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access to downloadable movies and TV programs—VoIP telephone services, support for extensive mobile data services, and a wide range of other popular consumer applications. Statistics show that as of January, 2008, 93 percent of U.S. households that include families with children were equipped with a computer, and 66 percent of these have a broadband connection. Some 95 percent of these same households also own cell phones, used largely for voice and SMS (text). According to recent research, revenue from U.S. mobile services was expected to grow 45 percent during the 2008 calendar year. Over this same period, it’s also predicted that revenue from worldwide mobile data services would eclipse that of fixed Internet access services.

Optimizing Growth; Application-level Monitoring

To deliver the growing demand of next-generation application services like VoIP and videoconferencing over a shared infrastructure, network managers must monitor performance at the network and server level, and also monitor performance and quality at the application level. It is important to note that solutions at the application level can be more difficult to achieve and are even more critical. Transmitting even crucial data across the network can look like a reasonably simple task compared to transmitting voice and video. If there is a delay or interruption of some kind in network traffic due to hardware problems or access congestion, transmission might be slowed but the information isn’t lost. By contrast, new applications like video conferencing, streaming a song or movie, or making a VoIP call requires an unbroken flow of data. Any interruption or delay in service can result in image degradation, loss of audible or voice data, or dropped calls. And voice and video data is irretrievable, even though the connection might be restored quickly.

applications but also end the needle-in-the-haystack search when identifying the source of network- and application-related problems.

A focus on tools that offer visibility into application traffic, as well as network and service continuity, can deliver a convergent and holistic awareness that brings network, service, and application views together. Displaying the whole operational picture—and in real-time—is critical not only for keeping the network functioning and applications running smoothly, but also in achieving that all-important QoE and planning for future growth.

Preparing for Data, Voice, and Video on the IP Network

The success of staying ahead of the game in application performance begins with a well-executed planning stage – before any actual deployment or pilot. During this stage, the company must find out what applications are running over its networks. A typical large enterprise, for example, can run 1,000+