Investigating QoS and Performance of Received Signal Strength Indicator in Fiber Optics Broadband Data Communication

Abstract

There has been an unusual drop of Fiber Optics Broadband (FOB) internet speed in certain localities in Ghana which severely affect users’ experience. This phenomenon have had a serious impact on the quality of service of internet delivery. This paper accessed the quality service of FOB wireless signal between the last mile cell site and the FOB wireless Access Point (AP). The essential components that the paper looked at were accessibility, availability and usability of FOB wireless signal which defines the QoS of a robust internet connection. This paper investigated the quality of FOB wireless signal and how lower antenna gain could affect the received signal strength of the FOB wireless AP. The study adopted three regulatory licensed indicators-Data Access Success Rate, Data Drop Rate and Data Throughput-in measuring accessibility, availability and usability of the received signal strength. A drive-test was conducted in five cities in Ghana where FOB services were available to assess the performance of the FOB wireless signal at peak and off-peak period. It was observed that the strength of the signal reduced significantly during peak hours; this phenomenon severely affected the QoS of the internet. Kalma’s filter and other communication techniques were used to analyze the results of the drive-test. The paper also provided conceptual framework which included suggestions and recommendations on how the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) could adopt new measures to improve and upgrade their communication infrastructure, to ensure users always have the most efficient and quality of internet service delivery through FOB.