Coverage, Capacity and Cost Performance Analysis of 5G Sub-band(3.5GHz) and 5G Millimeter-wave(26GHz): In the Context of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Date

2023-08

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Mobile network operators (MNOs) face an escalating demand for mobile data due to the growth of smart devices and services. Developing countries, Ethiopia included, are witnessing significant growth in mobile data traffic. The 5th generation mobile network (5G) has been explored and integrated into new standards to accommodate the data traffic growth. Ethiotelecom has undertaken trials using the sub-band(3.5GHz) to cater to the swiftly growing data needs. The 5G sub-band(3.5GHz) is the mid-frequency band that offers wider bandwidth than the current mobile network spectrums. Yet, in pursuit of a better strategy for the future, MNOs are considering the millimeter wave 5G technology to increase bandwidth, reinforce capacity, and improve reliability. This research focused on a comparative evaluation of the performance of the two 5G bands. A meticulously selected hotspot near Bole International Airport, covering a 2- square-kilometer area, is designated as the testing ground. The method combines components including radio network planning, coverage simulations, capacity evaluations, and cost assessments, and a tailored scenario analysis is executed. This procedure made use of the simulation software FEKO + Winprop 2020. The research findings are significant. The range of the 5G millimeter wave (26 GHz) network covered a shorter distance, unlike the 5G sub-band (3.5 GHz), which covers greater distances. For instance, the radius of coverage for the 5G sub-band is 0.262 km, whereas for the 5G millimeter wave, it’s 0.185 km. This implies that signals transmitted by 5G millimeter wave networks weaken after a relatively short distance, whereas signals from the 5G sub-band maintain their strength over greater distances without notable signal degradation. Capacity simulations confirm that the 5G millimeter wave has a capacity exceeding twice that of the 5G sub-band, with values such as average cell throughput of 854.56 Mbps and 398.1 Mbps, respectively. The cost analysis underscores the cost efficiency of the 5G subband in the short term, while the 5G millimeter wave emerges as a more viable long-term solution due to its capacity advantages. Additionally, the payback period is 3.17 years for the 5G sub-band and 2.82 years for the 5G millimeter wave, further reinforcing the long-term viability of the millimeter wave approach.

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Keywords

5G New Radio, Link Budget, Radio Planning, sub-band, Winprop, SSRSRP, QoS, SINR, millimetric wave, and propagation model

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