GWS Tests Strength of Mobile Networks Along US Highways With Rohde & Schwarz Mobile Network Testing

AAA estimates that a record 97.4 million Americans traveled by car during the Christmas holidays, representing 90% of all holiday travelers. Using test equipment from Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing, GWS conducted wireless voice and data performance testing of network carriers on US highways from coast-to-coast.

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Rohde & Schwarz

Jan 11, 2018, 08:40 ET

COLUMBIA, Md., Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS), the leading and independent network benchmarking firm, recently evaluated mobile performance on US highways to determine how well each operator's network performed. Using Benchmarker II test equipment from Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing, data was collected from nearly 703,000 voice and data tests over 52,000 miles in 49 states to provide a full picture of the mobile performance landscape that highway drivers and passengers can expect. Testing was conducted on major roadways and highways across the country between March and July 2017.

GWS's carefully controlled tests examined a variety of metrics, including upload/download speeds, data service task attempts and completions, LTE network availability, and VoLTE service. These tests ultimately determined the strengths and weaknesses of each carrier network and the quality of experience (QoE) commuters can expect on the road.

GWS conducted these series of tests using the Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing Benchmarker II test equipment, which is a benchmarking and network testing tool that delivers precise and accurate measurement data on a vast set of network technologies. The test tool supports more than 100 test devices over a complete set of network technologies, including GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA+, HSDPA DC, LTE, CDMA/EVDO, IS-136, ISDN, PSTN and Ethernet.

The Benchmarker II was operated by a trained GWS engineer who conducted the assessment tests and obtained upload and download speeds from the packet data networks of Tier 1 carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.

"According to the AAA, Americans spend on average 293 hours a year behind the wheel. An increasing number of people make road trips every year. For example, roughly 3% more people were on the road during the Christmas holiday season compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, automotive tech is becoming more useful, more connected, and much more available. Innovations such as virtual assistants Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require robust and reliable networks behind them to work the way we expect them to," said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO at Global Wireless Solutions. "When it comes to mobile networks, traffic doesn't necessarily choke up the network. AT&T and Verizon have roughly double the number of subscribers on their networks than Sprint and T-Mobile, yet due to more efficient use of their networks they're able to consistently finish at the top of our tests throughout our drive."

To see the results of GWS' US highway wireless voice and data performance tests, go to http://news.gwsolutions.com/2017/11/27/first-ever-test-of-mobile-networks-on-us-highways-which-operator-was-in-the-fast-lane/.

To learn more about the Rohde & Schwarz mobile network testing Benchmarker II test equipment, visit https://www.mobile-network-testing.com/en/products/benchmarking/diversity-benchmarker-2/ and https://blog.mobile-network-testing.com/.

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Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. defines the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Working with some of the world's largest wireless network providers, GWS offers standardized, high-quality network data and engineering analysis to its customers through a suite of benchmarking products, services, and OneMeasure diagnostic apps that includes drive, venue, and in-building testing.

Firmly rooted in a deep understanding of network engineering, GWS provides best-in-class, turnkey solutions to help customers better understand overall network performance as today's wireless networks grow and evolve. Founded in 1996, GWS is headquartered in Dulles, VA. At last count, GWS has driven 11 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit www.gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group develops, produces and markets innovative test and measurement, information and communications technology products for professional users. Rohde & Schwarz focuses on test and measurement, broadcast and media, cybersecurity, secure communications and monitoring and network testing, areas that address many different industry and government-sector market segments. Founded more than 80 years ago, the independent company has an extensive sales and service network in more than 70 countries. On June 30, 2017, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 10,500 employees. The group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 1.9 billion in the 2016/2017 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also has regional hubs in Asia and the USA.

All press releases are available on the Internet at http://www.rohde-schwarz.us.
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SOURCE Rohde & Schwarz