MANAGING VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VOIP) COMMUNICATIONS

The disclosed embodiments include a computer implemented method for managing network communications. In one embodiment, the method includes gathering, using performance information packet (PIP) data packets, network performance information from a communications network that includes network performance information from a set of egress points between the communications network and an outside network. The method selects a network connection including an egress point and an egress packet path within the communications network to the egress point offering the best quality of service between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The method then establishes the network connection between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.