Drive testing

Article summary

Drive testing is a method of measuring and assessing the coverage, capacity and quality of service of a mobile radio network. The technique consists of using a motor vehicle containing mobile radio network air interface measurement equipment that can detect and record a wide variety of the physical and virtual parameters of mobile cellular service in a given geographical area. By measuring what a wireless network subscriber would experience in any specific area, wireless carriers can make directed changes to their networks that provide better coverage and service to their customers. Drive testing requires a mobile vehicle outfitted with drive testing measurement equipment. The equipment is usually highly specialized electronic devices that interface to OEM mobile handsets. This ensures measurements are realistic and comparable to actual user experiences.

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