NetMap - Creating a map of application layer QoS metrics of mobile networks using crowd sourcing

Abstract

Based on the continuous increase in network traffic on mobile networks, the large increase in smart devices, and the ever ongoing development of Internet enabled services, we argue for the need of a network performance map. In this paper NetMap is presented, which is a measurement system based on crowd sourcing, that utilizes end user smart devices in automatically measuring and gathering network performance metrics on mobile networks. Metrics measured include throughput, round trip times, connectivity, and signal strength, and are accompanied by a wide range of context information about the device state. The potential of the NetMap approach is demonstrated by three usage examples. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.