The 4G Network Traffic Performance under Natural Lightning Electromagnetic Interference

Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of lightning electromagnetic interference on The Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) network performance focusing on the 2.3 GHz frequency band commonly used by mobile communication networks. Experiments have been conducted to measure the effects of lightning electromagnetic interference on 4G data transmissions at Melaka, Malaysia by using few measurement tools and open-source software. An Internet Performance Working Group Third Version (Iperf3) was used to generate network traffic for the network performances. The performance evaluation of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) focused on the throughput log files. The electric field mill (EFM) and Constant Altitude Plan Position Indicator (CAPPI) radar data were collected to observe the background electric field and validate the existence of thunderclouds. On the other hand, a fast electric field buffer circuit was used to determine the type of lightning flashes captured. After the measurement campaign, 2 storms have been analysed where the correlation between flash rate, EFM value, throughput and reflectivity index are involved. The first and second storms recorded multiple drops of throughput during lightning activity occurred and on the other hand also showing a fluctuation without the appearances of lightning. This experiment result could be become the pioneer to mitigation strategies for network protocol used and contribute to the development of network performance.