Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of a computer network to deliver data traffic with predictable and reliable performance. It ensures that critical applications, such as multimedia communication, receive the necessary network resources to function effectively.
In multimedia communication, QoS is crucial because it supports applications like video streaming, voice calls, and online gaming, which require consistent bandwidth, minimal delay, low jitter, and low packet loss. Without QoS, these applications may experience interruptions, poor quality, or delays, which can significantly degrade user experience. QoS mechanisms prioritize multimedia traffic, allocate resources efficiently, and maintain performance standards, ensuring smooth and reliable communication.