What are the best practices and standards for testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility?

1 Test scenarios and environments

One of the key aspects of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to define realistic and representative test scenarios and environments. Test scenarios should simulate the intended use cases and operational conditions of the GLONASS receiver or application, such as urban, rural, indoor, outdoor, static, dynamic, multipath, interference, spoofing, jamming, etc. Test environments should provide accurate and consistent GLONASS signals and data, as well as other GNSS signals and data if applicable. Test environments can be either real or simulated, depending on the availability, feasibility, and cost of testing in the field or in the lab.

2 Test equipment and tools

Another important aspect of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to select appropriate test equipment and tools. Test equipment and tools should be capable of generating, receiving, recording, analyzing, and reporting GLONASS signals and data, as well as other GNSS signals and data if applicable. Test equipment and tools should also be calibrated, verified, and updated regularly to ensure their accuracy and functionality. Some examples of test equipment and tools are GLONASS signal generators, GLONASS receivers, GLONASS simulators, GLONASS analyzers, GLONASS recorders, GLONASS antennas, and GLONASS software.

3 Test methods and procedures

A third essential aspect of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to follow standardized test methods and procedures. Test methods and procedures should be based on relevant specifications, standards, guidelines, and best practices from authoritative sources, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). Test methods and procedures should also be documented, repeatable, traceable, and transparent.

4 Test metrics and criteria

A fourth crucial aspect of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to measure and evaluate test metrics and criteria. Test metrics and criteria should reflect the performance and compatibility requirements and expectations of the GLONASS receiver or application, such as accuracy, availability, integrity, continuity, reliability, robustness, interoperability, compliance, etc. Test metrics and criteria should also be quantifiable, comparable, and verifiable. Some examples of test metrics and criteria are position error, time error, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), pseudorange error, clock error, dilution of precision (DOP), signal availability, signal quality, signal integrity, signal continuity, multipath error, interference error, spoofing error, jamming error, etc.

5 Test results and reports

A fifth vital aspect of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to present and communicate test results and reports. Test results and reports should be clear, concise, accurate, complete, consistent, and objective. Test results and reports should also include relevant information, such as test scenarios, test environments, test equipment, test tools, test methods, test procedures, test metrics, test criteria, test data, test analysis, test findings, test conclusions, test recommendations, test limitations, test uncertainties, test assumptions, test references, test appendices, etc. Test results and reports should also follow the format and style of the intended audience, such as technical, non-technical, internal, external, formal, informal, etc.

6 Test reviews and feedback

A sixth and final important aspect of testing and validating GLONASS performance and compatibility is to conduct and solicit test reviews and feedback. Test reviews and feedback should be done periodically and systematically throughout the testing and validation process to ensure the quality and validity of the test results and reports. Test reviews and feedback should also involve relevant stakeholders, such as developers, users, customers, regulators, certifiers, peers, experts, etc. Test reviews and feedback should also be constructive, respectful, honest, and timely. Test reviews and feedback should also lead to improvements, corrections, enhancements, or confirmations of the GLONASS receiver or application.