Electromagnetic interference and safety in wireless networks: A statistical approach

Statistical properties of electromagnetic environment in wireless networks affecting its performance and safety are studied. A statistical method to evaluate risks to the general public due to electromagnetic radiation in wireless networks as well as their performance is proposed. The analysis is based on the standard propagation channel model, a Poisson model of random spatial distribution of transmitters, and a threshold-based model of the victim receptor behaviour (radio receiver or human body). The distribution of dominant interference level is derived and analysed under various network and system configurations. The aggregate interference is dominated by the nearest one. The outage probability is used as a measure of not only the wireless link quality-of-service, but also of environmental risks induced by electromagnetic radiation. The maximum acceptable interference levels for reliable link performance and for low environmental risks are shown to be surprisingly similar.