QoE assessment of interactive applications in computer networks

Abstract

Measuring end user Quality of Experience (QoE) is currently performed by subjective or objective standard methods each with its own deficiencies. The subjective quality assessment is laboratory based, costly and offline; while, the objective estimation of user satisfaction is obtained through a static manner, not directly related to end user contentment. The attempt is made here to measure user QoE based on an online, user-aware and non-intrusive method. This is investigated by identifying the measurable objective indicators of user satisfaction/dissatisfaction and assigning them to the subjective nature of QoE concept. Proposing an architectural model, the extent of modalities for implicit sensing of the user QoE is explored with respect to the real-time measurement of her/his experiences. The vocal and interactional signs of VoIP service users on their smartphone devices are applied to estimate their satisfaction/dissatisfaction levels as a case study. The obtained results are compared to the users’ self-report in order to evaluate the accuracy of this proposed method. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.