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Deploying QoS in a network 
Figure 2 Position of the QoS techniques in a network 
 
 
As shown in Figure 2, traffic classification and traffic policing mainly implement the following 
functions: 
•  Traffic classification—Uses match criteria to assign packets with the same characteristics to 
a traffic class. Based on traffic classes, you can provide differentiated services. 
•  Traffic policing—Polices flows and imposes penalties to prevent aggressive use of network 
resources. You can apply traffic policing to both incoming and outgoing traffic of a port. 
QoS processing flow in a device 
Figure 3 briefly describes how the QoS module processes traffic. 
1.  Traffic classifier identifies and classifies traffic for subsequent QoS actions. 
2.  The QoS module takes various QoS actions on classified traffic as configured, depending on 
the traffic processing phase and network status. For example, you can configure the QoS 
module to perform traffic policing for incoming traffic. 
Figure 3 QoS processing flow 
 
 
WAN
Traffic classification
Traffic policing
Traffic policing
Traffic policing
Traffic direction
Traffic policing
Traffic policing
Priority marking
Classify 
packets
Classification
Packets received 
on the interface
Tokens
Drop
Other 
actions
Token bucket
CAR Mark
Tokens
Classify 
packets
Classification
Packets sent 
out of the 
interface
Drop
Other 
actions
Send
Token bucket
Traffic policing
CAR