A method for near real time quality analysis consistent with certain embodiments passively samples packets (616) from a stream of Internet Protocol (IP) packets that represent a communication session between a pair of end points carrying signals being transmitted over a transmission path in an IP network, and determines (620) in near real time at least two metrics from the sampled packets for the communication session. The at least two metrics include at least one metric that measures a quantity of lost packets, and at least one metric that measures a characteristic of packet timing. The method further involves calculating (632) a quality score in near real time using a quality formula that combines the at least two metrics. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.