A perceptually sensitive Markovian model of packet loss processes during voip conversations

The automatic assessment of perceived quality of VoIP communications requires a subtle characterization of packet loss processes. This is more critical when delivery channels offer a time-varying performance, such as mobile and wireless “best effort” IP channels. Typically, the characterization of packet loss processes is done using theoretical models calibrated at runtime. At the end of a monitoring interval, a set of metrics is extracted and used by parameter-based quality models to estimate degradation caused losses. We design a new packet loss model that explicitly differentiates loss instances as a function of their perceptual effects. Moreover, our packet loss model considers the context where packet loss instances happen inside a given loss pattern. Furthermore, it enables simultaneously capturing and characterizing in a precise way long- and short-term behavior of packet loss processes. The characterization metrics extracted from the model can be used to build reliable parameter-based quality assessment models.