SMALL CELL FORUM

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DOCUMENT

182.09.01
Simplifying small cell installation:
Harmonized principles for RF compliance
February 2017

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About the GSMA

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Scope
This report is related to international standards and regulations on human exposure to
radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. It describes small cell installation classes
and the related harmonized principles for RF compliance. The proposed approach is
based on international standards, such as IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 [1] that has been
approved and is expected to be published by mid-2017. It aims to support consistent
and simplified authorisation regimes for RF compliance facilitating the deployment and
putting into service of low power RF transmitting equipment such as small cells.
Alternative approaches to demonstrating compliance using more complex evaluation
techniques from IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 are equally acceptable.

The proposed installation classes are applicable for general public exposure limits
based on the 1998 guidelines of the International Commission for Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [2].

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01
Executive summary
Harmonized installation classes to facilitate small cell deployments

Ubiquitous, high speed mobile broadband is proven to have a significant impact on a

countrys economic competitiveness and social prosperity and it is widely accepted
that mobile broadband networks will be need to be densified to keep pace with rising
consumer demand and to enable new 5G services and the internet of things.

Densification means the deployment of a large number of small cells at a fraction of

the cost of existing macro towers. For this, the deployment process must be scalable
and repeatable. One aspect which complicates deployment is the way radiofrequency
(RF) compliance is factored into the design of the installation, in terms of ensuring
safe working distances for installers and the general public from the radio
transmitters.

Currently, different types of rules are used in different nations and states which makes
it difficult for the telecoms industry to develop low-cost repeatable deployment
processes. In some regions, rules are based on high power macro sites which are
overly complex for low power small cells. In this paper, we recommend adoption of a
harmonized set of installation rules for RF compliance, with simplifications for lower
power sites. We support development of the IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 installation classes,
which define simple installation requirements based on the equivalent isotropic
radiated power (EIRP) of all equipment at the site, as shown in Figure A.

Figure A Installation classes simplify deployment rules needed for RF compliance of small
cell sites

The lowest power devices can be installed with the minimum of design constraints.
Touch compliant equipment such as residential small cells can be sited anywhere,
much like wireless access points. For higher power sites, manufacturers guidelines,
minimum height requirements (Hm) and exclusion zones (Dm) must be considered.
Site design parameters Dm and Hm should be provided in the products technical
documentation.

The SCF and the GSMA support development of the installation classes specified by
the IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 standard that are applicable to exposure limits based on
international guidelines (ICNIRP). Adoption of these harmonized and simplified rules
by regulators and policy makers will reduce administrative overheads for both
planning authorities and mobile operators. Regions using the IEC installation classes
will benefit from expedited small cell deployment and the social and economic benefits
of enhanced mobile broadband for all.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01
Contents
1. International standards and regulation background ........1
2. IEC 62232 reference for base stations RF compliance ......2
2.1 Key improvements in IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 ................................. 2
2.2 Simplified process for product installation compliance .............. 2
2.3 Installation classes .............................................................. 3
3. Consistency with standards and industry groups .............6
3.1 3GPP base station classes ..................................................... 6
3.2 ITU recommendations .......................................................... 7
3.3 GSMA policy recommendations.............................................. 7
4. Example implementations ................................................8
4.1 E0 installation class use case - Touch compliant ...................... 8
4.2 E2 installation class use case ................................................ 8
4.3 E10 installation class use case .............................................. 9
4.4 E100 installation class use case ........................................... 11
4.5 E+ installation class use case .............................................. 12
5. Recommendation............................................................14
References ................................................................................15

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01
Tables

Table 21 Simplified installation requirements for base stations (from IEC 62232
Ed.2.0) .......................................................................................... 4
Table 31 Range of transmit power classes for 4G base stations (from 3GPP
36.104 and 25.104). ....................................................................... 6
Table 32 Typical mapping of installation classes for typical small cell
deployments. ................................................................................. 7
Table 41 Example of parameters for an E0 installation class. ............................. 8
Table 42 Example of parameters for an E2 installation class .............................. 9
Table 43 Example of parameters for an E10 installation class. ..........................10
Table 44 Example of parameters for an E100 installation class. ........................11
Table 45 Example of parameters for an E+ installation class. ...........................13

Figures

Figure A Installation classes simplify deployment rules needed for RF

compliance of small cell sites............................................................ 6
Figure 21 Simplified process for product installation compliance.......................... 3
Figure 22 Installation classes for simplified deployment of small cells .................. 5
Figure 41 Example of an E0 installation class configuration. ............................... 8
Figure 42 Example of an E2 installation class configuration ................................ 9
Figure 43 Example of layout design for an E10 installation class configuration. ....10
Figure 44 Example of layout design for an E100 installation class configuration ...12
Figure 45 Example of layout design for an E+ installation class configuration ......13

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01
1. International standards and regulation background

Small cells are low-power wireless access points that can be deployed in close vicinity
to where people live or work. At this stage, national and international regulations use
a broad range of criteria to address the RF compliance of low power equipment
installations. This has meant that there is no harmonized approach, which complicates
the deployment process for small cells and the rollout of new services.

Criteria for simplified installation processes are addressed in different ways through
current regulations. Mostly they use equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP)1 as
the key criteria as well as installation height but the parameters vary greatly between,
and sometimes within, countries. For example, the EIRP threshold above which a full
site assessment is required typically ranges from 2 W to 10 W but in one country it is
164 W where certain antenna height and separation distances are met. In addition,
different criteria may be applied for indoor versus outdoor installations operating at
the same EIRP. The technical rationale for the chosen parameters is often not
available. There has been no consistent approach between countries, which
complicates the task of network deployment and putting into service of new antenna
installations.

Harmonization of low power regulation regimes has been addressed within

international standards organization. While EIRP and installation height were first
introduced by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in its K.52 [3] and
K.100 [4] recommendations, the detailed evaluation process and technical rationale is
now fully defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission in the IEC 62232
Ed.2.0 standard [1] that has been approved and is expected to be published by mid-
2017. The adoption of IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 provides a robust basis to support
harmonized regulations.

1
The definition of EIRP used in this report is equivalent isotropic radiated power, which is derived from
IEC 62232 Ed.2.0. Other terms, such as equivalent isotropically radiated power or effective isotropically
radiated power may be found in other documents and have the same meaning.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01 1
2. IEC 62232 reference for base stations RF compliance

2.1 Key improvements in IEC 62232 Ed.2.0

IEC 62232 is the main international standard for RF exposure assessment of base
stations. Over the last three years, IEC 62232 has been undergoing a complete
refresh in order to clarify the evaluation processes to be used for product compliance
evaluation, product installation compliance evaluation and in-situ measurement of
radio base station equipment.

IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 clarifies the simplified rules that can be used for the assessment of
product compliance and product installation compliance. The main revisions include:

Broader applicable frequency range: 110 MHz to 100 GHz

Detailed evaluation processes for product compliance, product installation
compliance and in-situ RF exposure assessments
Definition of simplified evaluation methods for product compliance (low power
exemption) and product installation compliance
Detailed annexes defining all applicable evaluation methods and providing a
rationale for the simplified exposure evaluation procedures
Revised uncertainty target for in-situ field measurements

Through parallel voting with CENELEC, IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 is expected to be adopted in
2017 as the main technical standard for the implementation of the European Union
(EU) Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU [5] for base stations. Therefore, it
defines the basic principles to be used in the EU for regulatory compliance assessment
and provides a framework for the development of the general authorization regime
applicable to low power small-area wireless access points in the context of the
proposed European Electronic Communication Code.

2.2 Simplified process for product installation compliance

Once the base station compliance boundaries have been defined by the entity placing
the equipment on the market, there is a need to ensure that RF exposure is below the
applicable limits when the equipment is installed in its operational environment, taking
into account ambient RF sources where relevant.

As represented in Figure 21, the objective of the installation classes defined in IEC
62232 Ed.2.0 is to provide simplified compliance criteria to be used for the evaluation
of small cells and other base station installations without a requirement to perform
field evaluation based on measurements or calculations.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01 2
 Product RF compliance report

Actual site parameters update

and identification of installation class

Product
No installation Yes
criteria satisfied
?
Select an evaluation method

Perform the evaluation

Process the results

Uncertainty analysis

Product installation compliance report

Figure 21 Simplified process for product installation compliance

The general evaluation methods specified in IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 can always be used to
show compliance with the RF exposure limits if necessary.

While complying with the installation class criteria, the site operator must also ensure
that the installation complies with all other requirements related to the technology
used as defined by the 3GPP and other relevant bodies.

2.3 Installation classes

The installation classes are based on the available characteristics of the base station
installation, such as the EIRP, the direction of the main lobe of the antenna,
compliance boundary (Dm) and installation positions of the antennas with respect to
any accessible areas to the product (e.g. installation height, Hm) and other relevant
sources where applicable. Transmitted power, typical antenna gain and compliance
boundary dimensions should generally be available in the technical documentation.

When the product installation fulfils the installation class criteria defined in
IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 and reproduced in Table 21, RF exposure is deemed to comply with
ICNIRP limits for the general public [2]. These criteria have been derived from RF
evaluations of generic configurations. The detailed rationale is provided in Annex C of
IEC 62232 Ed.2.0.

Class EIRPa (W) EIRP Product installation criteria

(dBm)

E0 n/a n/a The product complies with IEC 62479 or the product
compliance boundary dimensions are zero. No specific
requirement for product installation.

E2 2 33 The product is installed according to instructions from the

manufacturer and/or entity putting into service.
Compliance with the exposure limits is generally obtained
at zero distance or within a few centimeters.

E10 10 40 The product is installed according to instructions from the

manufacturer and/or entity putting into service and the
lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a minimum

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01 3
Class EIRPa (W) EIRP Product installation criteria
(dBm)

height of 2.2 meters above the general public walkway.

E100 100 50 The product is installed according to instructions from the

manufacturer and/or entity putting into service and :
(a) the lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a
minimum height of 2.5 meters above the general public
walkway,
(b) the minimum distance to areas accessible to the
general public in the main lobe direction is Dm b and (c)
there is no pre-existing RF sources with EIRP above 10 W
installed within a distance of 5Dm meters in the main lobe
direction (as determined by considering the half power
beam width) and within Dm meters in other directions. If
Dm is not available, a value of 2 meters can be used or 1
meter if all product transmit frequencies are equal to or
above 1500 MHz.c

E+ >100 >50 The product installed according to instructions from the

manufacturer and/or entity putting into service and:
(a) the lowest radiating part of the antenna(s) is at a
minimum height of Hm meters above the general public
walkway,
(b) the minimum distance to areas accessible to the
general public in the main lobe direction is Dm b meters,
(c) there is no pre-existing RF source with EIRP above
100 W installed within a distance of 5Dm meters in the
main lobe direction and within Dm meters in other
directions. Hm is given by Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3)
of IEC 62232.d

Table 21 Simplified installation requirements for base stations (from IEC 62232 Ed.2.0)

a. Equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) transmitted by the installed antenna(s) including all active
bands.
b. Dm is the compliance distance in the main lobe of the antenna (from Clause 6.1 of IEC 62232).
c. When such condition is not fulfilled the installation is still compliant if the sum of the EIRPs of the
product and nearby sources is less than 100 W. If the total EIRP is above 100 W then the product is still
compliant if it is installed at a minimum height of Hm meters above the general public walkway and at a
minimum distance from areas accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction of Dm meters,
where Hm and Dm are obtained using Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3) of IEC62232 for the sum of the
EIRPs including those of nearby sources.
d. When such condition is not fulfilled the installation is still exempted from evaluations if the product is
installed at a minimum height of Hm meters above the general public walkway and at a minimum
distance from areas accessible to the general public in the main lobe direction of Dm meters, where Hm
and Dm are obtained using Equations (6.1), (6.2) or (6.3) of IEC 62232 for the sum of the EIRPs
including those of nearby sources.

The installation classes are represented in Figure 22.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

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Figure 22 Installation classes for simplified deployment of small cells

Figure 22 shows that the lowest power devices can be installed with the minimum of
design constraints. Touch compliant equipment such as residential small cells can be
sited anywhere, much like wireless access points. For higher power sites,
manufacturers guidelines, minimum height requirements (Hm) and exclusion zones
(Dm) must be considered. Site design parameters Dm and Hm should be provided in
the products technical documentation.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

Issue date: 21 February 2017
Version: 182.09.01 5
3. Consistency with standards and industry groups

3.1 3GPP base station classes

The 3GPP is the international standardization body in charge of specifying telecom

systems such as 2G, 3G and 4G. The 3GGP has defined four base station (BS) classes
based on transmitted power in 25.104 [6] and 36.104 [7] (see Table 31). Small cells
are generally considered to cover medium range BS, local area BS and home BS
classes.

3GPP BS class 3GPP PRAT

(Tx power per carrier per connector)
Wide Area BS (note*)
Medium Range BS < + 38 dBm (6.3 W)
Local Area BS < + 24 dBm (250 mW)
Home BS < + 20 dBm (100 mW, for one transmit antenna port)
< + 17 dBm (50 mW, for two transmit antenna ports)
< + 14 dBm (25 mW for four transmit antenna ports)

< + 11 dBm (12.5 mW for eight transmit antenna

ports)
Note*: There is no upper limit for the rated output power of the Wide Area BS.
Definition: Rated output power, PRAT, of the base station is the mean power
level per carrier for BS operating in single carrier, multi-carrier, or carrier
aggregation configurations that the manufacturer has declared to be available at
the antenna connector during the transmitter ON period.
Table 31 Range of transmit power classes for 4G base stations (from 3GPP 36.104 and
25.104).

3GPP BS classes do not map directly onto the installation classes because BS classes
are based on transmitter output into the antenna, whilst IEC installation classes are
mainly based on equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which additionally factors
in the antennas gain. Furthermore, the BS class ratings are per carrier, per antenna,
whilst installation classes are based on total power transmitted across all bands and
antennas from a given site.

Table 32 provides typical examples of small cell product configurations to show how
BS classes fit into the installation classes. We note that different configurations of the
same 3GPP BS class may correspond to a different installation class. We assume here
that no other pre-existing RF sources are within the specified distance of these small
cells.

3GPP BS Configuration Typical Typical EIRP range Installation

class total gain class
Tx
Power

2 bands 20 W 7 13 dBi 100 - 400 W E+

Medium
Range BS
1 band 10 W 7 13 dBi 50 - 200 W E100 or E+

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

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3GPP BS Configuration Typical Typical EIRP range Installation
class total gain class
Tx
Power

5 bands 2.5 W 2 5 dBi 48W E10

Local Area
BS
1 band 0.5 W 2 5 dBi 0.8 - 1.6 W E0 or E2

5 bands 100 mW 0 3 dBi 0.1 0.2 W E0 or E2

Home BS
1 band 20 mW 0 3 dBi 0.02 0.04 W E0

Table 32 Typical mapping of installation classes for typical small cell deployments.

3.2 ITU recommendations

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) produces technical standards

known as recommendations that are also referenced by national regulators. ITU K.52
includes some provisions for inherently compliant sources, in particular for E2 class
(i.e. EIRP of 2 W or below). The principle of the base station installation classes was
introduced in 2014 in ITU K.100 at the same time as they were introduced in the IEC
62232 maintenance process. Since some improvements have been adopted as part of
the IEC review process by National Committees, ITU is now planning to update K.100
and K.52 in 2017 to ensure full harmonization of installation classes with IEC 62232
Ed.2.0.

3.3 GSMA policy recommendations

The GSMA has been contributing to the harmonization of ITU Recommendations with
international standards, in particular IEC 62232 and ITU K.100. The GSMA recognises
that small cell deployments are an important option for mobile networks as they
evolve to address the growing demand for mobile connectivity, improved capacity and
coverage. In a brochure titled Improving wireless connectivity through small cell
deployment [9], the GSMA has identified seven key policy recommendations to
enable small cell deployments:

1. Follow the internationally harmonized small cell power classes when

developing regulations related to compliance with radiofrequency exposure
limits.
2. Adopt simplified procedures for building permits for small cells (if required)
based on standardised size, installation requirements and radio
characteristics.
3. Accept declarations of compliance and do not require routine post installation
measurement.
4. Exempt small cell installations from location registration requirements.
5. Reduce permit costs for small cells relative to those for macrocells.
6. In respect of radiofrequency compliance provide information for consumers
and local authorities based on World Health Organization recommendations.
7. Facilitate access to existing structures, electrical power and data backhaul.

Evolving the regulatory framework to support the deployment of small cells will mean
that industry and governments can deliver on the digital connectivity expectations of
citizens and paves the way to 5G.

Report title: Simplifying small cell installation

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4. Example implementations

4.1 E0 installation class use case - Touch compliant

A typical E0 scenario is consisting of a network operator offering a home small cell

(often called a femtocell) to its customers and the equipment is installed by the end
user. The entity responsible for placing the small cell on the market (e.g. small cell
vendor) provides the information included in Table 41 in the technical documentation
of the product.

Base station Frequency band B1 (2110 2170 B7 (2620 2690

MHz) MHz)
Maximum transmitter 20 mW 20 mW
power
Typical Gain 2 dBi 2 dBi
antenna
Typical site EIRP max 64 mW
Compliance The product complies with RF exposure limits at zero distance.
boundary
Installation None for RF compliance. Other installation guidelines may still be
guidelines provided for different aspects, e.g. electrical safety, water exposure
etc.
Table 41 Example of parameters for an E0 installation class.

The network operator provides an installation guide together with the equipment. The
installation guide includes general product safety guidelines. An example of installation
is provided in Figure 41.

Figure 41 Example of an E0 installation class configuration.

4.2 E2 installation class use case

A typical E2 scenario is consisting of a network operator (or any entity responsible for
putting into service) that is intending to deploy multiband LTE local area base stations
in indoor premises. The entity responsible for placing the small cell on the market
(e.g. small cell vendor) has provided the information included in Table 42 in the
technical documentation of the product.

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Base station Frequency bands (DL) B1 (2110 2170 B7 (2620 2690
MHz) MHz)
Maximum transmitter 250 mW 2x250 mW
power
Typical Gain 3 dBi 3 dBi
antenna Horizontal beam width na na
Vertical beam width na na
Typical site EIRP total max 1.5 W
Compliance Distance in the main 1 cm (general public)
boundary lobe 0 cm (workers)
Distance in other 0 cm (general public and workers)
directions
Installation The product must be installed in a way the general public cannot
guidelines access within a distance of 1 cm in the main lobe of the antenna.
Table 42 Example of parameters for an E2 installation class

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service can deploy the
equipment without detailed RF evaluations provided that the installation is performed
in such a way that the general public cannot directly access within 1 cm of the
equipment antenna. An example of such installation is provided in Figure 42.

Figure 42 Example of an E2 installation class configuration

Upon request by the authorizing body, the entity responsible for putting the
equipment into service should be able to provide a technical file including the relevant
information about this product (derived from Table 42).

4.3 E10 installation class use case

A typical E10 scenario is consisting of a network operator (or any entity responsible
for putting into service) that is intending to deploy a group of a multiband LTE local
area base station integrated in urban furniture advertisement panels in a large urban
area.

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The entity responsible for placing the small cell on the market (e.g. small cell vendor)
provides the information included in Table 43 in the technical documentation of the
product.

Base station Frequency bands (DL) B3 (1805 1880 B7 (2620 2690

MHz) MHz)
Maximum transmitter 2x250 mW 2x250 mW
power
Typical Gain 8 dBi 9 dBi
antenna Horizontal beam width 70 50
Vertical beam width 70 60
Typical site EIRP total max 7.1 W
Compliance Distance in the main 5 cm (general public)
boundary lobe 0 cm (workers)
Distance in other 0 cm (general public and workers)
directions
Installation The product must be installed in a way the general public cannot
guidelines access within a distance of 5 cm in the main lobe of the antenna.
When installed with a typical antenna of 8-9 dBi, the product has an
EIRP of less than 10 W and therefore is eligible to simplified
installation class E10 as defined in Section 6.2.3 of IEC 62232
Ed.2.0).
Table 43 Example of parameters for an E10 installation class.

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service ensures that the product
is integrated in the urban furniture in such a way that the antenna installation height
is 2.2 meters from ground level. The final installation design criteria are displayed in
Figure 43.

Urban
furniture

Antenna

Antenna
installation
height
2.2 m

Figure 43 Example of layout design for an E10 installation class configuration.

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service would be able to put all
similar equipment into service without field calculations or measurements. Upon

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request by the authorizing body, this entity would be able to provide a technical file
including the relevant information about the product (from Table 43) and the
installation layout design provided in Figure 43.

4.4 E100 installation class use case

A typical E100 scenario is consisting of a network operator (or any entity responsible
for putting into service) that is intending to deploy a group of LTE medium range base
station integrated on a mast used for urban furniture (e.g. lamp post, traffic light...) in
a large urban area. The entity responsible for placing the small cell on the market
(e.g. small cell vendor) provides the information included in Table 44.

Base station Frequency band B3 DL (1805 1880 MHz)

Maximum transmitter power 2x5 W
Typical Gain 10 dBi
antenna Horizontal beam width 70
Vertical beam width 70
Typical site EIRP max 100 W
Compliance Distance in the main lobe 50 cm (general public)
boundary 15 cm (workers)
Distance in other directions 15 cm (general public and workers)
Installation The product must be installed in a way the general public cannot
guidelines access within a distance of 50 cm in the main lobe of the antenna.
When installed with a typical antenna of 10 dBi, the product has an
EIRP of 100 W and therefore is eligible to simplified installation class
E100 as defined in Section 6.2.3 of IEC 62232 Ed.2.0). It is
recommended to install this equipment at a minimum height of 2.5 m
above the general public walkway. Workers must not stand within 15
cm in front of the antenna unless the transmit power has been
switched off.
Table 44 Example of parameters for an E100 installation class.

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service ensures that the product
is integrated in the urban furniture in such a way that:

the antenna installation height is more than 2.5 meters from ground level
the general public cannot access the area within 50 cm in the main lobe of
the antenna
there is no pre-existing transmitter with an EIRP of 10 W or above within 2.5
meters from the small cell antenna.

The final installation design criteria for RF compliance are displayed in Figure 44. The
operator also ensures that the installation complies with all other requirements related
to the technology used as defined by the 3GPP.

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 Antenna

No public

1m
access (0.5 m)
2.5 m

No preexisting RF source
within in this volume:
Radius: 2.5 m
Height: +/- 0.5 m Antenna
installation
height
> 2.5 m
Mast

Figure 44 Example of layout design for an E100 installation class configuration

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service would be able to put all
similar equipment into service without field calculations or measurements. Upon
request, this entity would be able to provide a technical file including the relevant
information about the product (from Table 44) and the installation layout design
provide in Figure 44.

4.5 E+ installation class use case

A typical E+ scenario is consisting of a network operator (or any entity responsible for
putting into service) that is intending to deploy a group of LTE medium range base
station integrated on a mast used for urban furniture (e.g. lamp post, traffic light...) in
a large urban area. The entity responsible for placing the small cell on the market
(e.g. small cell vendor) provides the information included in Table 45, based on IEC
62232 Ed.2.0 requirements.

Base station Frequency bands (DL) B1 (2110 2170 B7 (2620 2690

MHz) MHz)
Maximum transmitted 5W 2x5 W
power
Typical Gain 13 dBi 13 dBi
antenna Horizontal beam width 60 60
Vertical beam width 25 25
Side lobe suppression 0.05 0.05
Typical site EIRP total max 300 W
Down tilt 4
Compliance Distance in the main 1.2 m (general public)
boundary lobe 0.5 m (workers)
Distance in other 15 cm (general public and workers)
directions

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Installation The product must be installed in a way the general public cannot
guidelines access within a distance of 1.2 m in the main lobe of the antenna.
When installed with a typical antenna of 13 dBi, the product has an
EIRP of 300 W and therefore is eligible to simplified installation class
E+ as defined in Section 6.2.3 of IEC 62232 Ed.2.0). It is
recommended to install this equipment at a minimum height Hm of
3.7 m above the general public walkway and with no preexisting RF
source with EIRP above 100 W installed within a distance of 6 meters
in the main lobe direction and within 1.2 meters in other directions.
Workers must not stand within 50 cm in front of the antenna unless
the transmit power has been switched off.
Table 45 Example of parameters for an E+ installation class.

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service ensures that the product
is integrated in the urban furniture in such a way that:

the antenna installation height is more than 3.7 meters from ground level
the general public cannot access the area within 1.2 m in the main lobe of
the antenna
there is no pre-existing transmitter with an EIRP of 100 W or above within 6
meters from the small cell antenna.

The final installation design criteria for RF compliance are displayed in Figure 45. The
operator also ensures that the installation complies with all other requirements related
to the technology used as defined by the 3GPP.

Antenna

No public
2.4 m

access (1.2 m)
6m

No preexisting RF source
within in this volume:
Radius: 6 m
Height: +/- 1.2 m Antenna
installation
height
> 3.7 m
Mast

Figure 45 Example of layout design for an E+ installation class configuration

The entity responsible for putting the equipment into service would be able to put all
similar equipment into service without field calculations or measurements. Upon
request, this entity would be able to provide a technical file including the relevant
information about the product (from Table 45) and the installation layout design
provide in Figure 45.

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5. Recommendation

SCF and GSMA support development of the installation classes specified by the
IEC 62232 Ed.2.0 standard [1] that are applicable to exposure limits based on ICNIRP
Guidelines [2]. Adoption of these harmonized and simplified rules by regulators and
policy makers will reduce administrative overheads for both planning authorities and
mobile operators. Regions using the IEC installation classes will benefit from expedited
small cell deployment and the social and economic benefits of enhanced mobile
broadband for all.

Mobile network operators (or any third party deploying small cells) will benefit from
applying similar rules from one country to another when installing high volumes of
equipment. This translates into lower uncertainty about local installation conditions
and faster deployment of more accessible networks to respond to their broadband
connectivity obligations and help in achieving the broadband targets at regional and
national level.

Adoption of consistent rules will also benefit authorities by reducing administrative

complexity through standardising the information provided by different groups
proposing small cells and making review of compliance documentation
straightforward. It will also signal that the country or municipality is ready to support
the benefits to people provided by the expansion of mobile communication services.
For example, in the context of the future European Electronic Communication Code,
these installation classes are appropriate to be implemented in the general
authorization regime applicable to low power small-area wireless access points.

A complete small cell licensing framework would also consider simplified procedures
for matters such as building permits, notification requirements, administrative fees
and access to power and data back haul. Recommendations for regulatory authorities
are provided in the publication SCF190 Small cell siting: regulatory and deployment
considerations [8] and in the GSMA publication Improving wireless connectivity
through small cell deployment [9].

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References
1 IEC 62232 Ed.2.0, Determination of RF field strength, power density and SAR in
the vicinity of radiocommunication base stations for the purpose of evaluating
human exposure (publication due mid-2017)
2 ICNIRP guidelines for limiting exposure from time-varying electric, magnetic and
electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) (www.icnirp.org)
3 ITU K.52, Guidance on complying with limits for human exposure to
electromagnetic fields
4 ITU K.100, Measurement of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to determine
compliance with human exposure limits when a base station is put into service
5 Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April
2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the
making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive
1999/5/EC Text with EEA relevance
6 3GPP 36.104, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Base Station
(BS) radio transmission and reception
7 3GPP 25.104, Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Base Station
(BS) radio transmission and reception (FDD)
8 [SCF190], Small cell siting: regulatory and deployment considerations, Small
Cell Forum
9 GSMA Improving wireless connectivity through small cell deployment
(December 2016), http://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/policy-recommendations-
enable-small-cell-deployments

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