Abstract: A system and method for collecting network performance information from network communications devices may include requesting, from a network communications device operating on a packet network, a counter value generated from counting a network performance information parameter. The request may cause the counter value to be reset prior to overflowing.

Abstract: A traffic processing system comprising a processing system and a delay buffer. The processing system is configured to determine a first delay metric for first traffic on a first path from the TPS to a first node, and determine a first delay differential based on the first delay metric and a second delay metric for second traffic on a second path from the TPS to a second node. The delay buffer is configured to delay the second traffic based on the first delay differential.

Abstract: A packet communication system is disclosed that includes an end communication device, a call processing system, and a packet network. To setup up a call from an end user, the end communication device transmits a call request message to the call processing system. The call request message has a header that includes priority information for the call. The call processing system processes the priority information in the header of the call request message to determine if the call request message is for a high priority call. If the call request message is not for a high priority call and the call processing system is in a state of congestion, then the call processing system transmits a response message indicating the state of congestion. Responsive to receiving the response message, the end communication device performs call blocking and provides call treatment to the end user.