Congestion in Data Networks

Congestion is a condition that occurs when the transmitted packet number through a certain network approaches and exceeds the normal packet handling capacity of the network. During congestion, the amount of data in the network is in excess hence the extra data is not processed leading to the processing of the limited data. This congestion causes task delays, lowers productivity as more time is required for a task to be completed and it frustrates the network users (Wanda M).

Quality of service in data networks

Quality of service is the capability of the network to give better services to certain network traffic over different technologies such as Ethernet. The features of the quality of service improves the loss characteristics, supports the guaranteed bandwidth, shapes the network traffic, sets priorities (preferential queuing at the congested interfaces) across the network and manages congestion in the network. In general, quality of service increases the network's overall utility by giving priority to high performance flows (Cisco).

Hardware

The hardware that helps in dealing with congestion and quality of service in data networks is the Cisco QoS toolset. This is a complete hardware system that addresses the various needs of data applications. The system controls the bandwidth, delay, packet loss and jitter (Cisco).

Hardware and software combination for CMG

In the future growth of CMG, a router should be combined with the Cisco IOS XR software. This software helps in the classification of packets.  It also helps in controlling and avoiding congestion when it occurs since the system uses the queuing algorithm to sort the packets and prioritizes it into an output link. In avoiding congestion, this system gives a preferential treatment for the data packets that are considered critical under the situations of congestion and maximizes the network capacity utilization hence reducing delays and data loss. This maximum network utilization will enhance the future growth of CMG (Cisco Systems).