VoIP Network Quality Measurement via Test Call Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

VoIP networks face reliability issues due to rapid changes in network conditions, leading to packet loss, delay, and out-of-order delivery, which deteriorate voice call quality and fail to meet user expectations of Quality of Service (QoS) comparable to Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN).

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system for periodic VoIP test calls that generate and analyze test tones and RTCP report packets to assess network conditions, allowing for intelligent routing around congested or faulty segments, and providing processed data to optimize network performance and alert for potential issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If VoIP calls are routed through IP networks to provide connectivity and flexibility, then network adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but packet loss, delay, and out-of-order delivery occur leading to deteriorating voice quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidvoice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary network quality assessment by sending test packets through potential call paths before actual VoIP calls are established. This advance measurement of packet loss, delay, and jitter allows the routing system to pre-identify optimal paths and avoid congested segments, ensuring high voice quality from the start of actual calls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors network conditions by analyzing test call results and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions. When degradation is detected in certain paths, the system learns from this feedback and reroutes subsequent calls through alternative paths, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains voice quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If network conditions are monitored continuously to maintain QoS, then voice quality is improved, but system complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoSVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated test call mechanisms that self-generate test packets, automatically measure network parameters (packet loss, delay, jitter), and feed results back to the routing system without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach simplifies operation while maintaining continuous QoS monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces test packets as intermediary elements that carry measurement information through the network. These test packets serve as mediators between the monitoring system and the actual voice traffic, enabling indirect but effective quality assessment without interfering with real call performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7995557B2System and method for determining network quality for voIP calls

Publication Date: 2011.08.09 RIBBON COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A method of measuring network quality for VoIP calls comprises setting up a test call from a local IP endpoint to a remote IP endpoint reachable by a logical trunk group associated with the local IP endpoint, receiving statistical data regarding the test call, tearing down the test call, processing the statistical data and generating measurement results, and routing a VoIP call using a route selected based at least in part on the measurement results.