Telstra – Conducting Small Cell Tests with the Narda mmWave 5G FR2 Antennas

5G Mobile Technology for a Truly Connected World

Demand for cloud gaming, immersive media and video streaming services continue to grow at a faster rate than ever before with Telstra seeing data usage across their "mobile network increase by an average of 40%" each year. 5G, also known as the 5th generation of mobile networks, has been designed to meet the growing demands of consumers today and provide the foundations for tomorrow's innovations.

5G offers greater bandwidth (speed), greater connection capacity and ultra-reliable low latency, otherwise known as the time taken for devices to respond to each other over the wireless network. With 5G's mobile technology, users can instantaneously connect to millions of smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) for a truly connected world.

Small Cells & 5G mmWave: What is it and What do you need to know

We all know that 5G can provide faster connectivity speeds at lower latency and greater bandwidth than 4G technology but what we don't know is how 5G technology works. 5G technology is similar to 4G, in that it is made up of many different technologies all working together to deliver fast, continuous and reliable connections. One such technology helping to make 5G a reality is mmWave.

5G networks utilise a range of base stations, small cells and dedicated in-building systems to provide coverage. Small cells are mini base stations designed to provide localised coverage, typically ranging from 10 meters to a few hundred meters. In fact, you've probably walked past one without realising it as they are commonly mounted onto streetlights or power poles, blending discretely into their environment. Small cells are essential to the 5G network as mmWave frequencies only have very short connection ranges and provide a vital in-fill for larger macro networks.

In most countries, 5G base stations operate within the 3.3-3.8 GHz frequency band. mmWave technology is a short-range high frequency network technology, operating in the 26-28 GHz band that will provide significantly more capacity and bandwidth. The additional spectrum and greater capacity will enable more users to connect to each cell, enable more data to be communicated and faster connections.

Due to the small cells limited broadcast signal reach, small cells are best suited to areas where there is a high concentration of users such as crowded places inner city, sporting stadiums and major transportation hubs to ensure all users have access to fast and reliable 5G coverage. Its small size also makes cells particularly suited to locations where the use of standard mobile base stations might not be appropriate.

5G mmWave and Small Cell EME Level Testing with the Narda SRM-3006 5G FR2 Antennas

While the advancements and endless possibilities of 5G technology in Australia is exciting, there is some concern about the safety and impact of 5G technology.

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, Telstra conducted a number of extensive trials and surveys of their 5G network infrastructure in real-world settings to test electromagnetic energy (EME) levels. This included mmWave Small Cell Trials in Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Tests were conducted across a variety of settings including cafes, smart apartments, homes, schools, CBDs and more.

The tests involved used specialised testing equipment like the new Narda 5G FR2 Antennas for the SRM-3006 Selective Radiation Meter - a first in Australia. There are two different antenna models available, and both were used in the tests conducted by Telstra. The first is a directional antenna with high sensitivity particularly suited to weaker signals. The second, an omnidirectional antenna designed for environmental measurements. Both antennas include a downconverter that converts the mmWave between 24.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz into the SRM-3006’s existing receive band, reducing the need for additional survey equipment for 5G measurements.

The Narda spectrum analyser with the 5G FR2 Antennas allows existing SRM-3006 users to measure the frequency range from 24.5 GHz to 29.5 GHz, therefore allowing for accurate measurements of the beam and associated EME levels from the mmWave (26-28 GHz) small cell.

Watch our webinar with Mike Wood from Telstra to learn more about Telstra's mmWave Small Cell Trials using the New Narda mmWave 5G FR2 Antennas

All tests conducted by Telstra followed Australian and international standards for testing EME. In all small cell tests, Telstra found the maximum EME to be less than 1% of the safety limit. Tests from the studies conducted by Telstra in fact found that the maximum levels of EME to be around 1000 times below safety limits.

Telstra is currently conducting more mmWave testing on their 5G network in Brisbane and will continue to evaluate the Narda 5G FR2 mmWave Antennas in a variety of locations.