Using classifier-based QoS to provide additional policy actions and aid migration in networks with legacy and OEM devices

Starting in software release K.14.01, switch QoS configuration supports a classifier-based model that provides added functionality to create and manage QoS policies across a network consisting of switches, OEM and legacy devices.

The classifier-based configuration model is a single, simplified procedure and command syntax for cross-feature usage, which offers:

  • Finer granularity than globally-configured QoS for classifying IPv4 and IPv6 traffic

  • Additional actions for managing selected traffic, such as rate limiting and IP precedence marking

  • The application of QoS policies to inbound traffic flows on specific port and VLAN interfaces (instead of using only globally-configured, switch-wide QoS settings)

  • The use of configured traffic classes by different software features, such as QoS or port mirroring

Classifier-based QoS is designed to work with existing globally-configured, switch-wide QoS policies by allowing you to zoom in on a subset of port or VLAN traffic to further manage it. Classifier-based policies take precedence over and may override globally-configured, switch-wide QoS settings.

Classifier-based QoS policies provide greater control for managing network traffic. Using multiple match criteria, you can finely select and define the classes of traffic that you want to manage. QoS-specific actions determine how you can handle the selected traffic.