Method and system for selecting a data compression technique for data transfer through a data network

A method and system for selecting a data compression technique for data transfer through a data network is provided. During call setup, information is gathered from the network infrastructure by receiving feedback from smart network devices, reviewing calls logs, or by accessing a network topology database, and the information can then be used to select a desired compression technique. During a call, a media terminating end device or a call control server will monitor call connection performance specific to the data transfer pathway used for the call connection, and may adjust the data compression to conform with the performance that the connection is providing at any given moment. Performance parameters such as delay, jitter, and compression ratios can be measured in real-time for a call to determine if a change in compression is deemed beneficial. In this manner, the compression method can be chosen based on real time network performance.