When it comes to onboard Wi-Fi, passengers judge the experience simply: does it work, and does it work well?
Slow speeds, lag and disconnections can quickly impact satisfaction, even when network monitoring systems indicate everything is operating normally.
At Icomera, we regularly test the onboard Wi-Fi experience to ensure passengers receive the reliable connectivity they expect. To make this process even more effective, Ioannis Plytas, Solution Engineer at Icomera, with the valuable help of members of the Icomera’s internship program, redeveloped and fully automated a dedicated Wi-Fi measurement application. The application is used by Icomera personnel who travel on board trains to assess performance firsthand.
The app captures and analyses data from inside the vehicle, giving testers a detailed view of Wi-Fi performance from the passenger’s perspective in a format in which engineering teams can objectively analyse and uncover issues that may not be visible through traditional network monitoring alone, while enabling more targeted troubleshooting and improvements.
The result is a more accurate understanding of network performance and a clearer path to improving service quality. Rather than relying solely on high-level metrics, operators can use the insights generated by the app to make targeted proactive improvements that directly enhance the passenger experience.
Powered by Interns, Guided by Innovation
Onboard Wi-Fi testing is a key activity in Icomera’s internship programme. Each year, interns join the Solutions team and use the app while travelling on customer fleets across Europe and North America, measuring onboard Wi-Fi performance under real operating conditions.
For interns, the programme provides valuable hands-on experience within a leading technology company. For Icomera, it brings fresh perspectives, dedicated analysis, and a wealth of real-world data generated through the application.
By combining innovative software with the enthusiasm and talent of future engineers, Icomera continues to raise the standard for onboard connectivity, ensuring passengers enjoy the reliable, seamless Wi-Fi experience they expect.
