Switched Ethernet network has a method for assigning priorities to user groups so that a quality of service guarantee can be provided by ensuring that packets for one or more groups are given priority over other groups

摘要

Method has the following steps: hosts (9) are assigned to logical groups, so that hosts communicating with each other are placed in the same group, groups are assigned to a service class for use by switches and data received by switches is forwarded according to the service class of the group from which it originates. If necessary switches can deactivate one or more host groups if necessary to fulfill the onwards transmission requirements of one service class. Independent claims are made for a switch and computer program elements for controlling the switches that allow service classes to be assigned to different logical groups of hosts so that one or more groups can be offered better service levels.