Abstract
The sustainable deployment of 6G networks faces a fundamental challenge: accurately
assessing and controlling electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is increasingly complex
due to advanced beamforming, ultra-dense deployments, and integrated sensing functionalities. Addressing this challenge requires a paradigm shift: moving from reactive
compliance verification to proactive EMF minimisation as a core design principle. This
thesis contributes to this vision by developing EMF-aware design strategies that leverage the capabilities of 5G and 6G technologies including aerial reconfigurable intelligent
surfaces (RIS), non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). It demonstrates that EMF exposure can be reduced to levels well
below current regulatory thresholds without compromising network performance. The
research investigates the trade-offs between EMF exposure, communication efficiency,
and sensing capabilities, and makes four main contributions organised into two parts.
First, two architectural designs are proposed to minimise uplink EMF radiation: (i)
the use of aerial RIS to reshape the propagation environment, and (ii) a cooperative
space-based SIMO scheme for direct-to-satellite communication, which reduces the required transmit power of user devices. Second, given the central role of ISAC in 6G, a
comprehensive framework is developed for the analysis of EMF and the design of EMFaware strategies. On the optimisation side, a novel beamforming strategy is introduced
for dual-functional radar-communication (DFRC) systems, designed to maximise both
communication and sensing performance under strict EMF constraints. On the analysis side, a stochastic geometry framework is formulated to evaluate EMF trade-offs
in large-scale deployments. This model jointly characterizes communication coverage,
sensing detection, and probability of EMF compliance, thereby enabling a statistical
assessment of EMF-conscious network planning at scale. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate that the proposed strategies substantially reduce human
EMF exposure while preserving key performance indicators such as data rate, coverage, and sensing accuracy. Overall, this thesis establishes a foundation for designing
wireless networks that are not only high-performing but also sustainable, supporting
public well-being while enabling the continued evolution of 5G and 6G networks.