Re: BCP regarding TOS transparancy for internet traffic

[Sean Donelan <sean () donelan com>]

On Wed, 25 May 2005, Eric A. Hall wrote:
> If they don't need or want special handling what are they paying for? But
> since they are paying for it, perhaps its up to you to figure out how to
> deliver on your promise.

If existing software applications only set the DSCP values when the user
asked, it wouldn't be as much of a problem.  However some software
programmers gratuitously set DSCP/TOS values even when the user didn't
want it.

If you drop packets from unauthorized DSCP/TOS users you will break many
applications for users which are unable to change the behaivor of their
application.

On the other hand, if you clear DSCP/TOS bits from unauthorized users
you will continue to provide basic service for those users.

Which is better?

        Dropping the packets with unauthorized DSCP/TOS bits?
        Forwarding the packets with cleared DSCP/TOS bits?