The need for monitoring network bandwidth and controlling network conditions is paramount for delivering the expected voice quality in a VoIP system. VoIP adds strict requirements for bandwidth utilization, making it necessary to continuously monitor the network under normal and critical loads at least at the deployment stage and while troubleshooting call quality problems. Being able to see network bandwidth utilization in real-time is essential for understanding the difference between the optimum and current environment, often enlightening network administrators that a simple traffic shaping can essentially increase the quality of the calls transferred over that network.

One can identify bandwidth utilization issues by looking at the shape of the Stream Bandwidth chart, as illustrated on the screen shot. A bandwidth utilization problem can be clearly seen with the odd shape of the bandwidth graph, sharp spikes and uneven packet intervals.