LokaLTE: Performance Evaluation of an SDR-Based LTE Community Cellular Network in the Philippines

This paper presents a performance evaluation of LokaLTE, a Software-Defined Radio (SDR)-based Long Term Evolution (LTE) Community Cellular Network (CCN) in the Philippines. The said country, comprising thousands of islands, faces significant challenges in providing nationwide mobile connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. LokaLTE stands as an innovative solution that leverages SDR technology to establish a low-cost and community-driven cellular infrastructure. A key area of investigation in this study is the integration of LTE Band 71 (600 MHz) Radio Frequency Front-End (RFFE) with SDR enhancing the wireless coverage in the area of interest. By performing indoor and outdoor testing, the study examines the impact of integrating a developed RFFE to an SDR acting as an eNodeB on the received signal strength. The evaluation encompasses various aspects, including signal strength, data throughput and network reliability and assessment of VSWR and temperature. Through in-depth testing and analysis, the study aims to provide insights on the use of LTE Band 71 in an SDR-based LTE Architecture. The research contributes to the ongoing advancements in CCNs, emphasizing the significance of leveraging specific frequency bands to provide connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines.