QoS
(Quality of Service)
In modern digital networks, QoS is often implemented as a set of priority levels for different kinds of network traffic and/or different users.
For example, time-sensitive data — such as real-time audio and video connections, (including voice and video calling) may be prioritized over other types of data. Those other types of data - such as a web page - can be delayed by fraction of a second with minimal impact for the end user. However with audio/video data (and real-time gaming) even the shortest delay can have a large negative impact for the end user, making it impossible to have a voice conversation over a data network.
QoS technologies can also be used to give certain users higher priority if they are willing to pay more for it.
QoS can also refer to a wide range of connection quality measurements. Connection delay and interference may be measured, as well as sound quality and volume, and echo.
