Network performance at the terminal is critical for baggage handlers, pilots, gate agents, customer service representatives, mechanics, and myriad other airline teams. When their connections drop flights can be delayed, bags mishandled, and otherwise interfere with airline operations. NetForecast‘s newly introduced QMap service aims to address that challenge, delivering a monitoring and reporting platform for airlines to monitor service quality on the cellular (and Wi-Fi) networks their employees are connected to on the ground.
You cannot manage what you cannot measure.
– Rebecca Wetzel, NetForecast’s CEO
The service deploys quickly, with a lightweight monitoring agent. It continually measures network performance in the background, collecting real-world data from employee digital devices, giving airlines a clear and accurate view of network performance. Beyond just speed tests, QMap Airport tracks key metrics that affect the user experience including effective bandwidth, network latency, DNS lookup time, and packet loss.
Those scores are translated into user satisfaction ratings using the Apdex (Application Performance Index) scoring system, also developed by NetForecast. Rather than focusing on individual metrics the Apde score brings a simple scale based on performance levels that are satisfying, acceptable, and frustrating to users.
Scores are reported through a management portal, rendered on a map to show where signal quality fades. Armed with this real world data, airlines can work with providers to fix coverage gaps. And if the providers cannot fix the gaps the data can help drive supplier changes.
This value proposition is more than just theoretical. One airline customer using the beta version of QMap changed cellular providers at an airport after demonstrating just how poor the network performance was.
QMap Airport operates as a cloud hosted platform, making it easy for airlines to quickly move from app deployment to reporting. Airlines can begin monitoring cellular performance at an airport in a matter of hours. The app deploys to phones, tablets, and any other cellular-connected smart devices in the airport operating sphere, without inconveniencing users or slowing productivity.
More news from APEX EXPO/FTE Global 2023
- Immfly, Gategroup team for inflight retail technology
- NetForecast launches QMap network monitoring for ground ops
- Airbus taps Intelsat, Panasonic Avionics for HBCplus Ku-band services
- Spafax launches AdConnect targeted advertising marketplace
- Apps to boost US border crossing experience
- DirecTV plans a global push for its live television services
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