Abstract: A process of implementing a test plan for an IP-based telephony network. The process consists initially of installing a system test module as an integral component of the network-based system, whereby test procedures originate within the network-based system, employing system resources rather than outside components to accomplish testing. Further steps are assembling a set of generic functional tests, each test including the components of test elements, each element addressing a single system action, together with verification for completion of such action; test legs, each leg encompassing the actions of a single actor in the test and including interactions between such actors; and a test activity, setting out a single function to be accomplished by the test and combining the functions of one or more test legs, including the interactions among the same.