DIGITAL VOICE COMMUNICATIONS IN THE PACKET RADIO NETWORK.

The functional requirements for a voice terminal to be used in the packet radio environment and the performance requirements necessary to support voice traffic are described. The intended application is for point-to-point conversation or conferencing within a packet radio network, or within an internetted environment, created by connecting the packet radio network to other networks. The primary focus is on requirements for a single voice connection within the PRNET. The feasibility for transport of voice data in a packet radio network was investigated experimentally, using emulated traffic. Results are promising, but indicate a temporary degradation in the performance under mobile operations. Methods for improving performance under these conditions are presented and their implications for voice terminal design are discussed.