GL Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance

GL Communications’ Drive Testing for Voice Quality and Network Performance solution is designed to empower service providers, regulators and device manufacturers to assess wireless network quality across 5G, 4G and 3G technologies, identifying issues such as weak coverage, dropped calls and slow data speeds. Drive testing captures performance data while moving through various environments, enabling operators to pinpoint problem areas, accelerate resolution and enhance user experience.

The solution is powered by the ultra-portable vMobile device — a lightweight, handheld unit designed for both drive and walk testing. The system supports scalable, multi-device testing, connecting to two mobile phones via Bluetooth or a mobile radio via an analog push-to-talk interface. Through automated scripting, the product can place, receive and end calls while recording audio for detailed voice quality analysis.

One of the key features of vMobile is its embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which facilitates remote control and real-time streaming of test results to a centralised system. This eliminates the need for manual data collection and enables field engineers to monitor test progress and results live.

The device also integrates GPS for precise location stamping of all test events, so that network performance data can be mapped. For indoor environments where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, GL’s Indoor Tracking System (ITS) provides an effective alternative.

The vMobile solution offers flexible deployment — whether vehicle-mounted for drive testing, used in labs, or carried for walk testing. It captures collected data, including voice quality metrics based on ITU-standard algorithms such as POLQA, PESQ and DAQ, all transmitted to a centralised database. Along with the Mean Opinion Score, it records one-way and round-trip delays, signal and noise levels, audio dropout, frequency and power analysis, data throughput, success/failure/drop rates, network delays, and signal strength.

In addition to voice testing, the solution enables simultaneous data testing using GL’s NetTest app, which runs TCP and UDP speed tests in parallel with voice calls. The company’s WebViewer software meanwhile visualises test results using interactive Google Maps and graphical dashboards, helping operators and regulators identify coverage gaps, performance issues and areas needing improvement.