International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science

ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance

Analysis of 5G Cellular Networks
Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma1, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo2, Nkechinyere Eyidia3
1,2
Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
3
Department of computer Engineering, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract— This study presents a comprehensive simulation and simultaneous transmissions to and from numerous users, and by
performance analysis of 5G cellular networks using MATLAB, steering energy toward receivers, respectively. However,
focusing on key performance indicators such as throughput, latency, mmWave signals generally suffer greater path loss, attenuation,
spectral efficiency, coverage probability, and bit error rate (BER). and sensitivity to blockage, which makes advanced antenna
Simulation results demonstrate that throughput increases with higher
signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), with the 28 GHz millimeter-wave
designs, dense base-station deployment, and sophisticated
(mmWave) band consistently outperforming the 3.5 GHz sub-6 GHz signal processing necessary [1][2].
band due to wider bandwidth availability and enhanced support for 5G also features more complex network architectures:
advanced MIMO and beamforming. Latency analysis reveals that networks are increasingly heterogeneous, combining macro-
higher subcarrier spacing (SCS) significantly reduces transmission cells, small cells, distributed antenna systems, and cloud-native
delays, with 120 kHz achieving ultra-low latencies suitable for URLLC cores. These bring challenges in planning, optimization, and
applications. Spectral efficiency results show a decline with increasing ensuring reliable performance across diverse scenarios.
user density; however, the mmWave band maintains superior Because deploying real 5G infrastructure for experimentation is
efficiency compared to sub-6 GHz, underscoring its potential for high- expensive and time-consuming, simulation becomes essential.
capacity deployments. Coverage probability analysis highlights a
trade-off: while sub-6 GHz ensures more consistent and reliable
MATLAB, through its Communications and 5G Toolboxes,
coverage, mmWave frequencies are prone to higher path loss and provides a powerful platform for modelling, simulating, and
blockage. Finally, BER evaluation confirms that Quadrature Phase analysing end-to-end 5G systems. It supports standard-
Shift Keying (QPSK) achieves near error-free transmission above 20 compliant waveform generation, channel models (such as the
dB SNR in AWGN channels, validating its suitability for 5G 3GPP TDL/CDL models), link- and system-level simulations,
applications. Overall, the findings underscore the dual strengths of antenna array modelling, and performance metrics such as
sub-6 GHz for reliable coverage and mmWave for high-capacity throughput, error rates, and latency. Using simulation,
performance, providing valuable insights for future 5G network design researchers and engineers can study trade-offs under controlled
and optimization. and repeatable conditions, optimize design parameters (e.g.
Keywords— 5G; MATLAB; Throughput; Latency; Spectral Efficiency;
antenna configuration, bandwidth, carrier frequencies), and
Coverage Probability; BER; Sub-6 GHz; mmWave. validate theoretical models before costly deployments [3]. This
work builds on these premises by using MATLAB simulations
I. INTRODUCTION to evaluate how critical 5G components perform under various
Over recent decades, telecommunications have evolved from realistic conditions. By quantifying performance across
simple analogue voice services to sophisticated high-speed configurations, it aims to offer practical insights for design and
digital data systems. Each generation from 1G through 4G has standardization in next-generation wireless systems. While 5G
brought enhancements in data rate, capacity, and service technologies are being rapidly deployed worldwide, there
quality, yet the surging demand for connected devices and data- remains a substantial need for rigorous performance evaluation
intensive applications has exposed the limits of existing to ensure their effectiveness under various network conditions.
network capabilities. This has motivated the development of the Traditional simulation platforms often struggle to integrate the
Fifth Generation (5G) of mobile networks, designed around complexity of 5G features, leading to a gap between theoretical
three primary service categories: Enhanced Mobile Broadband performance and practical outcomes. This study aims to bridge
(eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications this gap by leveraging MATLAB to simulate and analyse the
(URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications performance of 5G cellular networks, focusing on key metrics
(mMTC), to support applications ranging from virtual reality such as data throughput, latency, signal quality, and spectral
and industrial automation to large‐scale Internet of Things (IoT) efficiency.
deployments. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts in 5G
A key innovation in 5G is the utilization of millimeter wave network development by providing a robust simulation and
(mmWave) spectrum, which offers much wider bandwidths and analysis framework using MATLAB. It offers insights for
significantly higher data rates than the sub-6 GHz bands used researchers, engineers, and policymakers aiming to optimize
in 4G [1]. Technologies such as Massive MIMO (multiple 5G deployments and understand their implications. The
input, multiple output) and beamforming further enhance findings can guide future enhancements in network planning,
spectral efficiency and link reliability by enabling multiple resource allocation, and service quality assurance.

16

Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

II. LITERATURE REVIEW Unlike earlier circuit-switched systems (1G–3G), both 4G

This session provides a comprehensive review of the current and 5G are fully packet-switched, supporting voice, data, and
body of knowledge surrounding 5G cellular networks. It multimedia seamlessly across global networks [10]. However,
explores the key technologies, standards, and theoretical the rich features of 5G also introduce new challenges in routing,
models underpinning 5G systems. The chapter also critically scalability, energy efficiency, and security [11]. Emerging
examines previous studies related to 5G simulation and intelligent control mechanisms, software-defined networking,
performance analysis, with a focus on the use of MATLAB as and dynamic routing strategies are increasingly required to
a simulation environment. The objective is to establish a strong ensure adaptability, quality of service, and robustness [12].
conceptual and empirical foundation for the study, while Routing remains a core element of cellular networks,
identifying opportunities for further research. Several studies involving efficient traffic delivery between user equipment,
have investigated the simulation of 5G systems using platforms base stations, and the core network. Traditional metrics such as
such as ns-3, OMNeT++, and MATLAB. Although open- hop count are now complemented by bandwidth, latency, and
source simulators provide flexibility and extensibility, throughput optimization to meet the diverse requirements of
MATLAB is often preferred for its robust support of physical modern networks [13][14]. According to the ITU’s IMT-2020
layer modeling, standardized toolboxes, and rapid prototyping framework, 5G is designed around three use cases: enhanced
capabilities. mobile broadband (eMBB) for high-speed access, URLLC for
Recent studies have utilized MATLAB-based simulations mission-critical low-latency services, and massive machine-
to evaluate 5G network performance, focusing on key metrics type communications (mMTC) for IoT connectivity. Supported
such as throughput, block error rate (BLER), and spectral by technologies like mmWave, massive MIMO, beamforming,
efficiency. For instance, a MATLAB simulation model for the network slicing, and edge computing, 5G offers unprecedented
Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) demonstrated opportunities while presenting new design and optimization
how various channel conditions and system parameters impact challenges.
5G performance, providing practical insights for network 2.2 Theoretical Foundations of 5G
design and optimization [4]. Similarly, [5] simulated Massive
• Shannon’s Capacity Theorem: Shannon’s capacity
MIMO systems in MATLAB, with emphasis on enhancing
theorem establishes the theoretical upper bound on the
spectral efficiency and energy utilization. In another study, [6]
maximum data rate achievable for a given bandwidth and
examined ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC)
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In the context of 5G, wider
using a combination of theoretical models and simulations,
bandwidth allocations and advanced modulation
highlighting the inherent trade-offs between latency
techniques enable networks to approach these
performance and network load conditions.
fundamental performance limits [15].
Collectively, these studies illustrate the relevance of MATLAB
• MIMO Theory: The principles of multiple-input multiple-
as a versatile platform for 5G research, particularly in
output (MIMO) systems form the foundation of Massive
evaluating performance trade-offs, optimizing configurations,
MIMO technology in 5G. By transmitting several data
and validating theoretical models under controlled scenarios.
streams simultaneously over the same frequency
Most existing literature either focuses on single aspects of 5G
resources, MIMO improves both throughput and link
(e.g., waveform design or antenna configurations) or lacks
reliability. Core concepts include channel state
comprehensive simulation frameworks that cover both physical
information (CSI), spatial multiplexing, and diversity
and network layer interactions. There is also limited emphasis
gain, all of which are central to 5G’s performance [16].
on replicable, modular MATLAB simulations accessible to
both researchers and educators. • Queuing Theory and Latency Analysis: Network latency
in 5G is shaped by factors such as queuing delays,
2.1 Overview of 4G and 5G Technologies transmission times, and processing overhead. Models
Cellular networks have evolved from 1G in the 1980s to from queuing theory are critical in analysing delay
today’s 5G systems, with each generation advancing in speed, performance, especially for ultra-reliable low-latency
latency, and service quality. Standardized in the early 2010s, communication (URLLC), where maintaining extremely
4G networks deliver average downlink speeds in the tens of low latency is essential.
Mbps and latency under 50 ms. 5G, first deployed in 2018– • Propagation and Channel Models: Accurate
2019, introduces peak downlink rates up to 20 Gbps, uplink up representation of signal propagation is vital for 5G system
to 10 Gbps, system capacity of 100 Tbps, and latency as low as design. Models such as Rayleigh, Rician, and those
1 ms, particularly for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency specific to millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies are
Communications (URLLC) [7][8]. Key differentiators of 5G employed to capture effects including attenuation,
include millimeter-wave bands, ultra-dense networks, massive scattering, reflection, and Doppler shifts. Both theoretical
MIMO, beamforming, carrier aggregation, non-orthogonal frameworks and empirical models are used to simulate
multiple access (NOMA), and cloud-native architectures. These realistic wireless environments.
innovations enable advanced applications such as autonomous 2.3 Role of MATLAB in Wireless Communication Research
driving, AR/VR, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT),
transforming cellular networks into intelligent service MATLAB has become a standard tool in both academic and
platforms [9]. industrial research due to its intuitive interface, robust

17

Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

toolboxes, and capacity for advanced mathematical modelling. • Creating a replicable framework that can be adapted for
In 5G studies, the Communications Toolbox and 5G Toolbox further research or educational use.
provide specialized functions for: By addressing these shortcomings, this project contributes
• OFDM waveform generation both to the academic understanding of 5G performance and to
• Channel modeling (e.g., TDL-C, CDL, mmWave the development of accessible simulation tools that support
channels) further innovation and learning in the field of wireless
• MIMO precoding and decoding communications
• Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) protocols and error correction
III. MATERIALS AND METHOD
coding
Beyond individual components, MATLAB enables end-to- The simulation is conducted using MATLAB R2023b with
end simulation of 5G New Radio (NR) systems, covering both the 5G Toolbox. The environment models key components of
uplink and downlink chains. This comprehensive environment the 5G NR stack, including, OFDM modulation, LDPC coding,
allows researchers to evaluate system performance under Channel estimation and equalization, MIMO antenna
standardized conditions, bridging theoretical models with configurations and Beamforming algorithms. This research
practical implementation [3]. adopts a quantitative experimental simulation design,
This section reviewed the evolution of mobile networks, the leveraging computational models to replicate real-world
core technologies that define 5G, and the theoretical models scenarios within a controlled environment. The design
that support performance analysis. It also examined relevant facilitates evaluation of multiple 5G parameters under varying
simulation-based studies and highlighted the utility of conditions, enabling an empirical performance comparison
MATLAB in conducting sophisticated and accurate analyses. across different system configurations. Since simulation and
The literature reveals a need for integrated, modular simulations analysis is for 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz 5G bands, and the work
that demonstrate the performance of various 5G components in already outlined the tools (MATLAB, 5G Toolbox) and
diverse conditions—an area this study seeks to address. Despite methodology (OFDM, LDPC, MIMO, beamforming), we can
the vast body of research on 5G networks, several gaps remain now derive the formulas that are commonly used in such
in the simulation and performance analysis of 5G technologies, simulations. These formulas form the theoretical backbone of
especially within academic and pre-commercial contexts. your MATLAB simulation.
While theoretical studies and analytical models of 5G 3.1 Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)
performance are abundant, they often rely on ideal assumptions
that do not fully capture the complexities of real-world SNR is a fundamental parameter defined as:
𝑃
environments. Additionally, vendor-specific implementations 𝑆𝑁𝑅(𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟) = 𝑟𝑥 (3.1)
𝑁
and proprietary tools used in the telecom industry limit access Or in dB:
and transparency, making it difficult for researchers and 𝑆𝑁𝑅(𝑑𝐵) = 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑟𝑥
𝑃
(3.2)
students to experiment with or validate key concepts 𝑁

independently. Where 𝑃𝑟𝑥 is Received signal power (W), N is Noise power

Furthermore, much of the current academic work on 5G (W) = kTB × NF, k is Boltzmann constant (1.38×10⁻²³ J/K), T
simulations either focuses narrowly on individual components is Temperature (Kelvin, usually 290 K), B s Bandwidth (Hz,
such as modulation techniques, antenna design, or channel here 100 MHz) and NF is Noise Figure (linear)
models or uses generic simulation platforms that lack built-in 3.2 Received Power (Link Budget Model)
support for the specific features of the 5G standard. As a result, The received power is estimated from the link budget:
there is limited publicly available, end-to-end, system-level 𝑃𝑟𝑥 = 𝑃𝑡𝑥 + 𝐺𝑡𝑥 + 𝐺𝑟𝑥 − 𝑃𝐿 − 𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑐 (3.3)
simulation research that integrates multiple 5G elements (e.g., Where 𝑃𝑡𝑥 is Transmit power (dBm), 𝐺𝑡𝑥 , 𝐺𝑟𝑥 are Antenna gains
Massive MIMO, mmWave propagation, beamforming, and (dBi), PL is Path loss (dB) and 𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑐 is Miscellaneous losses
network-level KPIs) in a cohesive and reproducible way.
(e.g., feeder, penetration)
Although MATLAB offers powerful tools and a structured
environment for simulating 5G systems, the platform’s full 3.3 Path Loss (3GPP TR 38.901 models)
potential is often underutilized in academic research. Many Urban Macro (UMa) and Urban Micro (UMi) scenarios use
existing studies using MATLAB focus on isolated physical- different models: UMa (LOS) Path Loss:
layer simulations or do not provide detailed performance 𝑃𝐿𝑈𝑀𝑎 (3.4)
𝐿𝑂𝑆 = 28 + 22𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑑) + 20𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑓𝑐 )
evaluations across different scenarios such as user density, UMa (NLOS):
mobility, or environmental conditions. This study aims to 𝑃𝐿𝑈𝑀𝑎
𝑁𝐿𝑂𝑆 = 13.54 + 39.08𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑑) + 20𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑓𝑐 ) −
bridge this gap by: 0.6(ℎ𝐵𝑆 − 1.5) (3.5)
• Providing a comprehensive and modular MATLAB-based Where d is distance between UE and gNB (meters), 𝑓𝑐 is carrier
simulation of key 5G components; frequency (GHz) and ℎ𝐵𝑆 is Base station height
• Analysing performance metrics (e.g., throughput, latency,
spectral efficiency) across varied network scenarios; 3.4 Channel Capacity / Throughput (Shannon Capacity)
• Demonstrating how 5G-specific technologies interact and At a basic level:
affect overall system behaviour; 𝐶 = 𝐵𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (1 + 𝑆𝑁𝑅) (3.6)

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Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

But in 5G systems, throughput also depends on modulation and 4. Transmission and Reception: Apply MIMO and
coding scheme (MCS), resource allocation, and overhead. beamforming processing at the transmitter; decode and
evaluate performance at the receiver using LDPC decoding
3.5 Practical Throughput (using MCS and resource elements)
and channel estimation.
1
𝑇 = 𝑁𝑅𝐸 × 𝑅𝑀𝐶𝑆 × 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑀) × (3.7) 5. Performance Evaluation: Assess system performance using
𝑇𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑡
Where 𝑁𝑅𝐸 is Number of Resource Elements, 𝑅𝑀𝐶𝑆 is Code metrics such as throughput, bit error rate (BER), spectral
rate, M is Modulation order (e.g., QPSK=4, 16QAM=16, efficiency, and latency.
64QAM=64, 256QAM=256) and 𝑇𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑡 is Slot duration, You get 6. Analysis and Visualization: Use MATLAB plots, graphs,
𝑁𝑅𝐸 based on bandwidth and slot configuration (e.g., number of and statistical tools to interpret the results.
subcarriers × number of symbols × number of slots per frame). 3.5 Assumptions and Limitations
3.6 Beamforming Gain (for 4x4 and 8x8 MIMO) • Ideal synchronization and no hardware impairments
MIMO and beamforming provide spatial multiplexing or are assumed.
diversity gain: • The simulation does not account for higher-layer
𝐺𝐵𝐹 = 10𝑙𝑜𝑔10 (𝑁𝑇𝑥 × 𝑁𝑅𝑥 ) (3.8) protocols (e.g., RLC, PDCP).
Where is 𝑁𝑇𝑥 , 𝑁𝑅𝑥 are numbers of transmit and receive • Only single-cell scenarios are considered; inter-cell
antennas interference is not modeled.
• Channel parameters are assumed to remain static
3.7 Mobility Effect (Doppler Shift) during one transmission time interval (TTI).
Mobility affects channel estimation and coherence time:
𝑣𝑓 TABLE 1: Network Parameters
𝑓𝐷 = 𝑐 (3.9) Parameter Value
𝑐
0.423
𝑇𝑐 ≈ (3.10) 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz
𝑓𝐷 Carrier Frequency
(mmWave)
Where 𝑓𝐷 is Doppler shift, v is UE speed (m/s), 𝑓𝑐 is Carrier
Bandwidth 100 MHz
frequency (Hz) and c is Speed of light
Duplex Mode TDD
3.8 Simulation Workflow MIMO Configuration 4x4 and 8x8
User Equipment (UE) 10–100
Mobility 0–120 km/h

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Throughput Analysis
The figure 1 below illustrates the relationship between
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and downlink throughput for two
different 5G frequency bands (3.5 GHz and 28 GHz).

1. Parameter Initialization: Define simulation parameters,

including carrier frequency, subcarrier spacing, bandwidth, Figure 1: 5G NR Downlink Throughput Vs. Frequency
SNR levels, and number of antennas.
2. Waveform Generation: Use the 5G Toolbox to generate NR- As expected, throughput increases as SNR improves. This
compliant waveforms based on predefined numerologies is due to the ability to use higher-order modulation schemes and
and frame structures. more efficient coding at higher SNRs. The 28 GHz band shows
3. Channel Modeling: Simulate a multipath fading channel consistently higher throughput compared to the 3.5 GHz band
using Rayleigh and Rician models to mimic realistic at all SNR levels. This is because Higher frequencies generally
propagation environments. support wider bandwidths, allowing more data to be transmitted

19

Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

and 28 GHz is a millimeter wave band, typically used for high- ideal for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications
capacity, short-range communication. Both curves start to (URLLC) in applications like autonomous vehicles and
flatten out beyond 25 dB SNR, indicating diminishing returns industrial automation. The base delays from processing,
with further increases in SNR. This saturation point suggests propagation, and scheduling remain the same across all SCS
that other bottlenecks like channel bandwidth and hardware values. The only variable part is TTI.
limitations begin to dominate.
C. Spectral Efficiency
B. Latency Performance The results of the spectral efficiency analysis, as illustrated
URLLC scenarios under 3.5 GHz show average latencies in Figure (3), demonstrate a clear trend in how the efficiency of
under 1 ms using grant-free uplink transmission and pre- 5G cellular networks responds to increasing user density across
configured scheduling. Latency increases with mobility and two frequency bands: 3.5 GHz (sub-6 GHz) and 28 GHz
higher user density due to increased queuing delay and (mmWave). It is evident that spectral efficiency decreases
handovers. The figure 2 shows the total 5G latency (in progressively as the number of user equipments (UEs) increases
milliseconds) as a function of Subcarrier Spacing (SCS). from 10 to 100.
This behaviour is attributed to the increased demand on
network resources, greater inter-user interference, and reduced
available bandwidth per user. Notably, the 28 GHz mmWave
band consistently outperforms the 3.5 GHz band across all user
densities, showcasing its superior capacity to deliver higher
data rates. For example, at 10 UEs, the spectral efficiency for
28 GHz reaches approximately 7.5 bps/Hz compared to 4.5
bps/Hz for 3.5 GHz. Even at a high load of 100 UEs, the
mmWave band maintains a spectral efficiency of around 6.2
bps/Hz, while the sub-6 GHz band drops to approximately 3.2
bps/Hz. These findings underscore the benefits of mmWave
frequencies, including wider bandwidth availability and
enhanced support for advanced MIMO and beamforming
Figure 2: 5G End-to-End Latency vs Subcarrier Spacing
techniques. However, it is important to recognize that such
high-frequency bands also face challenges such as greater path
As the subcarrier spacing increases from 15 kHz to 120 kHz, loss and susceptibility to obstructions, which must be accounted
the total latency significantly decreases. This is because higher for in real-world deployments. Overall, the results confirm that
SCS reduces the transmission time interval (TTI), leading to while 5G networks are capable of supporting high user
quicker data transmission cycles. 15 kHz (LTE-like): ~2.0 ms densities, system performance per user degrades with load, and
latency — suitable for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) but mmWave frequencies provide a promising solution to mitigate
not for ultra-low latency use cases. 120 kHz: ~1.0 ms latency, this effect.

Figure 3: Spectral Efficiency Against Number of User Equipment

20

Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

Spectral efficiency peaks at 10 bps/Hz for 8x8 MIMO under The Figure 4 shows the Bit Error Rate (BER) performance
favorable SNR conditions. Beamforming significantly of QPSK modulation over an AWGN (Additive White
improves efficiency in dense urban deployments. Gaussian Noise) channel as a function of SNR (Signal-to-Noise
Ratio) in dB.
D. Bit Error Rate (BER) Performance

Figure 4: BER Vs. SNR for QPSK In AWGN Channel

Figure 5: Coverage Probability Against SNR Threshold

The curve shows a monotonically decreasing trend, as SNR and 28 GHz (mmWave). Coverage probability is defined as the
increases, the BER decreases. At low SNR (0–4 dB), the BER likelihood that a user experiences an SNR above a specified
is relatively high, indicating a large number of bit errors due to threshold, which directly correlates with the quality and
noise. Beyond 10 dB SNR, the BER starts to drop sharply, reliability of the network connection.
signifying improved signal clarity and fewer bit errors. At 20 The results indicate that the 3.5 GHz band exhibits higher
dB SNR, the BER becomes extremely low, approaching near coverage probability across the entire range of SNR thresholds
error-free transmission. when compared to the 28 GHz band. At lower thresholds such
QPSK performs well in AWGN channels, especially as as -10 dB and 0 dB, the 3.5 GHz band achieves a coverage
SNR improves. The system requires an SNR of around 10 dB probability of approximately 98% and 90%, respectively, while
or higher to achieve BERs acceptable for most 5G applications. the 28 GHz band trails slightly at 90% and 85%. As the SNR
This analysis helps in choosing modulation schemes and power threshold increases, coverage probability for both bands
levels for reliable data transmission. decreases, reflecting the growing difficulty in maintaining high
signal quality at higher thresholds. However, the decline is
E. Coverage Probability
more pronounced for the 28 GHz band; at an SNR threshold of
Figure 5 presents the coverage probability of the 5G cellular 30 dB, its coverage probability falls to around 5%, in contrast
network as a function of the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) to about 10% for the 3.5 GHz band. This disparity is primarily
threshold for two operational frequencies: 3.5 GHz (sub-6 GHz) due to the higher path loss and limited penetration capabilities

21

Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.
 International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science
ISSN (Online): 2455-9024

of mmWave frequencies, which make them more susceptible to for testing and optimizing next-generation cellular
signal degradation and blockage. In contrast, sub-6 GHz technologies.
frequencies offer better propagation characteristics, resulting in
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Collins Iyaminapu Iyoloma, Tamunotonye Sotonye Ibanibo, and Nkechinyere Eyidia, “Comprehensive MATLAB-Based Performance Analysis
of 5G Cellular Networks,” International Research Journal of Advanced Engineering and Science, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 16-22, 2025.