DRONE Radio Network Testing

Drone testing Background

Mobile Networks testing challenges:

• Drive Test not enought

New technologies require more than road measurements network testing / drive tests for network optimization

• Vertical testing

5G accelerates the need for more than ground level testing

• Very specify hard to reach locations

IoT, Private and DAS Networks requires securing network coverage in particular locations

Benefits of Drone testing:

• Increase reach;
• Safety;
• Real-time measures information for immediate adjustment of network;
• Efficiency by reducing time and quality of the measures;
• Can be combined with tower inspections, radio planning and line-of-sight testing between towers

Location that benefits from Drone Usage

• Airports;
• Ports / Shipyards;
• Industrial facilities;
• Sports and special events venues;
• Agriculture areas;
• Beaches / Coastal Area;
• Lakes;
• Vacation resorts

Solution Overview

Testing Equiment

• UE devices – 0,4 Kg / each;
• PCTEL IBFlex scanner with battery pack and accessories – 2 Kg;
• Total payload:
  • 1 UE + Scanner: 2,4 Kg;
  • 2 UEs + Scanner: 2,8 Kg;
  • 3 UEs + Scanner: 3,2 Kg;
  • 4 UEs + Scanner: 3,5 Kg

Drone Requirements

• Additional payload support: 2,4 Kg to 3,5 Kg;
• Manual and Automatic flight;
• Real Time video allows combined use with site inspection