Author: Francesco Valenza
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering, Master's candidate in Automation and Robotics at Politecnico di Bari
This document aims to provide an objective technical analysis of fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), based on established physical principles and comparisons with existing technologies. The objective is to offer readers a scientific foundation for understanding the characteristics, benefits, and legitimate concerns related to 5G implementation.
To fully understand the implications of 5G, it is necessary to frame this technology within the broader context of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electromagnetic waves are characterized by two fundamental parameters:
- Frequency (f): number of oscillations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz)
- Wavelength (λ): distance between two consecutive wave peaks, calculated as λ = c/f, where c is the speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s)
A crucial principle is that the energy carried by an electromagnetic wave is directly proportional to its frequency, according to the relationship E = h×f, where h is Planck's constant (6.626×10⁻³⁴ J×s).
To contextualize 5G, it is useful to examine already widely used technologies:
Domestic Wi-Fi:
- Operating frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Transmission power: approximately 0.1 W
- Biocompatibility status: studies still ongoing, widespread use
Microwave ovens:
- Operating frequency: 2.45 GHz (similar to Wi-Fi)
- Power: up to 1000 W
- The substantial difference from Wi-Fi lies in power, not frequency
This comparison highlights how frequency alone does not determine the hazardousness of electromagnetic radiation.
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into two main categories based on the ability to ionize matter:
Non-ionizing radiation (low energy):
- Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light
- Primarily thermal effects
- Frequencies below high-frequency UV-C
Ionizing radiation (high energy):
- High-frequency UV-C, X-rays, gamma rays
- Capable of removing electrons from atoms and molecules
- Potentially carcinogenic
Sunlight provides a paradigmatic example of electromagnetic radiation effects:
- Irradiance in Southern Italy: 180-200 W/m²
- Spectral composition: visible (430-770 THz), infrared (300 GHz-428 THz), ultraviolet (749 THz-30 PHz)
- Known effects: thermal (heating), biological (tanning, burns, possible skin cancers)
UV rays, despite being natural electromagnetic radiation, require precautions (sunscreens) for safe use, demonstrating that risk management is possible even for potentially harmful radiation.
5G operates on three main bands:
-
Low band (694-790 MHz)
- Wavelength: 38-43.2 cm
- Extended coverage, building penetration
-
Mid band (3.6-3.8 GHz)
- Wavelength: 7.89-8.33 cm
- Balance between coverage and capacity
-
High band (26.5-27.5 GHz)
- Wavelength: 1.09-1.13 cm
- High capacity, limited coverage
A fundamental aspect is the comparison between 5G wavelengths and biological dimensions:
- Human cells: 10-30 micrometers
- Bacteria: 0.5-5 micrometers
- Viruses: 20-300 nanometers
- DNA: width ~2 nanometers
5G wavelengths (centimeters) are orders of magnitude larger than cellular and subcellular structures, making direct interactions at the molecular level improbable.
5G introduces an innovative architectural paradigm compared to previous generations:
Traditional approach:
- Few high-power antennas
- Extended but irregular coverage
- Shadowing problems (buildings, obstacles)
- Significant architectural impact
5G approach:
- Numerous small antennas (small cells)
- Uniform signal distribution
- Reduced total power per area
- Improved architectural integration
-
Energy efficiency: Capillary distribution reduces the need for high power
-
Resilience: Failure of a single antenna impacts a limited area
-
Precision: Improved geolocation through multiple triangulation
-
Capacity: Optimized management of data and voice traffic
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified electromagnetic waves in Group 2B ("possible carcinogens"), a category that also includes coffee and pickles. This classification indicates limited evidence and the need for further research, not a certainty of harmfulness.
Given insufficient energy for ionization, the only plausible physical mechanism for biological effects of 5G is thermal heating. However, 5G network design, based on low-power small cells, aims to minimize this effect.
5G represents an enabling factor for numerous technological innovations:
- Smart Cities: Intelligent management of urban services
- Industry 4.0: Advanced automation and real-time control
- Internet of Things (IoT): Pervasive connectivity for smart devices
- Digital medicine: Telemedicine and remote monitoring
- Autonomous vehicles: Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication
Technical analysis of 5G reveals a technology that, from a physical standpoint, does not present fundamentally different characteristics from electromagnetic technologies already widely used. The frequencies employed do not fall within the range of ionizing radiation, and the small cell architecture promises a reduction in overall exposure compared to traditional systems.
5G design appears oriented toward a more efficient and sustainable approach to electromagnetic signal distribution, with potential benefits in terms of both performance and environmental impact.
As with all technologies, the precautionary principle and continuous monitoring of long-term effects remain important, while maintaining an approach based on scientific evidence and objective analysis of risks and benefits.
This document is based on established physical principles and current regulations. For specific insights, consultation of specialized sources and regulatory updates is recommended.