Method and apparatus for auditing service level agreements by test packet insertion

The present invention is directed to the measurement of service levels provided by a communication network, including an Internet protocol communication network. In accordance with the present invention, test packets are sent from a first edge router across the communication network to a second edge router. The time required for the test packets to be transmitted across the communication network is then determined, and that time compared to the time specified by the governing service level agreement. A failure of the communication network to deliver test packets as guaranteed may be used as an indication that the service level agreement has been violated. Packet loss and packet jitter may also be measured and compared to levels guaranteed by the service level agreement. The present invention may be used to determine whether the delivery of data packets using requests for expedited service levels is necessary or desirable.