How can you compare cellular network technologies for better performance?

The technologies are the method by which the cellular networks utilise their spectrum, as the technologies move from GSM , to UMTS to LTe the utilisation of the spectrum gets more efficient, but the usage also increases, from basic calling and text messaging of GSM to data rich applications of LTE that reflect what you would normally experience in your home can now be taken with you in your pocket.

There are multiple apps and web sites that measure various aspects of performance, either on your phone (throughput, latency, etc.) or crowdsource coverage maps that show your area. However, the only performance that matters is at the moment that you want to use your phone or device. I've had multiple experiences with services that appear good on paper (plenty of coverage, tools show ample throughput), but the service itself is poor. Related to this is the question of the end to end path. You can't tell if you have poor service because of your carrier, or the carrier of the person you are speaking with, or somewhere in-between.

There are many metrics to measuring network performance, and quality of experience is a big one now. It all depends on what you are trying to analyse. Network operators will look at call completion stats, dropped calls and interference because these are the elements that affect overall network stats and how the radio planners' performance is measured.

LTE, Long Term Evolution was the game changer. It led to advancements in antenna, larger channel bandwidth, and improved modulation schemes. Antenna improvements such as beamforming, which improves the signal to noise ratio, reduces interference and focuses radio frequency signals in a specific direction. LTE also introduced MIMO, multiple in and multiple out. This technique uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data simultaneously. This increases coverage, capacity, and throughout. LTE also increased the channel bandwidth from 1.4 MHz to 5, 10, and 20 MHz channel bandwidth. This enable high capacity apps like videos. Lastly, LTE is OFDM, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Reduces multipath interference.

The many differences between 2g, 3g, 4g, and 5g are the volumes of data and the speed at which it is delivered. 4G gave us connectivity that felt as fast as fixed broadband, and 5G has increased the speed and volume of data.

There are many flavours of radio out there; remember the PMR and Push to talk over cellular. There is also Tetra and 4G for the emergency services. Fixed Wireless access allows you to have broadband in remote areas and private Cellular Networks using licenced bands. And of course, there is the ISM band that gives us our old friend 802.11, or Wi-Fi to our friends, and now there is Li-Fi too.

One needs to remember, that there are two types of 5G: sub-6GHz and mm-waves. Sub-6GHz 5G works on frequencies similar to 4G, and while offers some benefits, does not have significant differences. Whether mm-wave 5G is the one, that everyone is talking about - with low latency and high speed. Unfortunately, mm-wave 5G is not widely available as of today, as it requires major change in infrastructure.