Essai and Épreuve with Mobile Network testing & LTE 4G Tester tools
Most mobile communications are done inside buildings or mobile data traffic is generated indoors, and this trend is set to continue so telecom operators pay close attention to indoor Radio Frequency (RF) coverage. When it comes to indoor network coverages, it includes users’ homes, large offices, public buildings, and commercial properties, and those coverages are required to improve to provide suitable Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE). These buildings are often modern, with windows made of low-emissivity glass that reflect and absorb infrared and heat energy efficiently those types of windows are also very efficient at attenuating radio waves, causing degraded cell phone reception and affecting all kinds of radio technologies and becoming more severe with increasing frequency. So, now let us see how to improve Indoor Coverage with RF Drive Testing along with Accurate Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools and Accurate 4G Tester, 4G LTE Tester, 4G Network Tester and VOLTE Testing tools in detail.
To meet the needs of indoor communications via outdoor base stations, operators must deal with an attenuation range of 20 dB to 30 dB, and even higher for higher frequencies which can be fulfilled by RF drive testing. RF drive testing is beneficial for improving indoor coverage as it provides good results for indoor RF coverage assessment as compared to random methods. Why RF drive test for indoor coverage? There is a chance of occurring huge signal attenuation due to building openings, huge signal attenuation can be observed depending on the height at which the Mobile Equipment (ME) is located from the ground but in that case, RF engineers pay less attention to this height selection, which can greatly impact the reliability of test results. Hence, the RF drive test for indoor coverage provides good results for indoor RF coverage evaluation – results reliability can be improved by 67.5% as the data says.
Wireless service providers make indoor RF-coverage measurements using the same set of drive-test tools that they use for outdoor drive testing. Indoor measurements can be made with an RF drive test by upgrading software and adding accessories. As the driving test is conducted to check the coverage criteria of the cell site with the RF drive test tool, the data collected in the form of Log files are assessed to evaluate the various FR parameters of the network such as coverage area – indoor & outdoor, speech quality, interference, call drops in the network.
Benefits –
Increases Reliability: RF testing evaluates the reliability of wireless devices thoroughly even if under adverse conditions, whether it’s extreme temperatures or electromagnetic interference. This also ensures that devices perform during indoor tests consistently in real-world scenarios.
Facilitates Troubleshooting: RF drive testing facilitates pinpointing the root causes of indoor coverages. In the event of wireless device malfunctions or performance degradation, RF testing is more important as the test is indispensable for maintenance and repair in industries like telecommunications and aerospace.
Identifies Interference Issues: If any interference issue is identified, which can disrupt wireless communication it will compromise device performance. And these interference problems (if any) arise in the development cycle that will prevent costly redesigns.
Enhances Security: When it comes to wireless communication, security is the utmost thing. Hence, RF testing evaluates the vulnerability of wireless systems to hacking or eavesdropping so that they can identify security vulnerabilities and that will enable manufacturers to fortify their devices and protect sensitive data.
Saves Costs: Early detection and resolution of RF issues during the development phase is the reason to save costs by avoiding recalls and post-production fixes. Further, RF performance reduces operational costs for wireless sensor networks.
Conclusion
RF testing plays a crucial role in their development and deployment when wireless technologies emerge. RF drive testing not only helps verify the feasibility and functionality of novel wireless solutions but also ensures that wireless devices and systems operate seamlessly, reliably, and securely, making it a cornerstone of modern technology. Such testing can be conducted through RantCell which is a smartphone-based app that can be installed in any Android or iOS device to perform tests with automation.