Effect of rerouting on NGN VoIP quality

In this paper we explore next generation network (NGN) VoIP service quality measurements from end-points as a basis for measuring NGN network quality. Thousand or even millions of end point sensors could be envisaged within an NGN, where each end point could collect data through the RTCP eXtended Record (XR) and using network based data aggregation, sorting and analysis the quality of an NGN could be measured and form part of an NGN control plane. A simulation study provides a basis for determining some of the data that could be gathered within an NGN and analysed within a measurement and control system. An NGN is simulated using layer 3 and layer 2 resiliency techniques with a VOIP mesh overlay acting as a measurement instrument across the network. The data from the simulated measurement grid can be used in conjunction with tomography techniques to detect issues within the NGN and potentially optimise network performance. It is postulated that such a system may include a mesh of active long term sensors as well as consumer end systems and its core may be effectively realized using a Grid computing based analysis engine which is briefly outlined.