A comprehensive analysis of the coverage and performance of 4G and 5G deployments

Abstract

5G New Radio (5G NR), has now been deployed in all available bands: low (<1 GHz), mid (1–6 GHz), and high (>24 GHz), each with a trade-off between coverage and throughput/latency performance. The preceding 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) networks also catching up to 5G mid-band by deploying in the unlicensed 5 GHz (using License Assisted Access/LAA) and the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). We present a comprehensive analysis of 4G and 5G deployments in Chicago and Miami, focusing on coverage, throughput, and latency performance in low-, mid-, and high-bands, under several scenarios: outdoor, outdoor-to-indoor, and under high temperature. To measure deployed networks, we utilized a scalable methodology with commercial and custom apps to collect detailed signal data (e.g., signal strength, cell ID, throughput) on user device (i.e., smartphones). The analysis based on our measurements yields the following findings: (i) when comparing the throughput and latency performance of optimized mid-band 4G networks to 5G (both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA)), they exhibit comparable performance, and (ii) it is important to note that mmWave 5G has the capability to deliver multi-Gbps throughput, even in NSA mode. However, this high-speed performance is susceptible to limitations imposed by factors such as distance, body interference, obstructions (such as Low-e glass), and overheating, which can render its performance less reliable. Therefore, even though 5G exhibits considerable potential in its early stages, additional efforts are required to guarantee that the stated goals of 5G are met.