What does Quality of Service (QoS) enable within a network?

Quality of Service (QoS) enables better service for selected network traffic by prioritizing different types of data packets. In a network environment, not all traffic is equally important. For instance, real-time communication applications like VoIP or video conferencing require minimal latency and consistent bandwidth to function effectively. QoS mechanisms allow the network to allocate resources accordingly, ensuring that high-priority traffic receives the necessary bandwidth and reduces the likelihood of packet loss or delays.

By implementing QoS, network administrators can define policies that prioritize critical applications while managing the potentially congestion-prone traffic of less important applications. This capability leads to improved overall performance for prioritized services, which is essential in ensuring a reliable user experience in demanding environments.