Optus has reported that its Sydney- and Newcastle-based live network test sites recorded an aggregate throughput maximum of 2.3 gigabits per second (Gbps).
Total capacity measured ranged from 1.65Gbps to 2.32Gbps, with the highest throughput on a single user device amounting to 165Mbps for 3500MHz 4G.
Tests comprised seven spectrum layers and eight band combinations, including 4G (FDD) 700MHz, 2G 900MHz, 3G 900MHz, 4G (FDD) 1800MHz, 3G 2100MHz, 4G (TDD) 2300MHz, 4G (FDD) 2600MHz, 4G (TDD) 3500MHz. The Newcastle site excluded 3500MHz. Figures were measured on Optus’ live core network.
The two Gigasites were built in partnership with Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN) and Huawei to demonstrate the “network of the future” by loading traffic away from the lab environment, according to Optus mobile engineering vice-president, Andrew Smith.
To reach the 2Gbps mark, Optus utilised 16 test drive vehicles, 21 engineers, 58 devices (both smartphones and dongles) and 31 laptops. The telco claims commercial devices were used wherever possible.
Optus said the next step of testing will provide it with information on how to best utilise the spectrum.
“As 4G continues to evolve, being able to optimally leverage a multi-band network strategy is increasingly important,” Smith said.
“In the coming months, we’ll explore how the 3500MHz spectrum could be used in a future mobile network. The trial will provide important data which will help inform our decision-making for the 3500MHz spectrum band.
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