The publisher just completed its 35th 5G benchmark study. For this endeavor they collaborated with Accuver Americas and Spirent Communications to conduct an independent benchmark study of 5G 4CC using T-Mobile’s commercial 5G network in rural South Carolina, where Ericsson the RAN infrastructure supplier.
Highlights of the Report include the following:
Acknowledgements
This study was conducted in collaboration with Accuver Americas (XCAL-M and XCAP) and Spirent Communications (Umetrix Data). The publisher is responsible for the data collection and all analysis and commentary provided in this report.
Methodology
The study used a Galaxy S23 smartphone to test the downlink performance in a cluster of 10 Gbps cell sites that had 1×180 MHz of Band n41, 2×20 MHz of Band n25, and 2×20 MHz of Band n71. The publisher primarily performed drive tests along the rural roads as well as in the suburban neighborhoods, which were ideal for a fixed wireless access (FWA) service offering.
FWA is for Real
It wasn’t so much the “what” (1 Gbps average, 2.2 Gbps peak) or the “how” (5G 4CC), but the “where” that was impressive. Without question, there was far more 5G network capacity than the operator needed for mobile broadband, meaning the cell sites were recently upgraded to target FWA services to the surrounding homes and businesses. We discuss.
FDD-TDD CA
In addition to looking at overall performance, the publisher took the opportunity to look at the benefits of FDD-TDD CA, namely the use of a lower frequency 5G carrier as the primary cell to extend Band n41 coverage and improve throughput in poor coverage scenarios. We quantify the gains.
SRS-based Beamforming
The study revisits the benefits of SRS-based beamforming for improving end-user data speeds and MU-MIMO in low-mobility scenarios. It quantifies the gains and the relationship between mobility and SRS accuracy.
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Key Observations
3.0 Detailed Results and Analysis
3.1 Summary Level Information
3.2 FDD-TDD Coverage Extension
3.3 Impact of Mobility on SRS-based Beamforming
3.4 Fixed Wireless Access
4.0 Test Methodology
5.0 Final Thoughts
Index of Figures & Tables
Figure 1. 4CC Drive Route 5G Throughput
Figure 2 .4CC Drive Route RRC Connection Type
Figure 3. Average 5G Throughput - by 5G Band and Total
Figure 4. Distribution of 5G Throughput - by 5G Band and Total
Figure 5. Average 5G RB Normalized Throughput - by 5G Band and Total
Figure 6. Distribution of 5G RB Normalized Throughput - by 5G Band and Total
Figure 7. 4CC Drive Route by P Cell 5G Band
Figure 8. FDD-TDD Band n41 Extension Drive Route
Figure 9. Primary Cell Distribution by 5G Radio Channel and Corresponding Throughput
Figure 10. Distribution and Average RSRP by 5G Frequency
Figure 11. Primary Cell and Band n41 RSRP Time Series Plot
Figure 12. Primary Cell Frequency and 5G Throughput by 5G Radio Channel Time Series Plot
Figure 13. RSRP Delta at P Cell Frequency Handovers
Figure 14. Impact of P Cell Frequency on RB Normalized Band n41 Throughput (RSRP < -110 dBm)
Figure 15. RB Normalized Band n41 Throughput Versus RSRP - grouped by P Cell Frequency
Figure 16. P Cell MCS Versus RSRP - grouped by P Cell Frequency
Figure 17. P Cell MCS Versus RSRP - grouped by P Cell Frequency - enhanced below -105 dBm
Figure 18. RB Normalized Throughput Versus SINR - with and without SRS and Vehicular Speed < 15 km/h
Figure 19. Average Normalized Throughput for 5 to 25 dB SINR - with and without SRS and Vehicular Speed < 15 km/h
Figure 20. Band n41 P Cell MIMO Layers with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 21. Band n41 P Cell MCS with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 22. Band n41 P Cell RB Normalized Throughput with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 23. Band n41 P Cell MIMO Layers with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 24. Band n41 P Cell MCS with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 25. Band n41 P Cell RB Normalized Throughput with SRS Functionality Versus SINR - grouped by Vehicular Speed
Figure 26. Average Band n41 P Cell RB Normalized Throughput with SRS Functionality - grouped by Vehicular Speed (10-30 dB)
Figure 27. SRS Availability Along Drive Route
Figure 28. Area #1 5G Performance
Figure 29. Area #2 5G Performance
Figure 30. 5G Cell Tower Covering Area
Figure 31. Geo Binned 5G Capacity
Figure 32. Umetrix Data Platform
Figure 33. XCAL-M
Companies Mentioned
- Accuver Americas
- Spirent Communications
- Samsung
