Design of an autonomous remote cellular network service tester

This paper presents an autonomous cellular testing system, which gathers wireless Quality of Service (QoS) data remotely, for the purpose of network optimization activities by network service providers. We have proposed and designed a proof of concept prototype of an autonomous testing device that could be installed in public vehicles and static locations to enable continuous testing and monitoring of cellular wireless networks. This leads to a more accurate and up to date quality of service data for the wireless service provider's quick action. Data would be collected autonomously while the vehicles are on the move and will be sent to a server periodically where engineers can analyze and process the data in near real time. All radio and service test parameters are captured with geo-location and accurate time stamping from GPS satellite time to produce geo-reports, and statistical analysis with cross reference capability against core network counters and logs by the wireless service provider. Service testing conditions are around typical subscriber usages; ping, file transfer protocol (ftp) upload and download, http download, call and short messaging service (SMS). Initial testing proves that our device is able to provide detailed QoS data to the service provider for optimization purposes.