Sign in Subscribe

Detail how Huawei's "i5000" solution facilitates drive testing, benchmarking, and troubleshooting in 5G networks.

Last updated on 

Drive testing, benchmarking, and troubleshooting are crucial activities in the deployment and maintenance of wireless networks, including 5G. These activities help operators ensure optimal network performance, identify areas for improvement, and troubleshoot issues effectively. Here's a general overview of the technical aspects involved in these processes:

  1. Drive Testing:
    • Mobile Measurement Equipment (MME): Drive testing involves the use of specialized mobile measurement equipment installed in vehicles or carried by personnel. This equipment typically includes mobile devices, scanners, and GPS receivers.
    • Data Collection: The MME collects data on various network parameters such as signal strength, quality, handover performance, and data throughput while moving through different areas.
    • Logging and Analysis: Collected data is logged and analyzed to assess network coverage, identify dead zones, and evaluate the quality of service (QoS) in different locations.
  2. Benchmarking:
    • Reference Measurement System: Benchmarking requires a reference measurement system to compare the performance of different networks or operators. This system establishes a baseline for performance evaluation.
    • Test Scenarios: Benchmarking involves defining specific test scenarios and metrics for performance evaluation, such as data transfer rates, latency, and coverage.
    • Comparative Analysis: The collected data from benchmarking tests is compared against the established benchmarks to identify areas of improvement and to evaluate the network's competitiveness.
  3. Troubleshooting:
    • Network Monitoring Tools: Troubleshooting in 5G networks involves the use of advanced network monitoring tools that provide real-time insights into network performance and potential issues.
    • Packet Analysis: Deep packet inspection and analysis help identify packet loss, latency issues, and other anomalies affecting the network.
    • Root Cause Analysis: Troubleshooting tools assist in identifying the root causes of network problems, allowing operators to address issues efficiently.