Method for testing the quality of mobile radio networks

• US 6,778,823 B2
• Filed: 04/21/2003
• Issued: 08/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Original Assignee: T-Mobile Deutschland GmbH (Deutsche Telekom AG)
• Inventors: Schindler, Andreas, Niemeyer, Jens, Adam, Rudiger
• Primary Examiner(s): Tieu, Binh
• Application Number:
  US10/257,741
• Publication Number:
  US 20030157931A1
• Time in Patent Office: 484 Days
• Field of Search: 455/423, 455/424, 455/67.11, 455/67.13, 455/67.14, 379/1.01, 379/9, 379/15.01, 379/29.01, 379/32.01, 370/241, 370/244, 370/245, 370/249, 370/250
• US Class Current: 455/423
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/00 Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of testing the quality of mobile wireless networks which rules out subjective influences as much as possible in the evaluation of quality.

According to this invention, a number of test subscribers are equipped with mobile wireless terminals, each being assigned a special telephone number, whereby each test subscriber can communicate over a mobile wireless network selected individually from a quantity of several mobile wireless networks. The selected mobile wireless network is kept anonymous with respect to the test subscriber and is changed at certain intervals. Acquisition of the network quality perceived by the subscribers is performed promptly.

Claims

1. A method for testing the quality of mobile wireless networks, the method comprising:

equipping a number of test subscribers with mobile wireless terminals, each being assigned a special telephone number, whereby each test subscriber can communicate over a mobile wireless network selected individually from a quantity of several mobile wireless networks;

keeping the selected mobile wireless network anonymous with respect to the test subscriber;

changing the selected mobile wireless network at certain intervals; and

implementing a prompt acquisition of the network quality perceived by the subscribers.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile wireless networks are changed in a rotating manner.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mobile wireless networks are anonymized by selectively:

blocking certain telephone number ranges to suppress operator-specific announcements;

blocking operator-specific quick-dial numbers;

suppressing terminal-specific technical features which cancel the blocking;

blocking display with automated information from the network operators and service providers;

suppressing automatic/manual network dialing or preset network selection;

blocking features such as SMS (MO, MT, CB) with which one'"'"'s own telephone number can be read out or displayed;

or

changing the calling card profiles with the following services, as selected;

only domestic telephony;

no international roaming coming or going;

no mailbox;

no fax/data service;

no SMS;

permanent suppression of identification;

no call forwarding;

blocking 1-800/1-900 numbers.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the mobile wireless networks are anonymized by selectively:

blocking certain telephone number ranges to suppress operator-specific announcements;

blocking operator-specific quick-dial numbers;

suppressing terminal-specific technical features which cancel the blocking;

blocking display with automated information from the network operators and service providers;

suppressing automatic/manual network dialing or preset network selection;

blocking features such as SMS (MO, MT, CB) with which one'"'"'s own telephone number can be read out or displayed;

or

changing the calling card profiles with the following services, as selected;

only domestic telephony;

no international roaming coming or going;

no mailbox;

no fax/data service;

no SMS;

permanent suppression of identification;

no call forwarding;

blocking 1-800/1-900 numbers.

5. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the mobile wireless terminals are identical and sealed.

6. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the special telephone number is a virtual telephone number assigned individually to the test subscriber.

7. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the virtual telephone number is assigned to an operator-specific telephone number of the selected mobile wireless network by way of a call forwarding function.

8. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the network quality is determined by tracking of the test subscribers on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, or at any desired point in time.

9. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the tracking of the test subscribers is performed by a neutral central office.

10. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein acquisition, processing and analysis of the results of the tracking are performed in the central office.