:: setting the standard ::

Is WiFi Safe?

Health concerns have recently been raised over radiation emitted by WiFi networks in school classrooms.
Alongside the BBC Panorama program "Wi-Fi: a warning signal" shown on Monday 21 May 2007, the BBC have reported Philip Parkin, Professional Association of Teachers, as saying:  "I am asking schools to consider very seriously whether they should be installing Wi-Fi networks now and this will make them think twice or three times before they do it"

As a specialist Wifi company, Cherry Wireless and Cabling needs to address the issues raised.

Are WiFi Networks Safe?
Firstly, WiFi radiation is emitted at one of two different frequencies, depending on the type of equipment you use: 2.4GHz or 5GHz (and upwards). 802.11b and 802.11g networks - or Wi-Fi "B" and Wi-Fi "G" - both operate in the 2.4GHz band. 802.11a (and 802.11h) - or WiFi "A" networks - operate in the 5GHz band. Domestic and commercial microwave ovens operate at the same frequency as 802.11b and 802.11g WiFi equipment - the 2.4GHz band. The radiation levels that we are exposed to by Wi-Fi equipment, including WiFi in laptop computers, can be lower than the radiation that leaks out of some domestic microwave ovens, in addition the same 2.4Ghz band is also used for cordless phones, car central locking systems and many other purposes.
Secondly the EU limits the output power of a Wifi Access point to 0.1watts.
Mobile phone phone transmitters, however, can operate at up to 1 Watt/1MHz!
The Health Protection Agency says a person sitting within a Wi-Fi hotspot for a year receives the same dose of radio waves as a person using a mobile phone for 20 minutes.

Panorama claimed that the radio frequency radiation levels in some schools are up to three times the level found in the main beam of intensity from mobile phone masts, but Paddy Regan, a physicist at the University of Surrey, criticised the experiment at the heart of Panorama's claims because the measurements of signal power had not been made at equal distances from the mobile phone mast and the Wi-Fi laptop. A spokesman for the programme said that the "three times higher" comparison was based on measurements taken one metre away from the laptop and 100 metres away from the phone mast. Dr Regan said: "It's a basic fundamental of science measurement, that if you are trying to compare things you have to take into account the so-called inverse square law." To make a fair comparison between two radiation sources the measurements should be taken at the same distance away. The levels measured by the Panorama investigation were 600 times lower than levels considered dangerous by the government. The programme's evidence was criticised as "grossly unscientific" by Malcolm Sperrin, director of medical physics and clinical engineering at Royal Berkshire hospital. "It's impossible to draw any sort of conclusion from the data as presented there."

In short, though, it all comes down to proximity.  The only way radio waves can damage cells is if they manage to 'excite' the cells (cause them to vibrate) and therefore heat up. This excitation only happens when the source is within an exceptionally close range; for example: a mobile phone held to your ear. A Wireless Access Point is usually mounted on the ceiling, a good 12 ft at least above the pupils heads.  At this range it is highly unlikely that the waves emitted by the AP will have any adverse efects at all.

Information in the Media:
In a BBC Article on the day following the Panorama documentary we find the following statement: "Scientists have said there is no evidence to suggest a link between the use of wi-fi and damage to health. "
An article in href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,,2084217,00.html">The Guardian on Monday May 21, 2007 states: "An investigation into the possible dangers of Wi-Fi technology - wireless computer networks - by the BBC documentary programme Panorama has been rejected as "grossly unscientific" and a "scare story" by leading scientists.
Scare stories about the dangers of wireless networks lack credibility, argues Bill Thompson, independent journalist and regular commentator on Digital Planet.

What can you do to ensure the safety of your WiFi network?
Cherry Wireless and Cabling can perform a safety audit of your WiFi networks. We have the professional tools, the unique skills in wireless systems and can help you to ensure that your WiFi networks are:

In short, proper Wi-Fi network planning and design; correct network implementation; appropriate choice of wireless client devices; correct siting of the user equipment; changes to user applications and user working behaviour - can all reduce the amounts of RF energy that your staff and pupils are exposed to. Cherry Wireless and Cabling has substantial experience and unrivalled capabilities in wireless network technologies and will assist with all aspects of wireless network planning, design, wireless site survey, installation, configuration, testing, training, support and in-depth analysis and troubleshooting of wireless networks.

Attend our Wireless Safety Seminar