Modeling RF-EMF at Sports Events: User Density Impact

To address the needs of tomorrow, Future Wireless Networks (FWNs) like 6G are anticipated to integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Intelligent network coordination across several frequency bands, radio technologies, and end-user requirements are critical factors which will determine the success of such networks. However, there is a widespread concern about the growth in Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels for end users from FWNs. It is critical to identify RF-EMF exposure levels and provide a framework for monitoring, managing, and optimization of RF-EMF levels. This study performs extensive band-selective RF-EMF measurements at two sporting events (a football and basketball match) in sub-6 GHz band. The data is collected every 6 seconds before and during the sporting events from different radio technologies using EME SPY evolution device. We provide a comprehensive analysis to understand exposure levels, contributions from different radio technologies and variations of total exposure levels over the sub-6 GHz band. In addition, RF-EMF levels are modelled using various statistical distributions and evaluated using the Anderson-Darling test. It is found that exposure levels increase in the range of 1.35-1.93 times compare to non-match day and Burr distribution provides the best fit to model RF-EMF exposure levels in both sporting events.