Key performance indicators analysis for 4 G-LTE cellular networks based on real measurements

Key Performance Indicator (KPI) gives potential information that needs for successful network deploying, performance study, and enhanced networks. But, insufficient KPI data may prevent effective network design, which would increase operating costs and have a negative impact on network users. As known, Iraq launched the 4 G-LTE license very recently. Therefore, this work demonstrates Long Term-Evolution (LTE) data measurements and performance analysis of the KPI at the 2100MHz frequency band via a bandwidth of 20MHz for three mobile operators in Iraq, including Najaf city called (OP1, OP2, and OP3) for data confidentiality. Data collection is done by drive tests, from routes to characterize the cellular network. The data measurements have been focused on the parameters that affect the network directly, such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference and noise Ratio (SINR), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), and Downlink Throughput (DL Throughput). Studying the analysis behavior of these parameters and the probability distribution function (PDF) for the KPIs demonstrates the relationship and dependency among these parameters for the three mentioned operators. Finally, these KPIs provide useful information for network management, assessment, and suitable requirements for Cellular network operators for voice and data services.