Delay bounds for voice over IP calls transported over satellite access networks

Whether or not voice calls of traditional quality can be supported between two users connected to an IP backbone via satellite access systems depends largely on the mouth-to-ear delay, an important part of which is consumed by the satellite networks themselves. In this paper, a methodology is developed to calculate upper bounds for the latter delay component as a function of the used codec, the experienced packet loss ratio, the echo levels at both sides of the connection and the chosen voice packet size. Illustrations are provided.