TamoSoft: Network Analysis Tools & Security Software
Contents

Monitoring and Troubleshooting VoIP Networks with a Network Analyzer

 
Introduction


Voice over IP (VoIP) is rapidly changing the way we use the telephone for voice communications. The term "Voice over IP" defines the transport of VoIP-based networks, including the signaling and streaming protocols as well as describing the codecs. VoIP is widely used by all kinds of consumers ranging from computer enthusiasts who are excited to get free long-distance calls over the Internet to full-scale enterprise solutions targeted to replace the entire infrastructure inherent to analog telephony.

There is no doubt that VoIP technology has everything in it to reduce communication costs significantly when compared to traditional analog telephony. Achieving call quality comparable with the quality of calls carried over PSTN networks is another matter. Deploying Voice over IP solutions requires careful analysis of network requirements and current conditions in order to provide call quality comparable to analog (PSTN) carriers.

This White Paper describes the potential quality issues that must be addressed when developing or deploying a VoIP solution over both wireless (Wi-Fi) and wired (Ethernet) network infrastructures.