What does QoS stand for in networking?

QoS stands for Quality of Service in networking. This term refers to the various technologies and techniques that manage network resources to provide a guarantee of performance, ensuring that certain applications receive the bandwidth and latency they need for optimal operation. QoS is particularly important in environments where multiple types of traffic coexist—including voice, video, and data—because it enables prioritization, ensuring that latency-sensitive applications, like VoIP and video conferencing, operate smoothly even under heavy network load.

By implementing QoS policies, network administrators can optimize the performance and reliability of critical applications, enhancing the overall user experience. It encompasses mechanisms such as traffic shaping, bandwidth allocation, and prioritization of packets based on certain criteria, ensuring that the most important data is transmitted efficiently.