Verizon LTE vs Private LTE Live test at AWS re:Play 2019

Private LTE is a game-changing wireless technology for live events. Enabling guaranteed wireless connectivity across the event for mission-critical services like Point of Sale, RFID scanning, cctv and more.

During AWS re:Play I was able to deploy and test the Celona private LTE system which is currently in beta testing. This video shows a side by side real-time comparison of network performance between Verizon LTE and Private LTE.

Devices used were iPhone 7 Plus connected to Verizon, and an iPhone 11 connected to Private LTE hosted on 500Mbps Internet connection.

The physical distance between handset and the Private LTE base station (eNodeB) was approximately 500ft, non-line-of-sight. The private LTE wireless signal traversed two tented megastructures with extensive rigging.

Tests were conducted at peak attendance hour, 9:51 PM.

Final Test Results

Verizon LTE

• Latency : 3725ms
• Download : 0.01Mbps
• Upload 0.024Mbps

Private LTE

• Latency : 19ms
• Download : 26.3Mbps
• Upload 1.35Mbps

What does this mean in real terms for an event?

At this show, approx 200 PoS tablets were deployed. This required the installation of 40 Wi-Fi Access Points.

Only 3 x Private LTE base stations would be needed to deliver the same coverage, with better performance. As well as the cost savings through reduced labor and materials, the service itself will be more reliable.

This is how most critical event services will be connected in future.