This paper discusses IP classification. Network capacity is often high in core systems, but it is low in access systems. Local Area Networks (LANs) have high internet transmission capacities. The boundary between ISP and client networks contributes to delay in network queuing. As a result, access connection technologies should utilise traffic prioritisation strategies to separate dissimilar groups of end-user networks from each other.
The mechanisms that can be used to improve Quality of Service (QoS) include adequate link capacity and under-utilisation of the link capacity (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). The Integrated Services (IntServ) is commonly used to achieve the desired service quality. InterServ uses the principle of per-flow resource reservation. The Differentiated Services (DiffServ) is also an effective method for enhancing QoS (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). However, DiffServ is not as effective as InterServ, because it does not provide a long-term QoS solution.
In both IntServ and DiffServ, internet traffic in every router is planned using packet header scrutiny. In addition, advanced techniques, such as Stream Engine technology, D-link, and Ubicom, are increasingly being used to achieve the desired QoS (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.).
Cisco is one the companies that provide the best solutions to QoS challenges. The technology used by Cisco involves merging traffic categorisation with configuration of DiffServ. This involves clustering header packets according to the principles developed by the network manager.
Several mechanisms have been developed to categorize and manage traffic over access connections. The Automated Network Games Enhancement Layer (ANGEL) is one of the techniques used to manage traffic. ANGEL facilitates remote management of traffic division in routers and modems according to traffic groupings that exist within an ISP network. The ANGEL consists of ISP-side and CPE-side components (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.).
One of the major challenges in the development of appropriate and effective QoS is lack of a proper pricing strategy. An effective pricing strategy is central to the classification of the QoS that customers receive (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). A pricing strategy is also important because it facilitates generation of resources for the ISPs.
Traffic categorisation has the capacity to sustain a realistic pricing mechanism (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). In the last few years, several pricing mechanisms have been proposed to create a suitable pricing plan. Generally, a good pricing model should charge consumers for the resources they utilise. This ensures transparency by eliminating opportunities for overcharging customers.
ISPs can develop effective and profitable business models through traffic categorization. Most of the recommended internet pricing techniques are effective, because they ensure that consumers are charged fairly for the QoS. However, no QoS solution has been implemented extensively to satisfy customers’ needs. Consequently, appropriate QoS solutions should be implemented by taking into account technical efficiency, financial efficiency, and social effects. Technical effectiveness refers to the costs associated with using the technology of a given pricing scheme (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). Economic effectiveness refers to the effects of a pricing model on utilisation of a network. In sum, a good pricing model should be implemented consistently and transparently.
The cost of implementing QoS is important and should not exceed the revenues that are likely to be generated from it. Network stability and consistency should also be taken into consideration when implementing the new QoS (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). In addition, a programmed traffic categorisation should be incorporated in the QoS-based pricing model.
Currently, ISP networks are required to provide lawful intercept abilities (L1) in most countries. Traffic categorisation is a major solution to this legal requirement. Governments execute LI at different stages of abstraction. In the communication industry, a law enforcement group can appoint an individual to gather intercepted information (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.).
The traffic patterns in an ISP system can be detected through traffic classification. In addition, traffic classification can be used to identify the categories of applications that are being used by a client at a particular time. This information can be retrieved from the network without contravening privacy laws that regulate the use of the internet (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.).
In sum, IP traffic classification is important in the following ways. First, it facilitates the use of a class-based pricing model, which is fair to the customer and ensures sustainability (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.). In this pricing model, customers pay for only the resources that they use and ISPs are able to recover the cost of delivering the QoS. Second, real-time IP traffic classification facilitates development of automated QoS architectures. This leads to effective transfer of information concerning QoS needs between internet-based applications and the network. The resulting improvement in QoS Signalling enhances the use of IntServ and DiffServ. Finally, the classification enables ISP providers to comply with the requirement that their networks must provide L1 capabilities (The importance of IP traffic classification, n.d.).
Reference
The importance of IP traffic classification. (n.d.). Web.