Waze receives its routing information from a network of routing servers, which we refer to as RBS and RPS.
What's the difference between RBS and RPS?
Routing
Beta
Server
Are the group of servers used for testing new routing features and behaviors before releasing those to RPS where all Waze users around the world use it.
Routing
Production
Server
Are the group of servers which provide routes to all non-RBS Wazers around the world.
Why do we need an RBS testing team?
Many people use Waze to navigate every day.
To keep providing great routes to Wazers around the world, we need to constantly update the navigation behavior, methods and features.
Before releasing those updates to Wazers around the world, we share them with our trusted RBS testers, to get their feedback.
We follow RBS feedback closely and improve our navigation abilities thanks to it.
Who are RBS testers?
RBS testers are Beta testers, awesome Waze users like yourself, who would like to help us test changes in routing features and are willing to provide feedback regarding their routing experience.
The more active RBS testers we have, the more ready we can be to worldwide releases.
Anyone can join the RBS testing program, which is a part of Waze's Beta community.
How do I become an RBS tester?
Go to your Beta account Settings page and check the box labeled: "Beta - Routing Beta Server".
You'll then have access to the RBS discussion forum in Waze Discuss and to RBS features in the Waze app.
How do I know if I'm using RBS or RPS?
If you see the Beta symbol next to the street name while navigating, you're on RBS.
If you don't, you're using the standard RPS.
How do I switch between RBS and RPS?
RBS testers can easily switch between the two by typing these tech codes in Waze's search field -
From RBS to RPS: ##!tf
From RPS to RBS: ##!tt (or relaunch the app)
Find all Tech Codes here (link opens in Waze Discuss for Beta).
As an RBS tester, the app will always launch on RBS mode.
What do RBS testers do?
RBS testers use Waze to navigate as you normally would, while paying special attention to specific issues.
The changes we ask them to test are often related to server updates, and can sometimes include routing behaviors like detours, MEP and different types of turns.
We ask RBS testers to share feedback regarding their navigation experience in a dedicated Waze Discuss forum.
When RBS testers encounter a bug in navigation, we ask them to submit a report about it.
What are Environments in Waze?
To properly balance the load on Waze's routing servers, the world is divided into 3 environments:
-
North America - NA
-
Israel - IL
-
Rest of World - ROW
Each environment has its dedicated servers, for example, when you route in North America, you communicate with the NA server.