ABSTRACT
Network traffic classification refers to grouping network traffic into classes or categories on the basis of whether the traffic matches userdefined criteria. Identifying and categorizing traffic into application classes enables distinct handling for different types of traffic. It is the foundation for applying the appropriate quality-of-service (QoS) feature to that traffic [1,2], such as traffic shaping and traffic policing, enabling the allocation of network resources to deliver optimal performance for traffic. For example, high-priority traffic can be singled out for special handling and, thus, helps achieve peak application performance.
