A system and method for the measurement of communication network performance over a secondary communication channel sends an inquiry signal containing information pertaining to network performance from a near end communication device to a far end communication device. From the inquiry signal the far end communication device can determine the number of packets of information lost through the network. Once received the inquiry signal, a reply signal with additional information is sent to the near end communication device. The near end communication device receives the reply signal and can determine therefrom various network performance parameters.