Wi-Fi Client Case Studies

Vendor Selection & CPE Performance Testing for a UK Operator

Our client’s situation

A UK operator wanted a third-party to review two rival vendors for a new router. The operator asked us to provide the independent evaluation of the Customer-Premises Equipment (CPE) performance.

What we did

• We performed our full Wi-Fi Performance Test Service on early development samples of the operator’s new Wi-Fi gateway, using one CPE from each of the two vendors.
• Our final test reports gave detailed Wi-Fi performance information for the two CPE.
• Once the new Wi-Fi gateway was launched, we performed an extensive comparative empirical Wi-Fi performance test on the new CPE against its major UK competitor CPE.

Client gains

Mid-way through their CPE development process, the operator received detailed Wi-Fi performance data for their two rival candidate gateway CPE. The results aided the operator’s vendor selection process and provided a timely opportunity to review and improve the performance of the successful vendor’s CPE. The results of our independent Wi-Fi comparative performance test were used to support the operator’s product marketing efforts.

Verification of Next Generation Product for a European Cable Operator

Our client’s situation

A European cable operator was preparing to launch their second generation set-top box (STB) and needed to test its level of performance. The test included checking the second generation CPE against the first generation product to ensure no regression in performance.

What we did

• Previously, we had conducted our full Wi-Fi Performance Test Service to verify the performance of the operator’s first generation Single Band, 802.11n STB.
• When the operator returned to us with their second generation product, their Concurrent Dual Band, 802.11ac STB, we performed our full Wi-Fi Performance Test Service and included comparative empirical performance tests with the first generation product.

Client gains

Prior to the launch of their second generation STB, our client received detailed Wi-Fi performance data for their new product which they were able to discuss with their vendor. The results gave our client the confidence to launch the new CPE with the assurance that customers upgrading to the second generation product would not experience any Wi-Fi performance regression.

Wi-Fi Performance Certification Testing for a Major European Operator

Our client’s situation

A Tier 1 European operator found that improving the performance of its Wi-Fi CPE across Europe would lead to improved customer satisfaction, and thereby, reduce costs relating to customer complaints and servicing. To help with finding the right new product, the operator wanted a better way to compare rival CPE. The operator requested our help to create a Wi-Fi performance certification process for its vendors that would ensure the high quality standards of future Wi-Fi CPE.

What we did

• We documented the best practices and certification processes used to test Wi-Fi CPE performance from around the world.
• We used these processes alongside our long-standing Wi-Fi Performance Test Service as the basis of creating a performance certification standard.
• Working closely our client to ensure that process met product strategy and business objectives, we jointly developed their Wi-Fi Performance Certification process suitable for proving the Wi-Fi performance of their vendors’ gateway and STB products.

Client gains

Our client now has vendors' Wi-Fi CEPE undergo a mandatory set of standard, independent, and impartial tests. It can now evaluate CPE based on comparable performance figures to aid vendor selection decisions. Our client’s new Wi-Fi Performance Certification process has helped ensure higher quality Wi-Fi CPE which has resulted in lower customer service calls and the related costs.

Wi-Fi training for a Scandinavian Operator’s Customer Service Representatives

Our client’s situation

A Scandinavian operator recognized that a good knowledge of Wi-Fi has become vital in delivering customer service. They sought our help to educate their call centre staff and service technicians on Wi-Fi so that they can provide better service to customers.

What we did

• We developed a two-day training course that we customized to not only include introduction to and advanced Wi-Fi concepts, but also, modules on operator-specific Wi-Fi issues and Wi-Fi CPE testing.
• We delivered the course to our client’s senior team members in “train-the-trainer” style so that they can later deliver the session to their teams.

Client gains

Our client’s senior call centre staff and senior technicians received Wi-Fi training over a two-day course. Our training materials now form part of our client's regular internal training curriculum delivered by their senior staff.

Out-of-Home Wi-Fi Service Performance Validation for a Major European Operator

Our client’s situation

A European operator was about to launch an Out-of-Home Wi-Fi service to their customers via hotspots at airports, pubs and telephone boxes around the country. The Wi-Fi hotspots were provided and maintained by a third party company. The operator asked us to test so that they can be sure the hotspots could deliver their specified standard of service.

What we did

• We conducted our Out-of-Home Wi-Fi Testing Service using hand-held smartphones to check webpage loading performance and other Wi-Fi performance tests in the hotspots.
• We presented the hotspot performance data in a geographical format, showing the performance achieved against key performance metrics agreed to by our client.

Client gains

By providing an independent third-party verification, our client could better validate whether their hotspot provider was meeting their contractual quality of service obligations. In addition, our client gained greater understanding of user experience of their Wi-Fi hotspots.

Want to see more?

Go to our Case Study "Comparative Multi-Node Wi-Fi Solution Testing for a Major European Operator" to view more details on how we helped our client test products and decide on the best solution.