Empirix Unveils Enterprise VoIP Testing Service

Empirix Inc. has unveiled a voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure and application testing service that allows enterprises to ensure VoIP network and application quality even before they roll them out.

Based on Empirix's Hammer technology, which is used to test carrier-class networks, Hammer On-Call for VoIP is designed to test infrastructure and applications in both IP and time-division multiplexing (TDM) environments. It determines the network's call handling capacity by measuring voice quality at different loads, compression rates, and different network configurations. Hammer On-Call for VoIP tests remote and on-site call generation, combining TDM testing with analysis of session initiation protocol (SIP), H.323 and media gateway control protocol (MGCP) performance.

Hammer On-Call for VoIP features a comprehensive range of testing features, including the Hammer FX test platform to generate test calls and provide real-time voice quality analysis. The Hammer Call Analyzer allows users to visualize and debug potential VoIP signaling and voice quality problems before deployment and the Hammer CallMaster graphical scripting and reporting tool can create test call flows.

According to Empirix's Enterprise Solutions Group chief technology officer Jeff Fried, many enterprises lack the time and expertise to test their VoIP networks before they go live. "They are intimidated by the process and in the end the business pays the price," he said in a statement. "By packaging up our solution into a service, we're making it very easy for enterprises to incorporate thorough testing into their deployment plans - even when their schedules are compressed."