Nielsen Mobile Application Testing Nodes
Application Performance from the Consumer Perspective
Integrated view of performance and quality of mobile data and applications
While our Network Testing Fleet measures the consumer's experience on the move, Nielsen Mobile's Application Testing Nodes measure reliability and performance of the application layer. This allows Nielsen Mobile clients to benchmark the user's experience with a broad range of applications including: wireless web browsing, content downloading, picture messaging and streaming video.

Nielsen Mobile's network of custom configured test nodes is deployed in 20 cities around the country to measure regional differences in the consumer experience and test intercity transactions, for example how long it takes a picture message to go from New York to Los Angeles.

Nielsen Mobile believes it is critical to test the entire user experience across devices, networks and applications. To capture the end-to-end experience, we test using regular consumer handsets to complement core network testing. This combined methodology enables us to isolate and diagnose issues down to the device, provider, aggregator or network level. Additionally, on-going 24x7 testing allows us to quickly diagnose issues and track service improvement over time.

Nielsen Mobile has recently extended its Application Testing platform to measure mobile TV, residential VOIP services and residential high-speed data (DSL/Cable Modems).

How it Works:
Test Design
Tests range from simple URL pings to sophisticated user experience tests on live devices depending on application and customer requirements. Each test is conducted across carriers, networks, technologies and applications to ensure accuracy and precise problem diagnosis.

Continuous Testing
Testing is conducted 24x7, gathering data for monthly reporting and providing real-time insight into events impacting customers. We continuously test customer-specific applications as well as industry and internal benchmarks -- Nielsen Mobile Application Testing Platform makes over 1,000,000 measurements monthly.

Mobile Internet Performance Benchmark
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Analysis and Metrics
Test results are analyzed using sophisticated algorithms to validate data and classify metrics. Metrics are made available to customers via monthly reports as well as online tools, alerts and diagnostics configurable to customer-specific requirements.
Protocol-level: SMS, MMS, WAP, HTTP
Application-level: games, ringtones, Internet access, video, IM, file downloads
Device-level: user experience testing
VoIP quality benchmark
High-speed data (DSL vs. Cable) benchmark
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