Field Surveys & Drive Test

Field Surveys:

• Purpose: Field surveys involve physically visiting various locations to collect data and assess the characteristics of the wireless network's coverage, signal strength, interference, and performance.
• Scope: Surveys can cover specific areas such as urban, suburban, or rural environments, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces, to evaluate network performance under different conditions.
• Methods: Surveys typically involve specialized equipment such as handheld devices, spectrum analyzers, antennas, and GPS receivers to measure and record network parameters such as signal strength, signal quality, cell site locations, neighboring cells, and environmental factors.
• Data Collection: During the survey, data is collected on various aspects of network performance, including coverage gaps, dead zones, signal attenuation, handover performance, and interference sources. This data helps identify areas for optimization and improvement.
• Documentation: The findings of the survey are documented in detailed reports, maps, or databases, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the network infrastructure. This information is used to guide network planning, optimization, and expansion efforts.

Drive Tests:

• Purpose: Drive tests involve driving predefined routes or areas while continuously monitoring and recording the performance of the wireless network to evaluate coverage, signal quality, call quality, data throughput, and handover performance.
• Scope: Drive tests cover a wider area compared to field surveys and provide a more comprehensive assessment of network performance across different locations and traffic conditions.
• Methods: Drive tests are conducted using specially equipped vehicles or mobile test platforms equipped with multiple antennas, receivers, and logging equipment. Real-time measurements are performed while moving through the test area.
• Data Collection: During the drive test, data is collected on various network parameters such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, signal-to-interference ratio, latency, packet loss, and call drop rates. This data is logged and analyzed to identify areas of poor coverage or performance degradation.
• Analysis: The collected data is analyzed using specialized software tools to generate maps, charts, and performance metrics that provide insights into network performance trends, coverage patterns, and areas requiring improvement.
• Optimization: Drive test results are used to identify areas where network optimization measures are needed, such as adjusting antenna tilt, adding or relocating cell sites, optimizing handover parameters, or deploying new technologies to enhance coverage and capacity.