Which DSCP value is commonly recommended for real-time voice traffic?

Which DSCP value is commonly recommended for real-time voice traffic?

• A. CS0
• B. AF41
• C. CS5
• D. EF (Expedited Forwarding)

Answer: (D)

Real-time voice traffic needs minimal delay, jitter, and loss. To make that happen, critical packets must move through the network with the highest priority. Expedited Forwarding marks VoIP packets to be treated with the strictest forwarding priority, enabling low-latency, low-jitter paths through devices that support QoS. This means voice packets are moved ahead of most other traffic, reducing queuing delays and improving call quality. The other DSCP values provide lower or non-guaranteed levels of service and are not designed to offer the same predictable, fast handling that voice requires. Marking voice with Expedited Forwarding is the standard approach to ensure consistent, high-quality real-time communication across the network.

Real-time voice traffic needs minimal delay, jitter, and loss. To make that happen, critical packets must move through the network with the highest priority. Expedited Forwarding marks VoIP packets to be treated with the strictest forwarding priority, enabling low-latency, low-jitter paths through devices that support QoS. This means voice packets are moved ahead of most other traffic, reducing queuing delays and improving call quality. The other DSCP values provide lower or non-guaranteed levels of service and are not designed to offer the same predictable, fast handling that voice requires. Marking voice with Expedited Forwarding is the standard approach to ensure consistent, high-quality real-time communication across the network.