The development of telecommunication services has brought with it certain problems in connection with emissions of electromagnetic fields and social concern in that regard. Consequently, there is a need for continuous measurement of emission levels and transparent communication of that information. Based upon Wavecontrol’s extensive experience and its permanent radiation monitoring system, the following are the characteristics of a realistic solution.
New problems, new solutions Our society’s technological growth is directly related to the development of telecommunication services. Recent experience has shown us that the greater the availability of the underlying infrastructure, the better and more reliable those services will be. This has led to proliferation of telecommunication base stations, many of which are located in populated areas or places where people normally have access. That infrastructure growth gives rise to certain problems: the radio emissions associated with the service must not be harmful to the environment or human health. People are also increasingly distrustful of electromagnetic fields in general and particularly of the fields generated by telecommunication base stations. That distrust is due both to lack of knowledge and the scarcity of transparent and independent information on the subject.. To provide a solution to those problems, the basic aims are: Both those aims can be achieved by means of a Permanent Radio Frequency Monitoring System, which allows uninterrupted monitoring of the levels of radiation emitted by telecommunication facilities and public communication of the data obtained via the Internet.
System description A monitoring system must be made up of two separate parts, namely Permanent Monitoring Stations, which take continuous measurements at the selected locations, and a Data Control Centre, which manages the system and publishes the information obtained via the Internet. The permanent monitoring stations must be located at points of special importance where there is a need to carry out permanent monitoring of electromagnetic field levels. Those points may be chosen due to their proximity to a telecommunication base station or because they are of special interest as sensitive areas, such as schools, day-care centres, hospitals, housing blocks with special social concern, and so on. Measurement stations must monitor levels continuously (24h/365), in accordance with international regulations. The information is sent regularly to the Data Control Centre. Where any level in excess of the configured maximum is detected, an alarm is set off automatically to warn of that irregular situation. The Data Control Centre is responsible for managing and configuring the system, receiving the data and publishing the measurements via the Internet. From the control centre it is possible to manage the monitoring stations, configure their parameters, display measurements, generate and send different types of reports and so on. The information obtained can easily be consulted via the Internet. In that case, the measurements are presented on a map showing the points where levels are being monitored, which station is operating at each point, information on the locations and the measurements taken between selected dates in the form of a diagram comparing those measurements and regulatory levels.
Conclusions Wavecontrol’s Radio Frequency Monitoring System offers a solution to the problems raised, since it allows continuous monitoring of radiation emission levels and clear presentation accessible to the general public. Continuous measurement of electromagnetic field levels allows verification that they remain within the limits established under international regulations and detection of any level that may be considered anomalous. Given the existing social concern, the most important factor is transparency in the presentation of information on levels. It is therefore very important to publish the measurements via the Internet and update that information continuously. The success attained by Wavecontrol’s system in different countries, with both governments and the general public, demonstrates that a permanent monitoring system is a complete, effective and trustworthy solution.
José Luis Maicas Balaguer
Telecommunications Engineer
RF-Safety Sales Manager (Spain)
|
