Network packet loss

Packet loss takes place when packets are sent but not received at the final destination due to some network problem. The maximum loss of packets (or frames) between endpoints should be 0.2% or less. Several factors make this packet loss requirements somewhat variable:

• Packet loss is more noticeable for tones (other than DTMF) than for voice. The ear is less able to detect packet loss during speech (variable-pitch) than it is during a tone (consistent pitch).
• Packet loss is more noticeable when the lost packets are contiguous rather than random over a period of time.
• Packet loss is more noticeable for larger voice payloads than for smaller ones, because more voice is lost in a larger payload.

Network delay can cause packet loss, and it may appear the network is losing packets when in fact they have been discarded intentionally.

Tools such as the Agilent (HP) Internet Advisor, Shomiti System^TM Explorer, Radcom's Prism, and others measure packet loss. For more information, see Network address translation.