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Ericsson 5G NSA network RF and throughput measurements on AERPAW network

2025
2023, 4G LTE, 5G NR, Rural, Urban
Canonical Experiments, Ericsson
4G, 5G, IPerf, LTE, NR, NSA, UAV

Lead Experimenter

Asokan Ram, North Carolina State University

Link to Dataset

  • Dataset Link: This dataset contains detailed RF and throughput measurements from an Ericsson 5G Non-Standalone network, captured during a UAV flight mission on September 15, 2023. Utilizing a Small Portable Node with a Quectel 5G Modem at 30 meters altitude, it features key metrics like RSRP, SINR, CQI, MCS, and throughput for both LTE and NR technologies. The dataset including post-processing code can be accessed here [Dryad].

Equipment and Software Used

Ericsson 5G NSA network, Portable node using Quectel modem mounted on an UAV

Description

This dataset comprises aerial RF and throughput measurements from a non-standalone 5G network operating in the C-band, conducted using the AERPAW testbed. The infrastructure spans two primary locations: NC State University's Centennial campus, simulating an urban environment, and the Lake Wheeler site, reflecting a rural agricultural setting. Both locations are equipped to provide comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage.

The experimental setup featured a 5G NSA system with overlaid NR and LTE sectors, utilizing dual cross-polarized directional antennas with a 120-degree azimuth beam width. Measurements were performed using a portable node mounted on a UAV, equipped with a Quectel 5G modem module and a LattePanda companion computer. The UAV followed a predefined zigzag flight path at 30 meters altitude, capturing data on RF parameters like RSRP and SINR, as well as application layer performance metrics like throughput.

The primary focus was on examining the impact of antenna configurations and UAV 3D movement patterns on the RF signal characteristics and network throughput under varied environmental conditions at both urban and rural sites.

Publications

  1. R. Asokan, O. Ozdemir, I. Güvenç, and M.L. Sichitiu, "Aerial RF and Throughput Measurements on a Non-Standalone 5G Wireless Network," In IEEE International Symposium on Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, May 2024, pp. 120-123.

Representative Results

RSRP and SINR levels on the LTE and NR carriers versus distance and the traffic performance (throughput) results measured from this experiment are presented below.

      

Potential use cases for this dataset include:

  • Antenna Design Optimization: The dataset provides valuable insights into the performance of different antenna configurations and orientations with respect to UAV positions.
  • Network Planning for UAV Applications: Companies and researchers focused on UAV technologies can use this data to better plan and deploy UAV-based applications, such as delivery services, aerial surveillance, or environmental monitoring, ensuring optimal connectivity and performance in different environments.
  • Performance Benchmarking: The dataset can serve as a benchmark for comparing the efficacy of 4G versus 5G technologies in supporting UAV operations, particularly in diverse environmental settings. 
  • 3D Spectrum Management: Researchers can utilize the dataset to explore dynamic spectrum management strategies in three-dimensional space, particularly in understanding how vertical dimensions affect signal strength and quality.