Reasons of low throughput (4G)

 Reasons of low throughput (4G)

Low throughput in LTE networks can be attributed to various factors, both within the network and at the user equipment (UE) level. Here are some common reasons for low throughput in network:

1.       Poor Signal Strength: Weak signal strength) can significantly impact throughput. This can occur due to distance from the cell tower or obstacles like buildings or terrain etc.

2.       Interference: Interference from neighboring cells, adjacent frequency bands, or other radio sources can degrade signal quality and reduce throughput. Too large overlapping coverage area leads to high RSSI and creates pilot pollution. There are sometimes external interference issues too.

3.       Improper Network Settings – Improper setting of key parameters such as modulation (higher modulation not enabled), antenna configuration, transmission mode, bandwidth etc. can lead to low throughput.

4.       Hardware/Software issue – Malfunctioning at hardware such as radio, baseband unit along-with CIPRI cable, SFP, outdated SW,

5.       Network Congestion: High user demand or congestion in the network can lead to reduced throughput, especially during peak hours or in densely populated areas. This congestion can occur at various network elements such as the radio interface, core network, or backhaul links.

6.       Errors over air interface: Errors caused by channel impairments, fading, or environmental conditions can result in retransmissions, reducing overall throughput.

7.       Backhaul Limitations: Inadequate backhaul capacity or congestion in the backhaul network can bottleneck data traffic and reduce throughput. Check media provisioning end to end till ISP.

8.       Packet Loss and Latency: High packet loss and latency can impact the efficiency of data transmission and reduce overall throughput, especially for real-time applications like video streaming or online gaming.


UE Capability: The capabilities of the user equipment, such as antenna design, processing power, and modem capabilities, can also affect throughput. Older devices or devices with inferior specifications may experience lower throughput compared to newer, more advanced devices.

Addressing low throughput issues in LTE networks typically involves a combination of network optimization techniques, capacity upgrades, spectrum management, interference mitigation strategies, and ensuring optimal UE performance. Continual monitoring, analysis, and optimization are essential to maintain satisfactory throughput levels and ensure a positive user experience in LTE networks.