Performance analysis for multiplexed voice traffic in 3G wireless networks

Packet loss performance in telecommunication networks has usually been represented by its expected value. Such characterization fails to set a quantitative assessment for the impact of packet loss on the session or connection quality and, hence, customer satisfaction. With packet traffic dominating future wireless networks, UMTS recommendations have defined a robust packet loss metric that evaluates the call performance. A user is satisfied if the percentage of packets lost from within his call does not exceed a defined threshold and the loss period does not persist longer than a given interval. We derive the satisfied-user probability for N-multiplexed voice calls in a 3G network assuming the first criterion. We compare the analytical results with simulations to demonstrate the accuracy of the technique proposed.