A drive/walk tester gives invaluable insight into a communications network's QoS, coverage, and capacity, information vital to maintaining a network system.
What is QoS?
QoS (quality of service) is data describing the performance of a network service. The QoS must be measured, in order to ensure that telecommunications network optimization and maintenance. Some factors considered while examining the QoS are packet loss, bit rate, jitter, and more.
What Is A Drive/Walk Test?
Drive/walk testing is vital to maintaining the quality of service when dealing with a mobile radio network. This testing method also allows technicians to measure and analyze coverage and capacity of the network. This provides wireless carriers with the vital data needed to make the appropriate adjustments to their networks. There are several network quality aspects that drive/walk testers support:
- Public Safety
- LTE
- UMTS/WCDMA bands
- ITCR positive train control systems
- 2G, 3G, & 5G
- Safety standards, such as P25
How Does A Cellular Drive/Walk Tester Work?
Drive/walk test equipment records a variety of mobile cellular parameters, using RF and signal processing. Network coverage, QoS, and capacity can be determined using a drive/walk tester, a user-friendly device with multiple network testing capabilities. Which testing method to use can depend on the area and the testing requirements of the network.
Cellular Drive Test
Drive testing takes place while a mobile vehicle is in motion. Cellular drive test equipment is used from the vehicle to ensure accurate data based on real-world situations that affect mobile customers. With a drive tester operators can analyze GPS, interference, signal levels, and more. This method of testing also detects call inconstancies such as dropped or blocked calls.
Cellular Walk Test
Walk testing, like drive testing, provides important network information. This data is for an area or set location that the technician needs to assess. Coverage during walking is the key aspect to this type of testing. The coverage and capacity of the network needs to be maintained and tested regularly, and walk testers help this process.
Drive/Walk Tester Applications
- Signal quality testing
- Public Safety, LTE, and UMTS/WCDMA band support
- Data that can be used to enforce standards for new or existing buildings
- Automated & simultaneous testing capabilities
- GPS tagging and the ability to save traces
- RF and signal processing path with impressive bandwidths
- Troubleshooting and monitoring tests
- User-definable input frequency ranges
- User-friendly interfaces
- P25 drive capabilities
- P25 walk Test capabilities
Note: Applications may differ between drive/walk tester models.
Choosing The Right Drive/Walk Test Rental
Whether you need a P25 drive test rental or a P25 walk test rental or need to meet other testing standards, ATEC has you covered. With our cost-effective and precise drive/walk test equipment you can have an improved testing experience. ATEC has several cellular drive test and cellular walk test rentals. Our models come from industry-leading manufacturers, including Rohde & Schwarz, PCTEL, Anritsu, and more. Our rental agents can help you choose the ideal drive/walk test equipment based on your testing requirements.