Drive test based network performance estimation

A network performance estimation system for a communications network, comprising:

• at least one memory that stores computer executable instructions;
• and
• at least one processor that executes the computer executable instructions to cause actions to be performed, the actions comprising:
• obtaining a proposed entire coverage of a service or function of the communications network;
• prior to live traffic being generated on the communications network by users subscribed to the service or function:
• determining a drive test pattern commensurate with the proposed entire coverage;
• causing performance of a plurality of drive tests in accordance with the drive test pattern;
• analyzing drive test data from the plurality of drive tests;
• and
• generating emulated network performance metrics for the service or function of communications network based on the analyzing of the drive test data.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing contents that, when executed by one or more processors, cause actions to be performed, the actions comprising:

• obtaining a proposed entire coverage of a service or function of the communications network;
• prior to live traffic being generated on the communications network by users subscribed to the service or function:
• determining a drive test pattern commensurate with the proposed entire coverage;
• causing performance of a plurality of drive tests in accordance with the drive test pattern;
• analyzing drive test data from the plurality of drive tests;
• and
• generating emulated network performance metrics for the service or function of communications network based on the analyzing of the drive test data.