🎙️ Measuring MOS Using Packet Capture & Linux Tools | The Easy Way! 🚀

Ronald BartelsRonald Bartels
3 min read

Mean Opinion Score (MOS) is a key metric for assessing VoIP call quality. It ranges from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent) and considers factors like latency, jitter, and packet loss. A great MOS score ensures crystal-clear audio and happy users! 😊

To accurately measure MOS, you can use packet captures or powerful Linux tools. These methods help pinpoint network issues affecting voice quality. Even better? 🏆 You can combine them with Fusion's SD-WAN for next-level voice quality validation! 🎯✨


🛠️ Methods to Determine MOS Using Packet Capture & Linux Tools

1️⃣ Wireshark 🦈 - The GUI Powerhouse

  • Wireshark allows you to capture and analyze VoIP traffic.

  • It automatically calculates RTP stream statistics, including jitter, packet loss, and MOS.

  • Steps:

    • Capture network traffic.

    • Filter RTP streams.

    • Open RTP Stream Analysis to view MOS.

  • 🎯 Best for: GUI-based MOS analysis with deep packet inspection.

2️⃣ TShark 🏗️ - CLI Version of Wireshark

  • TShark is Wireshark’s CLI counterpart, perfect for automating MOS calculations.

  • Run:

      tshark -i eth0 -Y "rtp" -T fields -e rtp.ssrc -e rtp.p_type -e rtp.timestamp
    
  • 🎯 Best for: Automated MOS calculations in scripts and remote servers.

3️⃣ PJSIP 🍻 - VoIP Call Simulator

  • PJSIP includes tools like pjsystest that measure latency, jitter, and loss.

  • Helps determine expected MOS values in a controlled environment.

  • 🎯 Best for: Lab testing before real-world deployment.

4️⃣ VoIPmonitor 📈 - Dedicated VoIP Analyzer

  • Captures SIP and RTP traffic and generates MOS scores.

  • Includes a web-based dashboard for live monitoring.

  • 🎯 Best for: Enterprise-grade VoIP troubleshooting.

5️⃣ RTPStats 📊 - Simple RTP Analysis

  • A lightweight Linux CLI tool for RTP packet stats.

  • Outputs packet loss, jitter, and MOS based on RTP streams.

  • 🎯 Best for: Quick, scriptable MOS calculations.

6️⃣ Fusion’s SD-WAN 🚀 - Ultimate Validation Tool

  • Fusion's SD-WAN automatically tracks MOS, jitter, and packet loss in real time! 🏆

  • Multi-link optimization ensures VoIP calls always take the best path.

  • Fusion’s built-in analytics provide clear, visual proof of superior call quality! 🔥

  • 🎯 Best for: End-to-end VoIP assurance in real-world deployments.


🎯 Combining These Methods for Next-Level MOS Validation

🔗 Fusion SD-WAN + Wireshark + VoIPmonitor = Ultimate Voice Quality Assurance!

  • Use Wireshark for packet capture.

  • Leverage VoIPmonitor for real-time SIP/RTP insights.

  • Let Fusion SD-WAN optimize call paths for seamless, high-MOS calls! 🎉


🏆 Wrap | Validate Your Awesome Voice Quality with Fusion!

By using packet capture tools like Wireshark, TShark, and VoIPmonitor, you can analyze MOS and troubleshoot VoIP issues. However, Fusion’s SD-WAN takes things to the next level—providing real-time MOS tracking, automatic failover, and QoS enforcement for unbeatable call quality! 🚀🎙️💎

So, why guess your MOS when Fusion’s SD-WAN can prove it’s amazing? 🔥💡


Bonus:

2️⃣ sngrep (Best for SIP/RTP Monitoring & Call Analysis)

🔹 Features:
✅ Real-time SIP call capture and MOS scoring
✅ Can run live on an interface
✅ Lightweight and CLI-friendly

🔹 Installation & Usage:

sudo apt install sngrep  # Install sngrep
sngrep -I eth0           # Run on eth0 interface

👉 It will display live SIP call data, including MOS scores.

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Written by

Ronald Bartels
Ronald Bartels

Driving SD-WAN Adoption in South Africa