Ellacoya Tests VOIP Quality

MERRIMACK, N.H. -- Ellacoya Networks(tm), Inc., a leading provider of carrier-class service control solutions for broadband IP networks, today introduced the VoIP Quality Reporter(tm) (VQR), an optional software module for its IP Service Control System. The VQR enables broadband service providers to monitor voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls, by VoIP service provider and on a per-subscriber basis, and provide comprehensive reports on call quality. It is the first service control product to provide a means for measuring VoIP call quality and troubleshooting calls in real-time, while at the same time providing a holistic view of all IP-based service traffic.

"IP-based calls are not subject to traditional PSTN subscriber-line impairments, but to a new set of transmission issues related to IP networks that requires a new method of measurement," said Ben Legault, vice president of marketing and product management at Ellacoya Networks. "With call quality being the most significant concern for IP voice users, the VQR let's the broadband provider monitor and improve the quality of voice calls on their data networks."

Ellacoya's IP Service Control System, which consists of its e30 IP switches and Service Logic Software(tm) (SLS) for centralized management, can identify, classify and control VoIP calls on a per-VoIP service provider and individual subscriber basis. It can prioritize specific VOIP calls and apply appropriate QoS to control jitter, latency and packet loss, and guarantee a high quality VoIP call. The VQR complements the Ellacoya system by providing voice quality reports, historically or in real-time, using a Mean Opinion Score (MOS) measurement method to rate calls from 1 (very poor) to 5 (excellent). The reports are used to identify specific quality problems or quality trends in the network that can then be resolved by the service provider.

The VQR captures latency/jitter, packet loss and Codec information. It collects information from Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP) streams and frames, the most accurate means for obtaining latency/jitter and packet loss information end-to-end. The system can be configured to report on specific subscribers, subscriber groups, VoIP service provider, time intervals, upstream/downstream quality and many other parameters. It can even zero in on a specific problem call and troubleshoot in real-time to enhance customer service.

"Without the ability to accurately measure VoIP call quality, broadband providers cannot guarantee that IP voice services delivered over their networks meet the performance expectations of residential and business subscribers," said Michael Harris, principal analyst at Kinetic Strategies, a leading research firm covering broadband markets. "With Ellacoya's VQR, not only can broadband providers track call quality over time for planning purposes, they can identify specific problem calls and troubleshoot to correct the issue as it is occurring, whether the service is offered by the broadband operator or a third party VoIP provider."

Ellacoya Networks Inc.