GWS Tests NYC Subway WiFi Systems with Rohde & Schwarz
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To meet the growing needs of the 1.7 billion yearly subway riders, NYC and Transit Wireless have been rolling out WiFi systems in tandem with DAS networks via the major mobile carriers. Using Rohde Schwarz test equipment, GWS tested subway stations to analyze and determine the current success of the program.
COLUMBIA, Md. - Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. (GWS), the leading and independent network benchmarking firm, recently evaluated mobile and WiFi network performance in the NYC subway system. GWS tested 67 stations where Transit Wireless has been deployed, making up a significant portion of the 21 subway lines in Manhattan. GWS's carefully controlled tests examined a variety of metrics, including upload/download speeds and task attempts and completions. These tests ultimately determined at which stations commuters could expect to successfully connect to the city's public transit WiFi network, and the quality of experience (QoE) commuters can expect on each line.
GWS conducted these series of tests using the QualiPoc Freerider from SwissQual, a Rohde Schwarz subsidiary specialized in Mobile Network Testing. The Freerider – a portable benchmarking system – was equipped with Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphones. The Freerider 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 ATT, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. Testing was conducted June to July 2015 at all stations and/or platforms with active Transit Wireless deployments in Manhattan up through 125th Street.
The NYC subway testing data reveals riders of the Q line receive the best overall service on mobile phones. The 4 line was by far the worst performing line for WiFi connections, with just 2 out of 22 stations on the line (9%) having WiFi available. In addition, the testing found that 6 of the sites had no detectable WiFi signal.
"The City of New York has not been shy with its intentions to dramatically increase WiFi and mobile connectivity for city dwellers and visitors over the past few years. In particular, it has begun an ambitious station-by-station deployment of WiFi and select DAS networks with help from Transit Wireless in an effort to connect the millions of subway riders every day looking for service. The Rohde & Schwarz portable benchmarking solution enabled us to determine just how successful this rollout has been so far," said Dr. Paul Carter, CEO at Global Wireless Solutions. "GWS looks forward to working with Rohde & Schwarz in the next round of NYC subway WiFi network testing to see the progress NYC and Transit Wireless has made."
NYC and Transit Wireless anticipate a complete rollout of WiFi services to all 279 stations making up the city's subway system by 2017.
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About 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 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 more than 9 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 electronics group offers innovative solutions in the following business fields: test and measurement, broadcast and media, secure communications, cybersecurity, radiomonitoring and radiolocation. Founded more than 80 years ago, this independent company has an extensive sales and service network and is present in more than 70 countries. The electronics group is among the world market leaders in its established business fields. On June 30, 2014, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 9800 employees. It achieved a net revenue of EUR 1.75 billion in the 2013/2014 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It also has regional headquarters in Singapore and Columbia, Maryland, USA, to manage its operations in these regions.
