Empirical Analysis of Network Congestion Patterns and QoS in 4G LTE Networks Across Nigerian Cities

Quality of service in 4G LTE networks across Nigerian cities varies considerably and affects the usability of digital services for business and social applications, yet empirical measurement of congestion patterns and QoS metrics across multiple cities is limited in the published literature. This study empirically analyses network congestion patterns and quality of service in 4G LTE networks across four Nigerian cities: Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Drive test measurements and passive network monitoring data were collected over 90 days using network testing equipment (NetSpot and G-NetTrack Pro on Android devices) across predefined test routes in each city. Measured QoS metrics included downlink throughput, uplink throughput, round-trip latency, packet loss rate, and handover success rate. Data were collected at different times of day to capture temporal variation. Congestion patterns were modelled using time-series clustering and spatial heat map visualisation. Results indicate that Lagos shows the highest congestion frequency (37 percent of measurement samples below 5 Mbps downlink) and worst average latency (89ms), while Abuja shows the most consistent QoS across times of day. Morning rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM) and evening peak periods (6:00-9:00 PM) are associated with the most severe congestion in all cities. Kano showed the highest packet loss rates. The study fills an empirical QoS measurement gap and provides NCC regulators with evidence for targeted network performance improvement mandates.

Keywords: 4G LTE, network quality of service, congestion, Nigeria, mobile networks