Planning QoS networks

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Planning QoS networks

It is recommended that you ensure your network hardware, Windows configuration, programs, and services meet the necessary requirements for Quality of Service (QoS).

Hardware

To take advantage of IEEE 802.1p markings, QoS requires that your network adapters and network equipment are 802.1p compliant. Additionally, you may need to configure network hardware for QoS 802.1p markings. For more information about the standards upon which Windows QoS networks are based, see QoS standards (RFCs).

Windows configuration

Install QoS Packet Scheduler on end-systems on which you want to enable traffic shaping, traffic marking, or both. For computers with dial-up connections, install QoS Packet scheduler if you want to enable Integrated Services over Slow Links (ISSLOW). For more information, see Install QoS Packet Scheduler.

Programs and services

Only programs and services that have been designed to work with QoS can take advantage of QoS functionality. Examples of QoS-aware services and programs are Windows Messenger and NetMeeting.