VoIP QoS (Voice over Internet Protocol Quality of Service) is used in VoIP services to determine a VoIP network’s overall performance and make changes to increase the customer satisfaction rate. QoS is used in other systems (like computer networks) as well, but is especially important in VoIP services because of the high demand for prompt, real-time voice packet delivery and call handling. VoIP QoS generally refers to the VoIP system’s bit rate, delay, and bit error rate and provides customers with a realistic idea of the VoIP network’s capabilities.

How VoIP QoS Works
VoIP QoS involves measuring a VoIP network’s total capabilities in order to maintain consistent quality for all customers. However, VoIP QoS does not necessarily refer to a VoIP network’s actual quality level, but to a general quality level that the system attempts to maintain. VoIP networks do this by reserving resources at the beginning of each VoIP connection in order to ensure that the call is processed at every required step without delay.

Applications
QoS is used in applications that change frequently and are dependent on various factors. For example, online games that thousands or even millions of people play must use QoS to measure game specifications and adjust certain attributes based on game lag and other factors. QoS is also used in videoconferencing applications in order to keep all parties connected to the same video conference, to counter lag, and to transfer audio and video simultaneously to all users. QoS is also used in VoIP applications to ensure that calls are not dropped, audio is clear enough for both parties to be heard, and all additional features are available.

Advantages
VoIP QoS has several important advantages. It informs customers about the VoIP network’s quality level. The VoIP network itself uses VoIP QoS to compare measurements and adjust specific attributes accordingly in order to achieve maximum performance.

Disadvantages
VoIP QoS is misleading for many customers who assume that a VoIP network always provides the quality level that the QoS rating promised. Also, QoS is sometimes used to deliberately mislead customers and produce a “general customer satisfaction” ratio.