RAK7590 Field Test With Pad

Once the LoRaWAN Network Setup is complete and the Field Tester Pad is successfully connected to the LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS), this chapter guides you through the entire field testing workflow—from preparation, test execution, all the way to analyzing results and generating reports.

Before You Begin Field Testing

Preparations

Before conducting field testing at any test points, make the following preparations—especially when the test location does not have Internet access:

• Verify the Pad’s system time.

  Accurate timestamps are critical for analyzing logs and reports. If the test site has no Internet, perform time synchronization in advance.

• Download offline map tiles (optional but recommended).

  Required only if the test point has no Internet and you want the report to show geographic signal points.

• Review the site layout.

  Obtain a site map and identify buildings, obstacles, gateways (if any), and your planned test points.

Understand Test Modes

Non-Labeling Test

This is the default test mode. It starts automatically after the device joins and continues until you manually stop it.

• Used for:

  • Walking coverage tests
  • Route scanning
  • Large-area measurements
  • Quick initial coverage assessment

• Displayed as green curves on the line charts

• Only stops when you tap Stop Test

Labeling Test

Use when measuring signal quality at a specific location.

• Ideal for:

  • Indoor or GPS-weak environments

  • Evaluating potential sensor installation points

  • Coverage verification with repeatable, point-based measurements

  • Scenarios where you need manually entered coordinates

• Automatically sends 50 uplink packets

• Displayed as orange curves on the line charts

• You can stop it early using Ending Labeling. Once finished, the Pad automatically resumes the Non-labeling Test

Perform Field Tests

Start the Non-Labeling Test

1. Turn on the Pad and go to the Dashboard page.

2. Tap Start Test.

Figure 1: Start a Test

3. The device performs OTAA join.

4. After successful join, periodic uplinks begin automatically (green charts).

Figure 1: Non-Labeling Test in Progress

Perform a Labeling Test

1. Go to Dashboard.

2. Tap Start Labeling.

Figure 1: Start a Label Test

3. In the dialog that appears:

Figure 1: Enter Label Information

• Enter a Label Name (required).
• Enter a Description (optional).
• Open Custom GPS (optional): Use when GPS reception is weak or unavailable to manually enter the test point’s location.

4. (Optional) Set custom GPS location if indoors / weak GPS.

   NOTE

   • This step is only required if you want test results to appear correctly on geo-based maps.
   • If testing outdoors with a clear sky view, built-in GPS usually provides accurate coordinates.

   You can manually enter coordinates or select a location on the map.

Figure 1: Enter Custom GPS Coordinates

Once the coordinates are applied, a confirmation toast will appear. Tap the Back icon in the top-left corner to return to the Dashboard.

Figure 1: Custom GPS Applied Successfully

NOTE

Custom GPS coordinates apply only to the current Labeling Test. If you start another Labeling Test, you must set them again if needed.

5. Tap Confirm to begin the Labeling Test.

6. Stand still while the Pad sending 50 packets automatically.

Figure 1: Labeling Test in Progress

NOTE

• You can tap Ending Labeling to stop early. After stopping, the Pad automatically resumes the non-labeling test.
• During a Labeling Test, the signal data is displayed in yellow on the line charts.

When the 50 packets are completed, the test will automatically start non-labeling test.

Stop Test

Tap Stop Test to stop all testing activities, including:

• Non-labeling Test
• Labeling Test

Scenario-Based Field Testing

Gateway Location Planning (Pre-deployment Test)

This test is performed when you need to determine the best physical location for installing a LoRaWAN gateway. This process is essential for:

• LoRaWAN feasibility surveys
• Early-stage project evaluations
• Predictive vs. actual coverage comparisons
• Finding the optimal gateway installation height and position

The objective is to identify the location that provides the widest, most stable, and most reliable network coverage.

NOTE

Ensure your RAK gateway is already powered and configured (as completed in the LoRaWAN Network Setup section). If you are performing pre-deployment testing, a temporary gateway must be installed and configured before testing begins.

Test Procedure

1. Select the areas you intend to cover and define several candidate test points based on the site map.

2. At the target test point, power on the Field Tester Pad and open the Dashboard page.

3. Tap Start Test. Wait for the uplink status to show "Join Succeeded", then the regular non-labeling test begins.

4. At each test point, tap Start Labeling to run a 50-packet fixed-point measurement for more accurate comparison across locations.

5. Stay still during measurement.

   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 Pad and the gateway

6. Observe real-time signal metrics on the Dashboard:

Figure 1: Testing in Progress

• Real-time Uplink/Downlink RSSI/SNR Graphs and Data

• Packet Loss Rate Graph

• Packet Progress Indicator in Labeling Test

• Gateway Information and LoRaWAN parameters

  NOTE

  For more detailed information on the device parameters , refer to Datasheet.

7. Continue the process for all selected locations, ensuring each test point is covered.

Network Coverage Test

This test evaluates the actual LoRaWAN coverage across different locations in the test area. The goal is to measure signal quality, identify weak or dead zones, determine the best sensor installation points, and assess whether adjustments to the current network are needed.

Test Procedure

1. Select testing areas on the site map and identify the key test points.

   NOTE

   Recommended Priority Test Points

   • Access Points (Entrances / Exits) - Validate seamless device onboarding when entering the coverage area.
   • Challenging Structures (Basements, Elevators, Utility Rooms) - Assess signal penetration in difficult RF environments.
   • High-Traffic or Business-Critical Areas (Retail floors, Production zones) - Ensure network resilience under load and interference.

2. Go to a selected test point and open the Dashboard page on the Field Tester Pad.

3. Tap Start Test. Wait for the uplink status to show "Join Succeeded", then the regular non-labeling test begins.

4. Tap Start Labeling and assign a descriptive label to the test point (e.g., B1-Parking-A12) to maintain a clear testing record.

5. Stay still during measurement.

   NOTE

   For accurate results at the test point:

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

6. Observe real-time signal metrics on the Dashboard:

Figure 1: Testing in Progress

• Real-time Uplink/Downlink RSSI/SNR Graphs and Data
• Packet Loss Rate Graph
• Packet Progress Indicator in Labeling Test
• Gateway Information and LoRaWAN parameters

NOTE

For more detailed information on the device parameters , refer to Datasheet.

7. Repeat the process at different test points.

   NOTE

   For critical zones, perform measurements at different times of the day:

   • Morning

   • Afternoon

   • Peak activity hours

   This helps identify time-related variations in interference or network performance.

Post-Test Analysis & Recommendations

After completing field testing, you can review, analyze, and export all collected test data on the Report page.

The Field Tester Pad provides two ways of post-test analysis:

• On-device quick coverage assessment (Signal scatter chart / Geolocation map)
• In-depth data analytics using exported CSV or PDF reports

Generate a Report

The Pad can generate a local test report based on completed Labeling Tests within a selected time range. Only periods that contain Labeling Test records will produce a report. If no Labeling Test exists in the chosen time range, no report will be created.

1. Navigate to the Report page. When the dialog appears, tap OK.

Figure 1: Generate Report

2. Select a time range and tap OK.

Figure 1: Select Time Range

View and Manage Reports on the Pad

Reports can be viewed in two modes:

• Signal View (scatter chart)
• Geolocation Map View

NOTE

Both viewing modes display only labeled test points. Unlabeled (NULL) test records are not shown on the Pad and are available only in the exported CSV file.

Signal View (Scatter Chart)

After selecting a time range, the Pad displays a scatter chart showing:

Figure 1: Signal Quality Scatter Chart

• RSSI (Y-axis)
• SNR (X-axis)
• Each labeled test point represented as a dot

This chart helps you quickly compare the signal quality at different fixed test points. When you hover over a dot, the chart displays the average RSSI and SNR calculated from the 50 uplink packets collected at that test point.

Geolocation-Based Map View

1. Tap the Signal / Geolocation toggle to switch to the map view.

Figure 1: Geolocation-Based Map View

In the map view, you can see:

• Labeled test points and their geographic positions
• Color-coded markers based on RSSI categories, indicating signal quality
• A clear visualization of coverage distribution

This view helps you quickly understand the overall network coverage across the environment.

NOTE

• If the Pad had no Internet and offline map tiles were not downloaded in advance, the map cannot be displayed.
• If the Pad has no internet connection but offline map tiles were previously downloaded, the map will display offline map tiles. Areas outside the downloaded region will be shown in gray.
• If a labeled test point does not have GPS coordinates assigned during testing, it will not appear on the map. You can add coordinates later by following Add or Edit GPS Coordinates.

Add or Edit GPS Coordinates

To add or correct coordinates:

1. Enable Quick Add Mode, then tap on the map at the desired location.
2. The Edit Label Information dialog will pop up.

Figure 1: Edit Label Information

3. In View All Labels, select a label to assign coordinates.

Figure 1: Assign Coordinates to Label

NOTE

You can also adjust the latitude and longitude for previously placed labels.

4. Tap Save and Close. The test point will now appear correctly on the map.

Figure 1: Label Coordinates Updated

Add Gateway Icon (Optional)

To visualize the gateway position relative to your test points, you can add a gateway marker on the map.

1. Tap the desired location on the map.

2. In the dialog, select Gateway.

3. Enter a gateway name/identifier and choose an indoor or outdoor icon type.

Figure 1: Add Gateway Information

4. Tap Save and Close to place the gateway icon on the map.

Figure 1: Gateway Location on Map

Historical Report Generation & Export

The Field Tester Pad can generate historical reports based on a selected time range. These reports include all test modes recorded during that period. You can then export the generated reports to a USB flash drive for:

• Trend analysis
• Comparing multiple gateway candidate locations
• Formal network acceptance reporting
• Diagnosing fluctuating or intermittent issues

File Type	Content
PDF Report	Contains summary results for labeled test points only, including average RSSI/SNR, packet loss, uplink/downlink statistics, the signal scatter chart, and the optional geolocation map.
Uplink CSV	Contains all raw uplink records, including both labeled and unlabeled data. This file provides full per-packet details for analysis.
Downlink CSV	Contains all raw downlink records, including labeled and unlabeled responses, useful for debugging gateway downlink behavior.

1. Navigate to the Report page. When the dialog appears, tap OK.

2. Select a time range and tap OK.

3. Tap Open Historical Report (top-right icon). The Pad will display the CSV and PDF logs generated for the selected time range.

Figure 1: Historical Report Files

4. Insert a USB flash drive into the Pad’s USB port.

5. Tap Check USB Drive.

6. When detected, tap Mount.

Figure 1: Mount USB Drive

7. Tap OK to confirm the USB drive is mounted.

Figure 1: USB Drive Mounted

8. Select the report files you want to export.

9. Tap the Download icon (top-right) to copy selected files to the USB drive.

10. When the export completes, tap Yes to eject the USB device safely.

Figure 1: Eject USB Drive

Recommendations

Gateway Placement Recommendations

Evaluation Level	Combined Criteria	Interpretation	Recommendation
Best Candidate	- RSSI > –80 dBm - SNR > 0 dB - Packet Loss < 5% AND ≥ 70% of all measured points meet the above conditions	Strong, clean, and stable signal coverage	Suitable installation location
Poor Candidate	- RSSI < –100 dBm - SNR < –5 dB - Packet Loss > 15% OR ≥ 30% of points fall into this category	Weak or heavily obstructed RF environment	Not recommended; choose another location
Requires Adjustment	- RSSI –80 to –100 dBm - SNR 0 to –5 dB - Packet Loss 5–15% AND Best Candidate points 30–70%, Poor points < 25%	Usable, but may need height or angle adjustments	Install with optimization

Network Coverage Recommendations

Evaluation Category	Condition Observed	Interpretation	Recommendation
Overall Good Coverage	- ≥80% of measured points RSSI > –80 dBm - SNR mostly > 0 dB	Strong and reliable	Suitable for wide sensor deployment
Partial Weak Zones	10%–30% of measured points have RSSI < –100 dBm	Coverage boundary or local obstruction	Avoid these spots; test nearby micro-locations
Weak Coverage Cluster	≥ 30% of measured points have RSSI < –100 dBm OR weak points appear in continuous clusters	Consistently weak coverage	Coverage insufficient Add a gateway or change deployment

Sensor Deployment Recommendations

Signal Quality Zone	Typical Values	Meaning	Sensor Deployment Recommendation
Strong	- RSSI > –80 dBm - SNR > 0 dB	Excellent RF quality	Safe to install sensors; ideal for critical applications
Moderate	- RSSI –80 to –100 dBm - SNR –5 to 0 dB	Usable with sensitivity	Install with caution; raise height or avoid metal obstructions
Weak	- RSSI < –100 dBm - SNR < –5 dB	Poor coverage or high interference	Avoid installing sensors; consider adding a gateway

Network Issue Diagnosis

Observed Pattern	Likely Cause	Recommended Fix
Low RSSI + Normal SNR	Distance too far / walls blocking	Increase gateway height Move gateway to central location
Normal RSSI + Low SNR	Heavy interference / metal environment	Relocate sensor Avoid metal boxes, utility rooms, elevator shafts
Low RSSI + Low SNR	No coverage or severe blockage	Add a gateway near the affected zone