Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Who is in Charge of IPv6 Packet Priority?

Posted by Cliff on from the please-don't-drop-my-packets! dept.

OwenF asks: "Here's a question. IPv6 is well on its way to becoming the next Internet packet routing standard. One of the big "features" many proponents of IPv6 enjoy pointing out is that IPv6 packets will include "priority" and "discardabillity" info in their headers. Right now, using IPv4, packets are shuttled across the net on a first-come first-serve basis, and when network congestion gets too high, servers start dropping packets, also on a first-come, first-serve basis. With IPv6, however, packets can be encoded "Top Priority" and/or "Do not discard" so that they recieve special treatment at the hands of the routers. What I want to know is, who's going to have control over these header flags? Can I make all Web server's transmitted packets "Top Priority/Do Not Discard," or is this just another way for big-name commercial web sites (e.g. those using streaming audio) to take more control of the net and force other user's packets into digital heaven? "

2 of 8 comments (clear)

  1. IPv6 / QoS / Policy based routing by velkro · · Score: 2

    From what I know, it will work similar to this:

    ISPs will have control over QoS within thier own networks. So when a packet from ISP 1 goes thru ISP 2's network, ISP 2's routers strip the QoS tagging done by ISP 1, and put ISP 2's QoS information in the header.

    If I remember right, this can be done on both a source & destination basis, so transit ISP's will probably set the priority high on traffic originating / terminating within thier networks. As least I know I would.

    Now, this doesn't stop ISP 1 from paying ISP 2 extra cash to give them a higher priority - but then again - we need something left open to conspiracy theorys...

  2. IPv6 and Quality of Service by PatJensen · · Score: 2
    The new functionality that this provides will alllow for Quality of Service changes across your network, and your providers level at a more granular level.

    Today, with IPv4, we have different types of queueing in place to ensure our data arrives safely. However, using router features like custom queueing can take a large amount of processing power to make sure that certain traffic is permitted, and certain traffic is dropped.

    Using the new IPv6 features, the router can automatically flag entering and exiting packets inside of your network with whatever priority your routing policy allows. For instance, Voice-over-IP packets can be routed first, giving less latency and better quality in your calls.

    This can bring about various changes at the NSPs, but is least likely to be bad for the consumer and as IPv6 starts making inroads .. I believe this functionality will ensure your packets will arrive quick and intact.