Quality of Service (QoS) in Meraki

Quality of Service (QoS) in Cisco Meraki is a crucial feature that helps manage network traffic to ensure reliable performance, especially for time-sensitive applications like VoIP and video conferencing. Here’s an overview of how QoS is implemented in Meraki solutions:

Key Features of Meraki QoS

1. Traffic Prioritization:

   • Meraki allows you to prioritize certain types of traffic over others. This is particularly useful for ensuring that voice and video traffic receive higher priority than standard data traffic.

2. Layer 7 Application Visibility:

   • Meraki can identify and classify traffic based on Layer 7 application data, enabling you to apply QoS policies based on specific applications (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) rather than just IP address or port.

3. Traffic Shaping:

   • You can configure traffic shaping rules to limit bandwidth for non-critical applications or to guarantee minimum bandwidth for critical services. This helps to prevent network congestion.

4. Per-Client Bandwidth Limits:

   • You can set bandwidth limits on a per-client basis to prevent any single user or device from consuming too much bandwidth, ensuring fair access for all users.

5. SSIDs with Different Policies:

   • Different SSIDs can have distinct QoS policies. For example, a guest network can have lower priority compared to an internal business network.

6. Automatic QoS Configuration:

   • Meraki simplifies QoS configuration by automatically applying optimal settings for known applications, reducing the need for manual tuning.

Configuring QoS in Meraki

Here’s a basic outline of how to configure QoS settings in the Meraki Dashboard:

1. Access the Dashboard:

   • Log into the Meraki Dashboard and navigate to the network you want to configure.

2. Go to Traffic Shaping:

   • Find the "Traffic shaping" settings under "Wireless" or "Switch" depending on your device.

3. Configure Traffic Shaping Rules:

   • Here, you can create rules based on application categories or specific applications, set bandwidth limits, and prioritize traffic.

4. Set Client Bandwidth Limits:

   • In the "Clients" section, you can view connected clients and apply bandwidth limits as necessary.

5. Review and Apply:

   • After configuring the desired settings, review them and apply the changes. Monitor the network performance to ensure QoS is functioning as expected.

Monitoring QoS

• Traffic Analysis: Use the Meraki Dashboard’s reporting features to analyze traffic patterns and the effectiveness of QoS settings.
• Alerts and Logs: Set up alerts for bandwidth usage and review logs to identify any issues related to QoS.