Method, system, and computer program product for route quality checking and management

Abstract

A method, system and computer program product for route checking and management is described herein. In a voice over internet protocol environment, the invention allows for the testing of routes among various gateways. In an embodiment, a method for selecting a route for a voice over IP call within a communications network is provided. The method includes receiving a VoIP call request from a user, identifying potential candidate routes, assessing the quality and cost of routes and determining a route based on cost, quality and/or user preferences.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 660,920, filed Sep. 13, 2000, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates generally to the field of voice over Internet protocol technology. More particularly, the invention relates to route testing and selection over packet-switched networks. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) communications services provide telephony services over packet-switched networks, like the Internet. In order to maintain call quality, VoIP services are concerned with route quality. High route quality makes for more reliable and clearer conversations. Route checking and selection over the packet switched network (like the Internet) is necessary to ensure quality of service. [0006] Unlike typical data, voice data is extremely time dependent. Transmission delays and varia...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032] One advantage of the invention is that a user can select the routes to other gateways to be tested.

[0033] Another advantage of the invention is that a user can select the criteria applied to candidate routes so that the proper route is selected.

[0034] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the system can test routes as the call is being placed and select the best route for that particular call. Furthermore, a user attempting to place a call where the level of quality is below a determined level can have the call routed to the nearest gateway with an acceptable level of quality.

Problems solved by technology

Unlike typical data, voice data is extremely time dependent.

Transmission delays and variations in the transmission rate alter the voice data received by the destination.

Latency is the amount of time it takes a packet to reach its destination.

Latency and jitter can degrade the communication path between any two points on a packet-switched network, like the Internet.

In a VoIP environment, latency will be perceived by the end users as a delay in the response of the remote site (or other user).

Furthermore, jitter is the variation in latency from one packet to another which can be perceived as a stammering in the conversation.

Jitter can cause a packet to arrive too late to be useful.

The effect is that the packet may be delayed enough that the end user will hear a pause in the voice that is talking to them, which is very unnatural if it occurs during the middle of a word or sentence.

Jitter typically occurs when the network utilization is too high, and packets are being queued by gateways, switches, routers or other similar devices, causing delivery times to become unpredictable.

The Internet, because of its complex structure, is often subject to varying degrees of jitter.

However, these techniques are not conducive to rapidly changing network conditions and do not provide real-time route checking and selection.

Additionally, these techniques do not take into account the costs of switching from the packet switched network to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) in order to maintain quality of service.

Furthermore, conventional systems do not allow calling parties to make route selections on a per call basis.

Still further, conventional systems do not allow users to supply their own criteria used in the checking and selection of routes.

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