Sample size and precision in communication performance measurements

An interactive computer program that facilities efficient measurement of communication system performance parameters was developed. The program performs three primary functions: (1) determines the minimum sample size required to achieve a desired precision in estimating delay, rate, or failure probability parameters; (2) analyzes measurement results to determine the precision achieved; and (3) tests independent sets of measured data for statistical homogeneity. The program was written specifically to facilitate measurement of the performance parameters defined in a Data Communication Standard X3.1:002. The statistical techniques implemented in it may also be applied to any other delay, rate, or failure probability measurement.