Overview
QoS ensures that critical applications (like VoIP, video conferencing, or real-time gaming) receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency they require, even when the network is congested.
Key Metrics Managed
- Bandwidth: Ensuring minimum throughput for specific apps.
- Latency: Reducing the time it takes for packets to travel.
- Jitter: Minimizing the variation in packet arrival times.
- Packet Loss: Preventing drops of critical data.
Mechanisms
- Classification and Marking: Identifying traffic types (e.g., using DSCP bits).
- Queuing: Placing packets in different buffers based on priority.
- Scheduling: Deciding which queue to service next (e.g., Weighted Fair Queuing).