5G network performance analysis and planning for the development of 5G services in Padang City

The rapid deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks requires accurate performance assessment to support effective network planning. This study presents a combined field measurement and simulation approach, integrating drive test data with Atoll-based coverage planning to evaluate the early deployment of 5G non-standalone (NSA) in Padang City, Indonesia. Radio performance was assessed using reference signal received power (RSRP) and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) obtained from drive tests using a Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and G-NetTrack Pro, while Atoll was used to analyze planned coverage. The results show that 64% of measurement points achieved very good RSRP (≥ −85 dBm) and 56% recorded very good SINR (≥ 10 dB), although several locations exhibited poor SINR despite strong RSRP, indicating interference associated with the NSA architecture. Atoll simulation showed that only 36.42% of the planned coverage area reached excellent RSRP, revealing gaps between measured and predicted performance. These findings demonstrate that integrating drive test measurements with propagation simulation provides a practical framework for identifying coverage deficiencies and supporting 5G network planning through interference mitigation, antenna parameter adjustment, and migration toward SA architecture.