What are the best practices for mobile network testing in indoor environments?

1 Tools and equipment

One of the first steps for mobile network testing in indoor environments is to select the appropriate tools and equipment for the task. Depending on the scope and purpose of the testing, you may need different types of devices, such as smartphones, scanners, probes, or analyzers. You should also consider the compatibility, accuracy, and reliability of the tools, as well as their battery life, portability, and ease of use. Additionally, you may need some accessories, such as antennas, cables, adapters, or power banks, to enhance the signal reception and transmission.

2 Methods and procedures

Another important aspect of mobile network testing in indoor environments is to follow the right methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing the data. Depending on the type of network and the parameters you want to measure, you may use different methods, such as drive testing, walk testing, benchmarking, or troubleshooting. You should also plan the test routes, locations, and durations carefully, taking into account the indoor layout, structure, and interference sources. Furthermore, you should document the test results and procedures clearly and consistently, using standard formats and tools.

3 Metrics and standards

A key part of mobile network testing in indoor environments is to evaluate the metrics and standards that reflect the quality and performance of the network. Depending on the network technology and the service level agreements, you may need to measure different metrics, such as signal strength, signal quality, throughput, latency, jitter, packet loss, or call drop rate. You should also compare the metrics with the industry standards and best practices, such as 3GPP, ETSI, or ITU, to identify any gaps or issues in the network.

4 Issues and challenges

In indoor environments, mobile network testing can be affected by various issues and challenges which can impact the accuracy and validity of the test results. Multipath fading, shadowing, co-channel interference, adjacent channel interference, and external interference are all common issues that can arise. To address these issues, it is necessary to utilize appropriate tools and methods to identify and isolate sources of interference, as well as to optimize the network parameters and settings such as power, frequency, modulation, or coding. Doing so will help ensure accurate test results.

5 Scenarios and use cases

When it comes to mobile network testing in indoor environments, the scenarios and use cases can vary greatly. For instance, residential testing focuses on voice, data, and video services with users expecting high quality and reliability. Whereas commercial testing is centered around business, commerce, or hospitality services, with users expecting high performance and security. Similarly, industrial testing is used for automation, monitoring, or control applications with users demanding availability and robustness. Finally, public testing involves entertainment, information, or communication purposes in airports, stadiums, or malls with users having high diversity and density. It's important to take into account the specific needs and expectations of the users as well as the characteristics and challenges of the indoor environment in order to tailor the test methods and metrics accordingly.