Section 12. Configuring Quality of Service

This section contains the following topics:

Quality of Service Overview

Enabling Quality of Service

Mapping Queues

12.1 Quality of Service Overview

Network traffic is usually unpredictable, and the only basic assurance that can be offered is best effort traffic delivery. To overcome this challenge, Quality of Service (QoS) is applied throughout the network. This ensures that network traffic is prioritized according to specified criteria, and that specific traffic receives preferential treatment. QoS in the network optimizes network performance and entails two basic facilities:

Classifying incoming traffic into handling classes, based on an attribute, including:

The ingress interface

Packet content

A combination of these attributes

Providing various mechanisms for determining the allocation of network resources to different handling classes, including:

The assignment of network traffic to a particular hardware queue

The assignment of internal resources

Traffic shaping

In this document, the terms Class of Service (CoS) and QoS are used in the following context:

CoS provides varying Layer 2 traffic services. CoS refers to classification of traffic to traffic-classes, which are handled as an aggregate whole, with no per-flow settings. CoS is usually related to the 802.1p service that classifies flows according to their Layer 2 priority, as set in the VLAN header.

QoS refers to Layer 2 traffic and above. QoS handles per-flow settings, even within a single traffic class.

The QoS facility involves the following elements:

Traffic Classification — Classifies each incoming packet as belonging to a given traffic class, based on the packet contents and/or the context.

Assignment to Hardware Queues — Assigns incoming packets to forwarding queues. Packets are sent to a particular queue for handling as a function of the traffic class to which they belong, as defined by the classification mechanism.

Traffic Class-Handling Attributes — Applies QoS/CoS mechanisms to different classes, including:

Bandwidth Management

Shaping/ Rate Limiting

Policing

12.1.1 Mapping to Queues

Queues are used in both Basic and Advanced QoS modes. Default settings are applied to maps in Service QoS mode. A Trust Behavior can be selected, or the output service fields can be selected, including:

VLAN Priority Tags (VPT) — VPTs are mapped to an output queues based on the VPT. While queue mapping is user- defined, the VPT default mapping to the output queue is as follows. In the VPT default mapping, Queue 1 has the lowest priority.

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TP-Link TL-SL3452, TL-SL3428, TL-SG3109 manual Configuring Quality of Service, Quality of Service Overview, Mapping to Queues

TL-SG3109, TL-SL3428, TL-SL3452 specifications

The TP-Link TL-SL3428 is a feature-rich Ethernet switch designed for small to medium-sized business environments. It is part of TP-Link’s JetStream series, which emphasizes reliability, performance, and robust management capabilities. Built with 28 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, the TL-SL3428 provides sufficient bandwidth to support a wide range of network applications.

One of the standout features of the TL-SL3428 is its support for Layer 2 management protocols. This allows for more granular control and optimized performance across network segments. The switch supports VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) segmentation, which enhances network security and efficiency by isolating various types of traffic. This feature is particularly useful in larger organizations where different departments or teams may require separate network environments.

The TL-SL3428 also includes advanced QoS (Quality of Service) capabilities. This functionality prioritizes traffic based on predefined rules, which ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth to function optimally. With QoS implementation, users can experience minimized latency, leading to better performance in VoIP and video conferencing applications.

In terms of redundancy and reliability, the switch also supports Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), enabling multiple connections to be combined for increased bandwidth and failover support. This feature significantly enhances network resilience, ensuring minimal downtime during failures.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) support is another important characteristic of the TL-SL3428. With PoE capabilities, this switch can deliver electrical power along with data over the same Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing the need for additional wiring. This is especially advantageous for IP devices like cameras, access points, and VoIP phones.

Security features are abundant in the TL-SL3428 as well. It implements port security, storm control, and DHCP snooping, all of which contribute to a secure network infrastructure. The switch’s management capabilities can be accessed through a user-friendly web interface, making it easier for IT administrators to configure and monitor network activities.

Overall, the TP-Link TL-SL3428 is an exemplary choice for businesses looking to enhance their network performance with advanced management features, security protocols, and reliability. Its combination of speed, flexibility, and manageability make it a valuable tool for any growing organization.