Assessment of VoIP network using an R-value embedded simulation model

A novel simulation model embedded with R-value, the synthesized voice-quality metric that users can perceive, is developed to assess the VoIP network performance. The targeted VoIP network is modeled utilizing a simulation package like OPNET. The network performance contributing to the voice quality can then be collected, typically end-to-end packet delay and number of packets received since the last packet loss. Following the E-model defined by ITU-T, those performance statistics collected during the simulation can be integrated into R-values that linearly correlate with the user-perceivable MOS’s. Finally, the R-value results can be used to investigate the design of VoIP networks. As anticipated, when embedding the metric of R-value, the proposed simulation model can provide a platform for experiments that can reveal the actual performance of VoIP networks. The proposed simulation model can also evaluate any VoIP network efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, the R-value embedded simulation model can assist network designers and operators in identifying Possible network bottlenecks, adjusting network topology or expanding network capacity against increasing traffic demand.