How do you test and validate QoS policies on routers before and after deployment?

1 QoS policy design

Before you test and validate QoS policies on routers, you need to have a clear understanding of your network requirements, objectives, and constraints. You should identify the traffic classes, the QoS parameters, and the QoS mechanisms that you want to apply to each class. For example, you may want to prioritize voice and video traffic over data traffic, or apply bandwidth limits, queuing, shaping, or marking to different traffic types. You should also consider the network topology, the router capabilities, and the compatibility with other devices and protocols.

2 QoS policy simulation

Once you have designed your QoS policies on routers, you can use simulation tools to test them in a virtual environment, before applying them to the real network. Simulation tools can help you visualize the traffic flows, the QoS effects, and the potential bottlenecks or issues that may arise. You can also compare different QoS scenarios and configurations, and evaluate their impact on network performance and quality. Some examples of simulation tools are Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3, and OPNET.

3 QoS policy verification

After you have simulated your QoS policies on routers, you can verify them by applying them to a test network or a subset of the real network. Verification tools can help you monitor and measure the actual QoS parameters and outcomes, such as delay, jitter, packet loss, throughput, and utilization. You can also use verification tools to troubleshoot and resolve any problems or errors that may occur during the QoS policy implementation. Some examples of verification tools are Cisco IOS commands, SNMP, NetFlow, and Wireshark.

4 QoS policy validation

After you have verified your QoS policies on routers, you can validate them by checking whether they meet your network requirements and objectives. Validation tools can help you assess the user experience and satisfaction, the application performance and availability, and the network efficiency and security. You can also use validation tools to collect feedback and suggestions for improvement or optimization. Some examples of validation tools are ping, traceroute, IP SLA, and QoE metrics.

5 QoS policy maintenance

After you have validated your QoS policies on routers, you should not forget to maintain them regularly and update them as needed. Maintenance tools can help you monitor and manage the QoS policies on routers, and alert you of any changes or anomalies that may affect the network quality or performance. You can also use maintenance tools to review and audit the QoS policies on routers, and ensure their compliance with the network standards and best practices. Some examples of maintenance tools are Cisco IOS commands, SNMP, NetFlow, and NBAR.

6 QoS policy improvement

After you have maintained your QoS policies on routers, you should always look for ways to improve them and adapt them to the changing network conditions and demands. Improvement tools can help you analyze and optimize the QoS policies on routers, and identify any gaps or opportunities for enhancement or innovation. You can also use improvement tools to benchmark and compare your QoS policies on routers with other networks or industry standards, and learn from the best practices or lessons learned. Some examples of improvement tools are Cisco IOS commands, SNMP, NetFlow, and QPM.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?