GL’s Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance Solution

Welcome to the latest issue of GL’s newsletter! In this edition, we focus on our Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution, designed to empower service providers, regulators, and device manufacturers to accurately assess and optimize wireless network quality across 5G, 4G, and 3G technologies.

Overview

As mobile networks expand and evolve, it is important to test them under real-world conditions to identify problems such as weak coverage, dropped calls, or slow data speeds. Drive testing for voice quality and network performance solutions collect this information while moving through different areas, allowing operators to pinpoint exactly where the network needs improvement. This enables faster issue resolution and ensures a better user experience.

GL’s Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution is built around the ultra-portable vMobile™ device and a scalable system that supports testing multiple devices simultaneously, including mobile phones (via Bluetooth) and radios (via an analog Push-to-Talk interface). The vMobile™ is a handheld device weighing about 2 pounds, making it easy to carry for both drive and walk testing. It can connect to two mobile phones using Bluetooth or to one mobile radio through an analog port. Automated scripting allows the device to place, receive, and end calls while also recording audio for detailed voice quality analysis.

One of the key features of the vMobile™ is its embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which facilitates remote control and real-time streaming of test results to a centralized system. This eliminates the need for manual data collection and enables field engineers to monitor test progress and results live. The device also integrates GPS for precise location stamping of all test events, ensuring that network performance data can be accurately mapped.

For indoor environments where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, GL’s Indoor Tracking System (ITS) provides an effective alternative, maintaining location accuracy during walk tests inside buildings or underground facilities.

Voice Quality Testing Inside Buildings

The vMobile™ solution supports flexible deployment—whether mounted in vehicles for drive testing, used in labs, or carried for walk testing. All collected data, including Voice Quality Metrics based on ITU-standard algorithms such as POLQA, PESQ, and DAQ, is transmitted to a central database. In addition to the Mean Opinion Score, other captured metrics include one-way and round-trip delays, signal and noise levels, audio dropout, frequency and power analysis, data throughput, success/failure/drop rates, network delays, and signal strength.

In addition to voice testing, the solution supports simultaneous data testing through GL’s NetTest app, which can run TCP and UDP speed tests concurrently with voice calls. This multi-dimensional testing approach provides a complete view of network performance under real-world usage conditions.

GL’s WebViewer™ software visualizes test results on interactive Google Maps and graphical dashboards, helping network operators and regulators quickly identify coverage gaps, performance issues, and areas that need improvement. The platform provides centralized data management, allowing users to monitor results in real time, generate custom reports, and schedule automated email distribution. With cloud-based access and remote-control capabilities, WebViewer™ makes it easy to manage and analyze multiple test campaigns across different locations from a single interface.

Web Dashboard Displaying Results

Key Features

• Supports any mobile phone, any carrier, and any network, including 5G, 4G LTE, and legacy
• Supports any mobile or static radio
• Ultra-portable vMobile™ device with Bluetooth and analog connections, weighing about 2 lbs with two phones
• Automated testing of voice and data on multiple devices at the same time
• Measures voice and data quality with automated scripting
• Built-in GPS and indoor tracking system for accurate location data indoors and outdoors
• Remote control and live streaming of test results over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Voice quality measurement using POLQA, PESQ/DAQ, and support for different audio bandwidths
• Data testing with NetTest app running TCP, UDP, VoIP, Email, HTTP, FTP, SMS, and more
• Automated call control for placing, answering, and ending calls during tests
• Centralized data collection and visualization with WebViewer™, including Google Maps and ITS integration
• WebViewer™ collects all results and allows users to export them in PDF, Excel, or CSV formats, with visualizations through line/bar graphs and map-based pass/fail indicators
• Custom reports and automatic email distribution for easy sharing
• API support for controlling the vMobile™ scripts

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