Performance analysis of real-time traffic over 802.11n Wireless Local Area Networks: An experimental study

In this paper, we describe a practical model of analyzing the performance of 802.11n Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) carrying real-time voice over IP (VoIP) traffic. In particular, we determine the response-time and packet loss of client nodes using traffic generators and network monitors. We demonstrate that there exists a correlation between the number of VoIP calls on a WLAN and the response time and packet loss between the nodes. We also determine maximum number of calls that can be handled on a WLAN before call quality is degraded. In addition, we calculate bandwidth utilization of the WLAN based on two-way and three-way calls. The proposed approach is practical given that this is done with live hardware and software rather than simulations and theory. The results are measured and recorded based on an extensive set of real-world experiments by SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor in a testbed.