Training
Understanding Modern Spectrum Management
The key engineering, legal and policy issues
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Glossary
EMF
EMF stands for radio frequency electromagnetic field. Electric and magnetic fields are part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation which extends from static electric and magnetic fields, through radio frequency and infrared radiation, to X-rays.
The increased use of connected devices, the rollout of base stations and cell sites for 5G networks, and the future deployment of 6G technologies have raised concerns about whether exposure to EMF might affect human health. To ensure that mobile telecommunications technologies do not adversely affect human health, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets international guidelines on EMF exposure in the frequency range of 100 kHz to 300 GHz. Most countries follow these guidelines, although some set stricter limits.
The advent of 5G and 6G technologies has led researchers to consider new exposure measurement techniques to avoid being overly conservative in network planning. Standardisation measures for assessing the EMF of new technologies are being developed at the national and international level.