Traffic Shaper

Definition

A traffic shaper is a network management tool that controls the amount and timing of data packets sent over a network to ensure optimal performance and efficient use of bandwidth. By regulating traffic flow, it can prioritize certain types of data, manage congestion, and provide a predictable level of service for applications, especially those sensitive to delays like video streaming or voice over IP.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Traffic shapers can smooth out bursts of data traffic by delaying non-critical packets during peak times, which helps maintain a consistent quality of service.
2. They operate at various layers of the OSI model, often focusing on Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) to manage packet flow effectively.
3. Traffic shaping can be applied selectively to different types of traffic based on criteria such as application type, user priority, or time of day.
4. Implementing traffic shaping can lead to reduced latency for high-priority applications while preventing lower-priority traffic from overwhelming the network.
5. Many modern routers and switches come equipped with built-in traffic shaping features that allow network administrators to easily configure and enforce policies.

Review Questions

• How does traffic shaping influence the performance of critical applications in a network?
  • Traffic shaping influences performance by managing the flow of data packets based on their priority. For critical applications like video conferencing or VoIP, traffic shapers can ensure that these packets are transmitted promptly, minimizing latency and jitter. By controlling the overall bandwidth allocation, less critical traffic can be delayed or limited, preventing congestion and maintaining an optimal experience for users relying on real-time communication.
• Compare and contrast traffic shaping with packet policing in terms of their roles in network management.
  • Traffic shaping and packet policing serve distinct but complementary roles in network management. Traffic shaping focuses on controlling the timing and flow of packets to ensure smooth data transmission and prioritize essential applications. In contrast, packet policing enforces strict limits on bandwidth usage by dropping or delaying packets that exceed predefined thresholds. While shaping aims for smoother performance across the board, policing is more about maintaining order by curtailing excessive use that could harm overall network functionality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implementing traffic shaping strategies in a corporate network environment with diverse application requirements.
  • Implementing traffic shaping strategies in a corporate environment is highly effective, especially with diverse application requirements. By prioritizing bandwidth for essential services like ERP systems or customer-facing applications, businesses can enhance productivity and user satisfaction. Additionally, it helps in mitigating congestion during peak usage times, ensuring that critical operations remain functional. However, careful consideration must be given to how policies are set to balance the needs of all applications while avoiding unintentional negative impacts on less prioritized services.

Related terms

Quality of Service (QoS): A set of techniques used to manage network resources and ensure the performance of critical applications by prioritizing data traffic.

Bandwidth Management: The process of allocating and regulating the amount of bandwidth available for various applications or services within a network.

Packet Policing: A mechanism that monitors and controls the flow of packets in a network, enforcing limits on bandwidth usage to prevent congestion.