2000 Traffic classification is a key function for policy-based networking and managing guaranteed service levels. But it's important to be aware that there are several competing classification approaches and one under development that could cause problems for administrators. 3Com pioneered the NIC approach with its Dynamic Access software, where the NIC is remotely configured to set specific tag values for known applications. Classifying an application flow brings the appropriate policies into play based on the application, user, time of day or other criteria.
Classification also determines how traffic is handled throughout the network fabric.
Whoever sets these fields controls the network infrastructure in real-time, and that's the issue we really need to be looking at. The potentially problematic classification model is under development by Microsoft, which has said it may add classification and setting tags in future operating system releases. This would allow Windows applications to directly request the networking services they need. There are several reasons for caution. First, Microsoft has a history of slighting competitors.