Cellular networks have come forth a lot compared to earlier telecom connections through wired networks. With the introduction of wireless communication technology, several new changes have been incorporated into the telecommunication channels. After the introduction of 3G and 4G LTE, cellular communication skyrocketed with more functional bandwidth, lower latency, and many more such features. However, they have certain drawbacks that can be mitigated through the newest telecommunication technology- 5G communication. With the first phase of the 5G network already being ready for rolling out for mass usage, several regulatory authorities and government bodies have put forth their concerns. One such concern is the compliance problems with the RF-EMF rules and regulations.
Why do telecom providers need to meet RF compliances?
First and foremost, RF waves are radiated from cellular devices due to wireless communication technology. These waves carry information from one point of the network to another. You cannot operate the device if it does not generate RF waves for data transmission.
However, RF waves can have an adverse impact on the earth's electromagnetic field and the health of living organisms, both animals and plants. This is why several national and international regulatory authorities have established compliance guidelines to ensure the RF waves in the atmosphere can be controlled, and the damage can be mitigated over time.
To help you understand this fact further, we have explained why you should comply with the rules and regulations concerning RF-EMF.
A. ICNIRP has released updated guidelines for 5G wireless communication technology rollout, ensuring the frequency bandwidth used is within 6 GHz. Any communication frequency higher than the mentioned limit can cause adverse effects on the environment and health.
B. If the compliance standards and regulations are not followed, telecom providers will face legal lawsuits due to violations. This will further delay the rollout of the 5G wireless communication network, even if we consider the first phase.
C. Failure to comply with the RF wave restrictions can also lead to an imbalance in the EM field surrounding the earth. This field is responsible for protecting the ionized solar radiations from entering the earth and causing damage to everything present on the earth's surface.
D. Also, once the rules and regulations of RF compliance are followed, telecom providers will have enough chances to lower the overall rollout costs. The projects can be orchestrated and implemented within a much lower budget.
What are some challenges faced with the 5G rollout due to RF?
Although 5G can revolutionize the telecommunication industry, companies need to focus more on mitigating the challenges than planning for the rollout. It's just a matter of time before these challenges prove to be hurdles for the rolling out action. So, in this below section, we have described some of the significant challenges that require immediate assistance for a smooth rollout of 5G and keeping the RF levels in check.
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Quadruple relationship between frequency and power
The first thing that every telecom provider needs to understand is the relationship between network frequency and power. If you increase the channel frequency, the signal power will get reduced to one-fourth, leading to call drops, improper communication, excessive load, and more.
Since 5G operates in three bands with a frequency range of 0.6 GHz to 71 GHz, the datasets can't be transmitted for a long range. For instance, if a particular telecom provider uses the 50 GHz communication channel, it will need network devices like antennas and mobile phones with a higher power. This will further increase the project budget because a powerful antenna that can generate enough signal power to transmit at 50 GHz costs relatively high.
Increased number of 5G antennas
Another area for improvement with the 5G rollout is the involvement of multiple small-scale antennas. As described previously, 5G RF signals have higher frequencies for reduced latency and faster communication. But more than the signal power is needed based on the current distributed network architecture. So, the signals will dampen and decay even before reaching the receiving antenna.
So, to ensure no such problem is there or the communication is not lost, the distance between the transmitting and receiving antenna needs to be lowered. This can be achieved by incorporating more antennas in between. This will not only make the network architecture more complex, but it will also increase the overall project budget.
Health challenges from 5G devices
Last but not least, telecom providers can also face problems in dealing with 5G devices and the RF signals being released. These signals might not be as powerful as the UV rays or X-Rays due to lack of ionization. But they are powerful enough to affect your health if exposed for a prolonged time. This is one of the reasons why the 5G rollout has been postponed in many countries.
Conclusion
Before you begin the rollout process of the 5G network, knowing more about the RF challenges and orchestrating network architecture accordingly is better. You can connect with the experts at MobileComm to gain more insights.
