This is the first independent benchmark study of the Verizon Wireless 5GTF commercial fixed wireless service. For this study, testing took place in Houston, Texas, where the operator has deployed a 600 MHz radio channel (six,100 MHz channels) in the 28 GHz band. Samsung is the infrastructure and indoor/outdoor CPE supplier.
Report Highlights
- This study was carried out with the logistical support of Accuver Americas who provided us with its suite of drive test tools. We used XCAL-M to log the data and the XCAP post-processing tool for the analysis phase of the study. SRG takes full responsibility for the data collection and the analysis provided in the report.
- Chipset diagnostic messages were logged while testing in a large number of locations in the vicinity of where Verizon had deployed 5GTF access points (APs). We used a combination of FTP file transfers and Internet applications to generate data. Although we tested at a few locations adjacent to the AP, most of our testing involved more challenging conditions, including NLOS and/or distances of multiple blocks away from the AP. In many cases we believe we tested outside of the intended coverage area of the AP.
- Consistent with the results from the initial study in January, we found that millimeter wave signals are far more resilient than we expected. We obtained usable signals, despite tree foliage, buildings, and no clear view of the AP, which we observed was always mounted on a utility pole. With a signal present, the data speeds were almost always within the advertised data rates and equally impressive in the uplink. Latency was 10 ms, plus or minus a couple milliseconds.
- This report is a must-read for any organization interested in 5G millimeter wave performance and the promises of 5G. Although this study was specific to the fixed wireless use case, the prospects for 5G NR are promising for eMBB, it is believed is technically and logistically easier to support.
Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Key Observations
3.0 Results Analysis
3.1 Downlink Tests
3.2 Uplink Tests
3.3 Sensitivity Analysis
4.0 Detailed Analysis
5.0 Test Methodology
6.0 Final Thoughts
List of Figures and Tables
Figure 2. Test Locations
Figure 3. Test Locations – North Location
Figure 4. Test Locations – North Location (Enhanced)
Figure 5. Test Locations – South Location
Figure 6. Downlink Physical Layer Throughput Versus BRSRP Versus BSINR Scatterplot
Figure 7. Distance to 5GTF Access Point Versus BRSRP Versus BSINR Scatterplot
Figure 8. Uplink Physical Layer Throughput Versus BRSRP Versus BSINR Scatterplot
Figure 9. Verizon 5G Service Availability as Advertised – North Location
Figure 10. Verizon 5G Service Availability as Advertised – South Location
Figure 11. Outdoor CPE Versus Indoor CPE BSINR Analysis
Figure 13. Outdoor CPE Versus Indoor CPE Uplink Transmit Power (dBm)
Figure 14. Test Locations 41 through 44 – 1,350 Feet to 5GTF Access Point
Figure 15. 5G Millimeter Wave Data Speeds Versus the Reality of the Internet and Ethernet
Figure 16. 5G Millimeter Wave Data Speeds Versus the Reality of the Internet and Ethernet
Figure 17. The Impact of the Wi-Fi Router on Observed Performance
Figure 18. Location for Test 35 and 36
Figure 19. Indoor CPE Data Speeds by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 35 (Facing Building)
Figure 20. Indoor CPE Data Speeds by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 36 (Facing AP)
Figure 21. Indoor CPE Distribution of Modulation Schemes by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 35 (Facing Building)
Figure 22. Indoor CPE Distribution of Modulation Schemes by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 36 (Facing AP)
Figure 23. Indoor CPE Distribution of Signal Strength (BRSRP) by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 35 (Facing Building)
Figure 24. Indoor CPE Distribution of Signal Strength (BRSRP) by 100 MHz Radio Channel – Test 36 (Facing AP)
Figure 25. Indoor CPE Uplink Transmit Power (Test 35-36)
Figure 26. Base Station and Mobile Station Beam Index Values – Test 35 (Facing Building)
Figure 27. Base Station and Mobile Station Beam Index Values
Figure 28. Location for Test 8 Through Test 10
Figure 29. Location for Test 52
Figure 30. Location for Test 12
Figure 31. Location for Test 13
Figure 32. Just Out of Range of AP
Figure 33. Location for Test 15
Figure 34. CPE Facing Down on Car Seat (Test 16, same location as Test 15)
Figure 35. Location for Test 23
Figure 36. Location for Test 32
Figure 37. Location for Test 17
Figure 38. Location for Test 27
Figure 39. XCAL-M in Action
Figure 40. World’s First Independent 5G Test
Figure 41. 5GTF Access Point
Samples
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Companies Mentioned
- Accuver Americas
- Samsung
- Verizon
