Field Test With Field Tester Plus

Once the LoRaWAN Network Setup is complete and the Field Tester Plus has successfully joined the LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS), this chapter guides you through the field testing workflow, including non-labeling tests, labeling tests, scenario-based testing, and result export.

For Field Tester Plus, real-time RSSI/SNR trend charts, detailed test-point information, and CSV export are provided through the Field Test Data Processor Extension on the WisGateOS 2 gateway.

Perform Field Tests

Non-Labeling Test

The Non-Labeling Test is the default test mode. It starts automatically after the device successfully joins the network and continues until you manually stop it.

• : Tap this button to pause periodic uplink transmission.
• : Tap this button to resume periodic uplink transmission.

Typical scenarios

• Walk test / route survey: Scan coverage while moving along real deployment routes (corridors, floors, tunnels, production lines).
• Quick coverage screening: Get an initial view of overall coverage and identify areas that may need further verification.
• Weak-zone discovery: Detect sudden RSSI/SNR drops or unstable links, then run Labeling Tests at those locations for repeatable measurements.

How to Run the Non-Labeling Test

1. After the Field Tester Plus successfully joins the network, the Non-Labeling Test starts automatically and the device begins sending periodic uplinks to the LNS.
2. Walk through the target area along the planned route to scan overall coverage.
3. Monitor the real-time RSSI, SNR, packet-loss rate, gateway information, and LoRaWAN parameters on the device.
4. If you identify weak-signal areas or unstable links, perform Labeling Tests at those locations for repeatable fixed-point measurements.

NOTE

During testing, you can also open the Field Test Data Processor Extension to view the latest RSSI/SNR trend charts and test-point details. This is optional and is mainly used for live monitoring or quick signal-quality checks. For details, refer to Review Test Results.

Labeling Test

Use the Labeling Test when you need to evaluate signal quality at a fixed location and associate the collected data with a specific test-point label.

• Automatically sends 50 uplink packets at the same location.
• Used for fixed-point comparison and CSV export.
• Automatically resumes the Non-Labeling Test when the label cycle is completed.

Typical scenarios

• Indoor or GPS-weak environments (basements, corridors, equipment rooms)
• Verifying candidate sensor installation locations
• Confirming coverage at critical points identified during walk tests
• Any scenario requiring fixed-point, repeatable measurements

How to Perform a Labeling Test

1. Tap the gear icon to open SETTINGS.
2. The Label (NULL) field will blink by default.
3. Tap to open the on-screen keyboard.
4. Enter a label (up to 6 characters) and press enter.
5. The labeled test cycle (usually 50 packets) will begin.
6. Keep the device fixed and stay still while it automatically sends 50 uplink packets.
7. Repeat the same steps for all planned fixed test points.

Scenario-Based Field Testing

Network Planning & PoC (Coverage Survey)

This test is performed during the planning or PoC stage to evaluate real-world LoRaWAN coverage across the target area. It helps you:

• Validate site feasibility and expected coverage range
• Identify weak or dead zones and key risk areas
• Compare predicted vs. measured coverage
• Determine whether network changes are needed (for example, adding gateways or adjusting the deployment plan)

The objective is to map coverage boundaries and overall link quality so you can decide if the current network design meets your requirements.

Test Procedure

1. Select the areas you intend to cover and define a rough testing route, along with several key or planned test points for later verification.

2. Go to the test area, power on the Field Tester Plus.

3. Wait for the uplink status to show Join Succeeded. The Non-Labeling Test starts automatically, allowing you to walk through the area and scan overall coverage.

4. While moving along the planned route, observe signal behavior.

5. At a selected point (for example, weak-signal areas, boundaries, or important deployment spots), run a 50-packet fixed-point measurement for accurate, repeatable comparison.

6. Stay still during each Labeling Test.

   NOTE

   For accurate results at each test point:

   • Do not walk
   • Do not rotate the device
   • Do not block the antenna
   • Avoid standing between the device and the gateway

7. Monitor the basic real-time metrics on the Field Tester Plus, including RSSI, SNR, packet-loss rate, gateway information, and LoRaWAN parameters.

   NOTE

   During testing, you can also open the Field Test Data Processor Extension to view the latest RSSI/SNR trend charts and test-point details. This is optional and is mainly used for live monitoring or quick signal-quality checks. For details, refer to Review Test Results.

8. Continue walking and repeating Labeling Tests at all selected locations until the planned test area is covered.

Result Review and CSV Export

After covering all selected test points, export the labeled test data for post-test analysis, troubleshooting, or project documentation. Follow Export CSV Report to export the data from the Field Test Data Processor Extension.

NOTE

Only data points that have been labeled on the device are included in the exported CSV report. Make sure you run Labeling Tests at the key test points before exporting the report.

Coverage Evaluation & Recommendations

Use the exported data to evaluate overall coverage quality across the site.

Coverage Level	Combined Conditions	Interpretation	Recommendation
Good Coverage	≥80% of measured points meet all of the following:  • RSSI > –80 dBm  • SNR > 0 dB  • Packet Loss < 5%	Strong, clean, and stable links across the area	Current network design is acceptable; suitable for wide sensor deployment
Marginal Coverage	10~30% of points show any of the following:  • RSSI < –100 dBm  • SNR < –5 dB  • Packet Loss 5~15%	Edge coverage or localized interference	Avoid weak spots; fine-tune gateway position or test nearby micro-locations
Poor Coverage	≥30% of points show any of the following:  • RSSI < –100 dBm  • SNR < –5 dB  • Packet Loss > 15%	Coverage insufficient or unstable	Add a gateway or redesign the deployment

Endpoint Placement Verification

This test is performed when you need to confirm whether an end device (sensor) can be reliably installed at one or more candidate mounting spots. The goal is to evaluate signal stability over time at each spot and select the location with the most stable RSSI/SNR and lowest packet loss.

Test Procedure

1. Identify 2~5 candidate installation spots for the endpoint (for example, different heights, sides of a wall, or inside/outside a cabinet).

2. Go to the first candidate spot and power on the Field Tester Plus.

3. Wait for the uplink status to show Join Succeeded. The Non-Labeling Test starts automatically.

4. Run a Labeling test and assign a label that reflects the spot (e.g., B1-Parking-A12-2m-Inside).

5. Keep the device fixed during measurement.

   NOTE

   For accurate results at the test point:

   • Do not walk or rotate the device
   • Do not block the antenna
   • Avoid standing between the device and the gateway

6. Monitor the basic real-time metrics on the Field Tester Plus, including RSSI, SNR, packet-loss rate, gateway information, and LoRaWAN parameters.

   NOTE

   During testing, you can also open the Field Test Data Processor Extension to view the latest RSSI/SNR trend charts and test-point details. This is optional and is mainly used for live monitoring or quick signal-quality checks. For details, refer to Review Test Results.

7. Repeat the labeling test at each candidate spot and compare the results to select the best installation point.

   NOTE

   For interference-prone areas, repeat tests at different times (morning / afternoon / peak hours) to identify intermittent degradation.

Data Analysis

Export the labeled test data as a CSV report and compare RSSI, SNR, packet-loss rate, and signal-quality results across different candidate spots. Follow Export CSV Report to export the data from the Field Test Data Processor Extension.

This helps confirm which candidate spot provides the most stable signal quality and lowest packet-loss rate.

Endpoint Placement Evaluation & Recommendations

Evaluation Result	Typical Characteristics	Deployment Recommendation
Recommended	• RSSI > –80 dBm • SNR > 0 dB • Packet Loss < 5% • Stable trends	Safe to install sensors, including critical devices
Conditionally Acceptable	• RSSI –80 to –100 dBm • SNR –5 to 0 dB • Packet Loss 5~15% • Minor fluctuations	Install with caution; optimize height, orientation, or avoid metal obstructions
Not Recommended	• RSSI < –100 dBm • SNR < –5 dB • Packet Loss > 15% • Unstable trends	Do not install; relocate sensor or improve network coverage

Review and Export Test Results in the Extension

The Field Test Data Processor Extension provides the gateway-side interface for reviewing processed Field Tester Plus data and exporting labeled test results.

During testing, you can use the extension for optional live monitoring, such as viewing the latest RSSI/SNR trend charts and test-point details. After completing the field test, export the labeled data as a CSV report for post-test analysis, troubleshooting, or project documentation.

Review Test Results

Open the Field Test Data Processor Extension and go to the Device Overview page to review the latest processed field test data.

The Device Overview page provides the following information:

• Real-time RSSI/SNR trend charts: Shows the latest received signal-quality trends for live monitoring and quick signal checks.
• Packet-loss rate: Indicates the percentage of uplink packets lost during the test.
• Test-point details: Displays the label, data rate, region, last update time, GPS coordinates, and other test-related information.
• Gateway information: Shows the number of gateways that received the uplink, gateway EUI, and distance information when GPS data is available.

Export CSV Report

After completing field testing, you can export the labeled test data as a CSV report from the Field Test Data Processor Extension. The exported CSV can be used to compare signal quality across different test points, identify weak-signal areas, support troubleshooting, or provide test evidence for project acceptance.

NOTE

Only data points that have been labeled on the device are included in the exported CSV report. Unlabeled test data is not included in this report.

1. Open the Field Test Data Processor Extension on your WisGateOS 2 gateway.
2. Go to the Device Overview page.
3. Click the Export button in the top-right corner.
4. Download the generated CSV report.

Figure 1: Field Tester CSV File

CSV Field Description

Each row in the CSV file corresponds to a labeled test point.

Field	Description
label	Location label manually entered on the device.
time	UTC timestamp when the data was recorded.
rssi	Uplink signal strength, also known as Received Signal Strength Indicator.
snr	Uplink signal-to-noise ratio.
signal_quality	Qualitative signal evaluation, such as Excellent, Good, or Poor.
dr	LoRaWAN data rate used during transmission.
region	LoRaWAN regional frequency band, such as EU868 or US915.
total receive	Number of uplink packets received.
total send	Number of uplink packets sent.
packet loss rate	Percentage of lost uplink packets.
latitude	GPS latitude, if available.
longitude	GPS longitude, if available.
gwCount	Number of gateways that successfully received the uplink.
num_1_gateway_eui	EUI of the nearest or selected receiving gateway.
num_1_gateway_distance	Estimated distance to the gateway. GPS data is required. Minimum resolution: 250 meters.
Label Final PLR	Final packet-loss rate calculated after completing the labeled test cycle.