Introduction

Overview

Traffic Classification

Traffic classification filters packets in a traffic stream into distinct classes (groups) based on the content of parts of the packet header. In the classification process, IP packets are matched against selectors of each filter to determine if the packet belongs in that filter class. Traffic classifiers separate and steer traffic classes to traffic conditioners for further processing.

Two types of classifiers are defined in the DiffServ model. The Behavior Aggregate (BA) Classifier selects packets based on the DSCP only. The Multi-Field (MF) classifier selects packets based on the values of a combination of header fields such as source address, destination address, and transport port numbers. HP-UX IPQoS provides BA and MF classification.

Traffic Conditioning

Traffic conditioning consists of one or more of the following actions:

Metering

Metering is part of the flow control strategy. Flow control measures traffic

 

flow for a class, then releases packets onto the network at a specified rate.

 

The metering component ensures conformance to configured flow rates.

 

Metering measures the traffic stream against a traffic profile specified via

 

policies in HP-UX IPQoS. It tracks the transmission rate of traffic flows on a

 

per-class basis. It then compares the actual flow rate against configured

 

flow rates, and passes state information to other conditioning functions to

 

trigger a specific action for each packet.

 

With HP-UX IPQoS, you can reserve a percentage of the total available

 

bandwidth; you can also specify a maximum bandwidth. See “Policy

 

Attributes” on page 71 for more information.

Marking

Marking marks packets with values that translate to forwarding behaviors.

 

Marking is the basis for potential differentiated treatment when the packet

 

reaches a resource that recognizes the marking, such as a DS-aware router.

 

Forwarding behavior determines the priority and drop precedence of traffic

 

about to be forwarded on the network. This can involve marking or

 

re-marking the DS field of an IP packet with a DS codepoint (DSCP) value.

 

It can also involve marking or re-marking the VLAN tag of an Ethernet

 

frame header with a Class of Service (CoS) priority value.

 

After a value is placed in the packet header, the packet forwarding behavior

 

is determined by the forwarding scheme used by DS-aware nodes in the

 

network. For example, different traffic classes can be steered to use

 

different routes such as reserved-traffic-only links and usage-based-billing

 

links. The steering depends on forwarding rules set in the DS-aware

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HP UX IPQos Software manual Traffic Classification, Traffic Conditioning
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UX IPQos Software specifications

HP-UX IPQoS is a sophisticated software solution designed to enhance the network performance of HP's Unix-based operating system, HP-UX. This software focuses on Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms that ensure efficient bandwidth utilization and prioritize network traffic to meet the demands of various applications.

One of the main features of HP-UX IPQoS is its ability to define traffic priorities. Administrators can classify traffic into different priority levels, allowing critical applications to receive the bandwidth they need while less important traffic can be deprioritized. This feature is essential in environments where bandwidth is a limited resource, ensuring that business-critical processes maintain their performance even during peak usage times.

The software employs advanced traffic shaping techniques that allow the management of data flow in the network. By controlling the rate of traffic and smoothing out bursts, IPQoS helps prevent network congestion, leading to a consistently reliable user experience. In addition, it can manage both inbound and outbound traffic, ensuring optimal performance in various network scenarios.

Another significant characteristic of HP-UX IPQoS is its integration with other network management tools. It operates seamlessly with HP’s Network Management Suite, providing a holistic view of network performance. This integration facilitates easier troubleshooting and monitoring, as administrators can correlate data from different sources for comprehensive insights.

Moreover, HP-UX IPQoS supports various protocols, including DiffServ and MPLS. By adhering to these standards, it positions itself as a versatile tool that can operate in diverse network environments, providing flexibility and ease of deployment. Additionally, the software supports policy-based management, enabling organizations to implement specific rules tailored to their network requirements.

Security is also a critical focus of HP-UX IPQoS. The software provides mechanisms to enforce traffic policies while safeguarding against potential threats. By ensuring that only authorized traffic flows through the network, it minimizes the risk of attacks and data breaches, contributing to a more secure IT environment.

The user interface of HP-UX IPQoS is designed for ease of use, allowing network administrators to configure settings, monitor performance, and generate reports without extensive training. This user-friendliness accelerates the deployment process and enhances the overall management of network resources.

In summary, HP-UX IPQoS is a robust and versatile network management solution that brings substantial benefits to organizations looking to optimize their network performance. With its traffic prioritization features, integration capabilities, support for industry standards, and focus on security, it stands out as an essential tool for maintaining effective and secure network operations in a dynamically changing IT landscape.
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