Do multiple WiFi devices create areas of high EMR?

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses the impact of multiple WiFi devices on electromagnetic radiation (EMR) levels in typical residential or office environments. It concludes that while areas of constructive interference may exist, the power levels from commercial WiFi devices are significantly below safety limits established by the FCC. The oscillators in these devices are not phase locked, resulting in random interference patterns rather than consistent peaks in EMR. Therefore, concerns about exceeding safe power levels are unfounded.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) principles
  • Familiarity with WiFi technology and device operation
  • Knowledge of FCC regulations regarding radio frequency safety
  • Basic concepts of constructive interference and phasor addition
NEXT STEPS
  • Research FCC guidelines on radio frequency safety standards
  • Explore the effects of constructive interference in electromagnetic fields
  • Learn about the operation and design of WiFi oscillators
  • Investigate the cumulative effects of multiple wireless devices in various environments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineers, health and safety professionals, and anyone concerned with the effects of multiple WiFi devices on electromagnetic radiation levels.

ChrisXenon
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TL;DR
Do they constructively interfere to create local high spots?
I'm thinking in a typical house or office, areas of constructive interference may exist which aggregate the fields of maybe 10 WiFi devices.
Wouldn't this mean the safe power levels stipulated for any single device would be routinely be exceeded? And if so, do we care?
 
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They are not stationary, so interference will never sit still in one spot.

The simpler answer, is don't worry.
 
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ChrisXenon said:
I'm thinking in a typical house or office, areas of constructive interference may exist which aggregate the fields of maybe 10 WiFi devices.
Sure. When modeling the exposure, the safest assumption would be to assume they are additive (always constructively interfering).
Wouldn't this mean the safe power levels stipulated for any single device would be routinely be exceeded? And if so, do we care?
No. Commercal home/office devices don't operate at power levels anywhere close to the limits. They are several orders of magnitude too weak:
https://www.fcc.gov/general/radio-frequency-safety-0
 
anorlunda said:
They are not stationary,
Moreover, the oscillators in all the devices are not phase locked so the resulting phasor addition of a number of sources will only ever give you a random-looking product with an RMS value that's the sum of the source waves; no identifiable peaks and troughs, (un?)fortunately.
 
Excellent - thank you both.
 

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