Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router or firewall prioritise important traffic (like VoIP calls and video conferencing) over less critical traffic (like software updates and social media). Without QoS, all traffic is treated equally, and whoever uses the most wins.
Step 1: Configure Quality of Service
Set traffic priorities on your network equipment.
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Access Router QoS Settings
Log into your router or firewall admin panel
Navigate to QoS, Traffic Management, or Bandwidth Control (varies by manufacturer)
Enable QoS (it is disabled by default on most equipment)
Set your total upload and download bandwidth to slightly below your actual speed (e.g., 90%)
Setting slightly below actual prevents the connection from becoming fully saturated
Full saturation causes latency spikes that affect all traffic including high-priority
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Define Priority Levels
Highest priority (guaranteed bandwidth): VoIP phone calls, video conferencing (Teams, Zoom)
High priority: Business-critical applications: CRM, ERP, email, cloud file access
Normal priority: General web browsing and internet access
Low priority: Software updates, cloud backups, large downloads
Lowest/Blocked: Social media streaming, gaming, torrents (during business hours)
Apply rules by application, port number, destination IP, or source device
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Implementation Methods
Port-based QoS: Prioritise by port numbers (5060-5061 for SIP/VoIP, 443 for HTTPS)
Application-based QoS: Identify and prioritise specific applications (requires DPI-capable firewall)
Device-based QoS: Give priority to specific devices like VoIP phones and executive workstations
DSCP marking: Tag packets at the source for consistent QoS across network hops
Bandwidth reservation: Reserve minimum bandwidth for critical services
Bandwidth limits: Cap maximum bandwidth for non-essential services
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Test and Verify
Run speed tests while QoS is active to verify priority is working
Test a VoIP call while someone else downloads a large file, call quality should remain clear
Use tools like PingPlotter to monitor latency and jitter during peak usage
Compare before and after QoS: measure VoIP quality, video call stability
Adjust priorities based on real-world testing results
Re-test after any network changes or bandwidth upgrades
Step 2: Monitor Bandwidth Usage
Identify who and what is consuming your bandwidth.
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Track Usage Per Device
Use router statistics to see bandwidth consumption per device
Tools like PRTG, GlassWire, or ntopng provide detailed breakdowns
Identify bandwidth hogs: Which devices or users consume the most?
Monitor by time of day to find peak usage periods
Track trends over weeks to predict when upgrades will be needed
Watch for unexpected bandwidth consumers (possible malware or unauthorised devices)
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Schedule Heavy Tasks
Set Windows Update group policies to download during off-peak hours (e.g., 10pm-6am)
Schedule cloud backups for overnight or early morning
Defer large software deployments to outside business hours
Use WSUS or Intune to control when updates are distributed
Schedule antivirus definition updates for non-peak times
Stagger large cloud sync operations across the team
Step 3: Create a Fair Usage Policy
Set clear expectations with your team.
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Policy Contents
Define acceptable use of business internet during work hours
Specify any sites or services that are restricted or blocked
Clarify guidelines for personal internet use (if permitted)
Explain the reasoning: fair bandwidth ensures productive work for everyone
Include consequences for excessive personal use during business hours
Note that internet usage may be monitored for network management purposes
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Communicate and Enforce
Share the policy during onboarding and annually at review time