Evaluación de solución Small Cell 5G NSA para interiores en un ISP colombiano

Abstract

This project focuses on the evaluation of a Small Cell 5G NSA (Non-Stand Alone) solution provided by a technology supplier in the context of the recent 5G spectrum allocation in Colombia. This development is crucial for Colombian ISPs seeking to commercially implement this new technology, utilizing the existing 4G LTE Core (EPC) infrastructure to facilitate the introduction of the advantages of mobile 5G through an NSA approach. The project's methodology is structured in four key stages: a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, a detailed understanding of the low-level design provided by the technology supplier, the collection and analysis of data obtained from tests conducted up to June 2024, and a conclusive analysis of the data to validate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. The results obtained provide valuable insights into the performance of Small Cell 5G NSA solutions in indoor environments, significantly contributing to existing knowledge and laying the groundwork for future implementations by ISPs in Colombia and other emerging markets. In terms of coverage, the Walking Test showed significant improvements after the implementation of Small Cells, with the signal strength RSRP improving from -98.66 dBm on LTE to -78.02 dBm on 5G NSA, and the maximum throughput in the area with the least coverage increasing from 17.42 Mbps to 1121.55 Mbps, respectively. Regarding energy consumption, the Symbol Shutdown and Carrier Shutdown tests achieved savings of 10% and 13%, highlighting the solution's capability to optimize energy usage without compromising service quality. These conclusions demonstrate that the 5G NSA solution improves network capacity, efficiency, and energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable operation. The project marks a significant advancement in strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in Colombia, evaluating one of the first steps towards transitioning to advanced mobile technologies at a crucial time for 5G network deployment.