CableLabs and Zoom validate Quality by Design framework for real-time performance metrics

CableLabs said it completed a collaborative pilot with Zoom to validate Quality by Design, a framework aimed at enabling real-time exchange between broadband networks and applications for performance visibility.

The effort focused on using real-time performance data to support how operators understand application behavior during network service, including ways to address performance issues as they occur.

Quality by Design enables the exchange of real-time performance metrics such as latency, jitter, and packet loss. CableLabs said the framework combines application-level insight with network telemetry to create a unified view of performance intended to preserve user privacy while supporting automated issue identification and resolution.

CableLabs reported it incorporated Zoom application performance data into the QbD framework through Zoom’s Client as a Sensor capability introduced in Zoom version 6.1.0. “Networks are shifting from a focus on speed to a focus on experience,” said Shafi Khan, principal, Future Infrastructure Group at CableLabs. “To truly understand user experience, we need visibility into how applications actually perform across real-world environments, from homes to offices, over Wi-Fi and access networks. This collaboration bridges the gap between networks and applications, giving us the insight needed to develop technical best practices and implementation guidance that show how those applications perform so broadband operators can make more informed decisions.”

CableLabs said it planned the next phase of the QbD and Session Automation pilot with Meta to extend support to applications that cannot share real-time telemetry by using advanced network monitoring and scoring methods. “CableLabs’ QbD framework plays an important role in creating a high-quality collaboration experience for our customers while helping operators better understand application requirements and optimize their network to provide the best performance,” said Pat Jensen, distinguished architect at Zoom. The next phase will be followed by continued interoperability testing and framework expansion.