Bandwidth shaping, also known as traffic shaping, is a network management strategy that slows down or delays specific types of network packets to maintain network performance for applications with higher priority. This helps manage the flow of network traffic, which can ultimately help improve latency, increase bandwidth availability, and optimize performance for specific packets.
The Benefits of Bandwidth Shaping
Traffic shaping is utilized to provide a high level of service for important business applications. By identifying the applications connected to the data packet using fingerprinting methods, specific traffic shaping policies can be implemented. The strategy can help limit peer-to-peer file sharing while providing maximum bandwidth for essential applications such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP).
Moreover, by regulating the amount of data that enters and leaves the network, traffic shaping helps improve network performance. Traffic is divided into categories and is queued and directed according to network regulations. In essence, traffic shaping controls the network by delaying the delivery of priority applications while speeding up the transmission of packets deemed as less important.
FAQs
What is the difference between bandwidth shaping and packet dropping?
Packet dropping refers to dropping packets that are not considered important or are deemed unnecessary. Bandwidth shaping, on the other hand, delays certain packets to maintain network performance for applications with higher priority.
What is the difference between bandwidth shaping and packet marking?
Packet marking is the process of setting different priorities to packets. Bandwidth shaping, on the other hand, slows down or delays certain packets to optimize network performance for important applications.
Conclusion
Traffic shaping is an essential strategy for managing network traffic and optimizing network performance for important applications. By slowing down or delaying certain packets, bandwidth shaping can ensure that essential business applications receive the necessary bandwidth while less important packets are held back. This helps prevent network congestion and improves overall network performance.
