Does it happen that a video call or game starts stuttering exactly when someone in the household is downloading a large file? The solution is QoS, that is traffic prioritization. Let us explain what it is, how it works and when it helps.

What QoS is

QoS (Quality of Service) is a router feature that prioritizes important traffic over less important traffic. The router thus gives priority to, for example, a video call or gaming over downloads and backups, so sensitive things run smoothly even on a loaded network.

Why it is needed

Your internet connection has limited capacity. When something takes it up fully, for example a download or an update, sensitive activities like a video call, a game or VoIP start to stutter. QoS solves this by reserving priority for important traffic.

What to prioritize

  • Video calls and VoIP, where every stutter shows immediately.
  • Gaming, where low latency is decisive.
  • Video streaming.

Conversely, downloads, backups and updates can wait when the network is loaded.

How it works

In the router you set rules by device, application or traffic type. The router then divides the available bandwidth so that priority things get what they need. Some more modern routers do this automatically via so-called smart QoS.

When it helps most

  • On a slower connection, where the capacity is quickly used up.
  • When there are many devices at once on the network.
  • With important calls from home or VoIP in a company.

What to watch out for

QoS does not speed up the internet, it just better divides what you have. On a fast enough connection with a reserve, it is usually not needed. The setup differs by router, some cheap models do not have QoS at all. This is also related to the choice of router.

Do your calls or gaming stutter on a loaded network? Get in touch, we will set up QoS and the network so important things run smoothly.