly on the protocol used for time slots, the bandwidth, and the frame length (e.g., 2G: bandwidth of 16.6 Hz, frame length of 4.6 ms; 4G: bandwidth of 10 kHz, frame length of 1 ms). Mobile phones using 3G and 4G techniques and protocols typically have reduced mean output power levels, depending on the quality of the connection, whereas 2G devices need much higher mean power levels, even for good quality connections [ 15 , 32 , 36 , 38 ] ( Table 8 ). This results in higher exposure from the use of HHDs in rural areas with lower densities of base stations compared to urban sites [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

Section: Exposure and Risk Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

Klune

Arhant

Windschnurer

et al. 2021

Animals

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Every year, approximately 3% of cats and dogs are lost. In addition to passive methods for identifying pets, radiofrequency tracking devices (TDs) are available. These TDs can track a pet’s geographic position, which is transmitted by radio frequencies. The health risk to the animals from continuous exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) was reviewed. Fourteen out of twenty-one commercially available TDs use 2G, 3G, or 4G mobile networks, and the others work with public frequencies, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc. The exposure of pets to RF-EMFs was assessed, including ambient exposure (radios, TVs, and base stations of mobile networks), exposure from indoor devices (DECT, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.), and the exposure from TDs. The exposure levels of the three areas were found to be distinctly below the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference levels, which assure far-reaching protection from adverse health effects. The highest uncertainty regarding the exposure of pets was related to that caused by indoor RF-emitting devices using WLAN and DECT. This exposure can be limited considerably through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the total RF-EMF exposure level experienced by pets was found to be below the reference limits, recommendations were derived to reduce potential risks from exposure to TDs and indoor devices.

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Actual Output Power Levels of User Equipment in 5G Commercial Networks and Implications on Realistic RF EMF Exposure Assessment

Cited by 30 publications

References 12 publications

In Situ Assessment of 5G NR Massive MIMO Base Station Exposure in a Commercial Network in Bern, Switzerland

In Situ Assessment of 5G NR Massive MIMO Base Station Exposure in a Commercial Network in Bern, Switzerland

The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review of human observational studies

Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields

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