UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COURSE TITLE: COMPUTER NETWORKING II

COUSRE CODE: CSC 415
TOPIC: MODELS OF DEPLOYING QoS (DIFFERNTIATED SERVICE
MODEL (DIFFSERV))
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Models Deploying QoS Differentiated Service Model
( DiffServ )

Introduction to QoS

Quality of Service (QoS) is a set of techniques designed to manage network

resources and ensure the performance of critical applications. QoS is essential
in modern networking to handle diverse types of traffic, such as voice, video,
and data, which have different requirements for latency, jitter, and
bandwidth.

The Differentiated Services (DiffServ) model is a popular approach to

implementing QoS in IP networks. It provides scalable and straightforward
traffic management by classifying and prioritizing network packets.
Overview of Differentiated Service Model

The DiffServ model operates on the following principles:

1. Traffic Classification and Marking: Packets are classified based on

predefined criteria and marked using the Differentiated Services Code Point
(DSCP) in the IP header.

2. Per-Hop Behavior (PHB): Routers and switches in the network handle

packets according to their DSCP markings. PHB defines how packets are
treated at each network hop.

3. Scalability: DiffServ aggregates traffic into classes rather than

maintaining per-flow state, making it scalable for large networks.

Unlike the Integrated Services (IntServ) model, which requires maintaining a

state for every flow and explicit signaling (e.g., using RSVP), DiffServ relies
on a simpler, more scalable approach. It avoids the need for end-to-end
reservations and instead focuses on prioritizing traffic at the aggregate level.
This makes it better suited for high-performance networks with diverse traffic
loads.

The deployment models of Differentiated Services (DiffServ) in

networking:

End-to-End Deployment Model

Description: In this model, DiffServ is deployed across the entire network,
from the source to the destination. This means that every node in the network,
including routers and switches, must support DiffServ.
Advantages: Provides end-to-end QoS guarantees, which ensures that traffic
is treated consistently across the entire network. This model is also relatively
simple to manage, as all nodes in the network are configured to support
DiffServ.
Disadvantages: Requires DiffServ support on all intermediate nodes, which
can be a challenge in large, complex networks. Additionally, this model can
be complex to configure, especially in networks with multiple domains or
autonomous systems.

Edge-to-Edge Deployment Model

Description: In this model, DiffServ is deployed only at the edges of the
network, i.e., at the ingress and egress points. This means that only the edge
nodes, such as routers and firewalls, need to support DiffServ.
Advantages: Simplifies configuration, reduces overhead, and provides better
scalability. This model is also more flexible, as it allows for different QoS
policies to be applied at different edges of the network.
Disadvantages: May not provide end-to-end QoS guarantees, as traffic may
not be treated consistently across the entire network.

Domain-by-Domain Deployment Model

Description: In this model, DiffServ is deployed within specific domains or
autonomous systems (AS) within the network. This means that each domain
or AS has its own DiffServ configuration and policies.
Advantages: Allows for more flexible configuration, reduces overhead, and
provides better scalability. This model is also more suitable for large,
complex networks with multiple domains or AS.
Disadvantages: May require additional configuration and management, as
each domain or AS has its own DiffServ configuration and policies.

Hierarchical Deployment Model

Description: In this model, DiffServ is deployed in a hierarchical manner,
with multiple levels of classification and marking. This means that traffic is
classified and marked at multiple levels, such as at the edge, core, and access
layers of the network.
Advantages: Provides more granular control over traffic, allows for better
scalability, and enables more flexible QoS policies.
Disadvantages: Can be complex to configure and manage, especially in
large, complex networks.

Distributed Deployment Model

Description: In this model, DiffServ is deployed in a distributed manner,
with multiple nodes performing classification, marking, and policing. This
means that traffic is processed and forwarded by multiple nodes in the
network, each of which may have its own DiffServ configuration and
policies.
Advantages: Provides better scalability, fault tolerance, and flexibility. This
model is also more suitable for large, complex networks with multiple
domains or AS.
-Disadvantages: Can be complex to configure and manage, especially in
large, complex networks.

Each deployment model has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice
of model depends on the specific network architecture, requirements, and
constraints.

DiffServ is implemented by:

1. Edge Routers: These are responsible for traffic classification and

marking. They ensure that packets entering the network are correctly
identified and tagged.

2. Core Routers: These handle packets based on their DSCP values,

applying the configured PHB without the need for reclassification.
Key Components of DiffServ

1. Traffic Classifier: Identifies and categorizes traffic into classes based on

application requirements or policies.

2. Metering and Policing: Ensures traffic conforms to the allocated

bandwidth and drops or re-marks non-compliant traffic.

3. Queuing and Scheduling: Manages how packets are queued and

prioritized for forwarding. Common scheduling algorithms include Weighted
Fair Queuing (WFQ) and Priority Queuing (PQ).

4. DSCP Markings: Indicates the service level a packet should receive.

DSCP values map to specific PHBs, such as:
- Expedited Forwarding (EF): Low latency for real-time traffic.

- Assured Forwarding (AF): Reliable delivery for critical applications -

Best Effort (BE): Default handling for non-critical traffic.

Benefits of the DiffServ Model

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the benefits of deploying Differentiated

Services (DiffServ) models:

Scalability Benefits
1. Improved network scalability: DiffServ enables efficient traffic
management, allowing networks to handle increased traffic without
compromising performance.
2. Better resource allocation: DiffServ models optimize resource utilization,
ensuring available bandwidth is allocated efficiently.
3. Increased network capacity: By prioritizing critical traffic, DiffServ
models enable networks to support more users and applications.
4. Scalable QoS solutions: DiffServ provides scalable QoS solutions for
large, complex networks.

Quality of Service (QoS) Benefits

1. Guaranteed QoS: DiffServ ensures consistent QoS across the network,

meeting Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements.
2. Traffic prioritization: Critical applications receive priority handling,
ensuring low latency and jitter.
3. Reduced packet loss: DiffServ models minimize packet loss, ensuring
reliable data transmission.
4. Improved voice and video quality: DiffServ prioritizes real-time traffic,
ensuring high-quality voice and video.
5. Enhanced real-time application performance: DiffServ optimizes
performance for critical applications.

Performance Benefits

1. Improved network performance: DiffServ optimizes traffic flow, reducing

congestion and improving overall network performance.
2. Faster transmission times: Priority traffic receives expedited handling,
reducing transmission times.
3. Enhanced user experience: Consistent QoS ensures a better user
experience, particularly for real-time applications.
4. Improved application responsiveness: DiffServ optimizes application
performance, ensuring responsive and efficient operation.

Security Benefits

1. Improved security: DiffServ models can be configured to prioritize

security-related traffic, enhancing network protection.
2. Reduced vulnerability: By limiting unauthorized traffic, DiffServ models
minimize potential security threats.
3. Secure traffic segregation: DiffServ enables secure segregation of sensitive
traffic.
4. Protection against DoS/DDoS attacks: DiffServ models can mitigate
denial-of-service (DoS) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

Management Benefits

1. Simplified network management: DiffServ provides a centralized

management framework, streamlining network administration.
2. Easy policy implementation: DiffServ models enable straightforward
implementation of QoS policies.
3. Better traffic visibility: DiffServ offers enhanced traffic monitoring and
analysis capabilities.
4. Automated QoS policy enforcement: DiffServ models automate QoS policy
enforcement.

Cost Benefits

1. Reduced operational costs: Efficient traffic management minimizes

bandwidth upgrades and reduces network maintenance.
2. Optimized resource utilization: DiffServ models ensure existing resources
are utilized efficiently.
3. Extended network lifespan: By optimizing traffic flow, DiffServ models
extend network infrastructure lifespan.
4. Lower maintenance costs: DiffServ reduces maintenance costs by
minimizing network downtime.

Flexibility Benefits

1. Flexible QoS policies: DiffServ models allow customizable QoS policies

tailored to specific applications.
2. Adaptability: DiffServ models adapt to changing network conditions and
requirements.
3. Interoperability: DiffServ supports seamless integration with various
network devices and protocols.
4. Customizable traffic classification: DiffServ enables customizable traffic
classification.

Reliability Benefits

1. Improved network uptime: DiffServ ensures consistent network

availability.
2. Reduced downtime: DiffServ minimizes network downtime.
3. Enhanced fault tolerance: DiffServ models provide fault-tolerant
networks.
4. Faster fault recovery: DiffServ enables rapid recovery from network
failures.
Compliance Benefits

1. Regulatory compliance: DiffServ meets SLA requirements and regulatory

standards.
2. Industry-specific compliance: DiffServ complies with industry-specific
regulations (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS).
3. Internal policy compliance: DiffServ enforces internal QoS policies.
4. Auditing and reporting capabilities: DiffServ provides auditing and
reporting features.

Deploying DiffServ models offers numerous benefits, enhancing network

scalability, QoS, performance, security, management, cost savings,
flexibility, reliability and compliance.

Challenges in Deploying DiffServ

Here’s an elaborate explanation of the challenges associated with
implementing and managing Differentiated Services (DiffServ) networks:

Technical Challenges

1. Complexity: DiffServ requires complex configuration and management,

involving multiple devices, protocols, and policies. This complexity can lead
to errors, inconsistencies, and performance issues.
2. Scalability: As networks grow, DiffServ configurations can become
increasingly complex, making it challenging to scale the network while
maintaining QoS.
3. Interoperability: Ensuring seamless interoperability between devices from
different vendors can be challenging due to varying implementations of
DiffServ standards.
4. Traffic classification: Accurately classifying traffic into appropriate
categories is crucial for effective QoS. However, this can be challenging,
especially with encrypted traffic or unknown applications.
5. Network congestion: Managing congestion in DiffServ networks requires
careful planning, monitoring, and policy adjustments to prevent QoS
degradation.

Operational Challenges
1. Policy management: Managing and enforcing QoS policies across the
network requires continuous monitoring, updates and adjustments.
2. Monitoring and troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving QoS issues can
be time-consuming and require specialized skills.
3. Network maintenance: Ensuring QoS during network maintenance and
upgrades requires careful planning and execution.
4. Security: Protecting DiffServ networks from security threats, such as
DDoS attacks or malware, requires robust security measures.
5. Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, industry
standards, and organizational policies can be challenging.

Performance Challenges

1. Latency and jitter: Managing latency and jitter for real-time applications,
such as VoIP or video conferencing, requires precise QoS control.
2. Packet loss: Minimizing packet loss and ensuring reliable transmission is
critical for applications like online transactions or file transfers.
3. Throughput: Ensuring sufficient throughput for bandwidth-intensive
applications, such as video streaming or online gaming, requires careful QoS
management.
4. QoS consistency: Maintaining consistent QoS across the network, despite
varying traffic conditions, is essential.
5. Network congestion: Managing congestion to prevent QoS degradation
requires proactive monitoring and policy adjustments.

Economic Challenges

1. Cost: Implementing and managing DiffServ networks can be costly,

requiring significant investment in hardware, software, and personnel.
2. Return on Investment (ROI): Justifying the cost of DiffServ
implementation requires demonstrating tangible benefits, such as improved
user experience or increased productivity.
3. Network upgrades: Upgrading network infrastructure to support DiffServ
can be expensive and require significant downtime.
4. Training and expertise: Acquiring necessary skills and expertise to manage
DiffServ networks can be costly and time-consuming.
5. Ongoing maintenance: Maintaining and updating DiffServ configurations
requires ongoing resources and budget.

Organizational Challenges

1. Change management: Managing organizational change during DiffServ

implementation requires effective communication, training, and support.
2. Stakeholder buy-in: Gaining support from stakeholders, including users,
management, and IT staff, is crucial for successful DiffServ implementation.
3. Policy development: Developing and enforcing QoS policies requires
collaboration between different departments and stakeholders.
4. Governance: Establishing governance structures for DiffServ management
ensures accountability, transparency, and compliance.
5. Compliance: Ensuring compliance with organizational policies and
regulatory requirements is essential.

Future Challenges

1. Emerging technologies: Integrating DiffServ with emerging technologies,

such as 5G, IoT, or SDN, requires adaptability and flexibility.
2. Increasing traffic: Managing growing traffic demands requires scalable
and flexible DiffServ architectures.
3. Cloud and virtualization: Ensuring QoS in cloud and virtualized
environments requires new strategies and tools.
4. Security threats: Addressing evolving security threats, such as DDoS
attacks or ransomware, requires proactive security measures.
5. Regulatory changes: Adapting to changing regulatory requirements, such
as GDPR or CCPA, requires ongoing compliance efforts.

Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, expertise, and ongoing

management to ensure successful DiffServ implementation and operation.

Steps to Deploy QoS with DiffServ

Step 1: Network Assessment

- Analyze traffic patterns and identify critical applications.

- Determine QoS requirements for latency, jitter, and bandwidth.

Step 2: Define QoS Policies

- Establish policies for classifying and prioritizing traffic.

- Define DSCP values for each traffic class.

Step 3: Configure Network Devices

- Set up traffic classification and marking on routers and switches.

- Implement queuing and scheduling mechanisms to enforce PHB.

Step 4: Test and Validate

- Use network simulation tools to validate QoS policies.

- Conduct performance testing under realistic traffic conditions.

Step 5: Monitor and Optimize

- Deploy monitoring tools to track DSCP markings and PHB compliance.

- Continuously refine policies based on network performance.

Real-World Applications
Here’s a more detailed explanation of real-time applications that benefit from
Differentiated Services (DiffServ:

Audio/Video Applications

1. Video conferencing: DiffServ ensures high-quality video and audio,

minimizing latency and packet loss.
2. Voice over IP (VoIP): DiffServ prioritizes VoIP traffic, ensuring clear
voice quality and minimizing dropped calls.
3. Online streaming: DiffServ optimizes video streaming, reducing buffering
and ensuring smooth playback.
4. Real-time video surveillance: DiffServ ensures secure and reliable video
transmission for security applications.

Interactive Applications

1. Online gaming: DiffServ reduces latency, ensuring responsive gameplay

and minimizing lag.
2. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): DiffServ provides low-
latency, high-bandwidth connections for immersive experiences.
3. Telemedicine: DiffServ ensures high-quality video and audio for remote
healthcare consultations.
4. Online trading and finance: DiffServ provides real-time market data and
transaction processing.

Mission-Critical Applications

1. Emergency services: DiffServ prioritizes emergency communications,

ensuring rapid response times.
2. Air traffic control: DiffServ ensures reliable, low-latency communication
for air traffic management.
3. Power grid management: DiffServ provides real-time monitoring and
control for power grid operations.
4. Industrial automation: DiffServ ensures reliable, low-latency
communication for industrial control systems.

IoT Applications

1. Smart home automation: DiffServ enables real-time control and

monitoring of smart home devices.
2. Industrial IoT (IIoT): DiffServ provides reliable, low-latency
communication for industrial IoT applications.
3. Smart cities: DiffServ enables real-time traffic management and
surveillance.
4. Wearable devices: DiffServ ensures real-time health monitoring and
tracking.

Other Real-Time Applications

1. Live event streaming: DiffServ optimizes video streaming for live events.
2. Real-time analytics: DiffServ provides fast data processing and analytics.
3. Cloud gaming: DiffServ ensures low-latency, high-quality game rendering
and streaming.
4. Autonomous vehicles: DiffServ provides real-time navigation and control.

Key Requirements for Real-Time Applications

1. Low latency: Minimize delay and ensure responsive communication.

2. High throughput: Ensure sufficient bandwidth for data-intensive
applications.
3. Guaranteed QoS: Prioritize critical traffic to ensure reliable
communication.
4. Reliability: Ensure minimal packet loss and error-free transmission.

DiffServ Benefits for Real-Time Applications

1. Improved QoS: Guaranteed quality of service for critical applications.

2. Reduced latency: Minimized delay for real-time communication.
3. Increased reliability: Reduced packet loss and error-free transmission.
4. Enhanced user experience: Smooth, responsive, and high-quality
communication.

By deploying DiffServ, organizations can ensure reliable, low-latency

communication for real-time applications, enhancing user experience and
improving mission-critical operations.

Conclusion

Deploying the QoS Differentiated Service Model is a powerful strategy to

manage network performance effectively. By classifying and prioritizing
traffic, DiffServ ensures that critical applications receive the necessary
resources, delivering a high-quality user experience. However, careful
planning, consistent configuration, and ongoing monitoring are essential to
realizing its full potential.

References

1. RFC 2475: "An Architecture for Differentiated Services."

2. RFC 2597: "Assured Forwarding PHB Group."

3. RFC 3246: "Expedited Forwarding PHB."

4. "Quality of Service in IP Networks" by William Stallings.

5. Network configuration guides from Cisco, Juniper, and other leading

vendors.