Performance of FNBDT and low rate voice (MELP) over packet networks

Initial results from a performance study of low rate voice over packet networks under the signaling plan specified for the Future NarrowBand Digital Terminal (FNBDT) with the MELP 2.4 kbit/s voice CODEC (Military Standard 3005) are presented. FNBDT and MELP form the basis for next generation secure low rate voice communication for the USA government, replacing the STU-III. The FNBDT signaling plan and MELP are shown to be particularly susceptible to certain types of packet errors that can seriously degrade voice quality.