Analysis of 4G/LTE Network Performance in North-Central Nigeria: A Comprehensive Drive Test Approach

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile devices and escalating demand for data services have resulted in a substantial increase in data traffic across Nigeria, especially in the North Central region due to heavy migration of individuals and organizations towards Abuja, the federal capital. However, despite the growing adoption of 4G/LTE networks in North Central Nigeria, users encounter persistent challenges in accessing high-speed internet and poor service network. This study investigates the performance of 4G/LTE networks in North-Central Nigeria using a comprehensive drive test methodology carried out in Abuja, Lafia and Makurdi. It covered a duration of 3hrs (12.00noon to 15.00pm) for 3days (3rd - 6th January, 2024). For each test day, drive tests covered a period of data measurements divided into 3,600 time-steps, with each time-step sized at 1sec; and scaled to 1:150 units. Key metrics including network speed, latency, uptime, coverage, and signal power were evaluated across major Mobile Network Operators. Result shows that D-NGN has the highest mean speed (9.543Mbps), packet loss (2.007%), uplink percentage (97.714%), and Network coverage (87.514%). It has the least latency (25.921) but high packet loss (2.007%). However, C-NGN shows lowest mean speed (6.638Mbps), uplink percentage (38.706%) and Signal power (-78.057dBm) but lowest mean packet loss (0.121%). A-NGN has the highest mean signal power (-61.867dBm) while B-NGN has highest latency (44.070ms) and lowest Network coverage (60.731%). This reveals that D-NGN has dominance in network performance, outperforming A-NGN, B-NGN, and C-NGN. It is recommended that MNOs in North-Central Nigeria should strategically enhance their network infrastructure to improve service delivery, particularly in suburban and rural areas where performance lags. D-NGN, the frontrunner in network speed and coverage, could further solidify its market leadership by addressing identified latency and packet loss issues especially in Makurdi. Moreover, MNOs with lower performance metrics could invest in expanding coverage and optimizing network configurations to meet user demands, thereby increasing competitiveness and customer satisfaction across the region.