Reserved flow is a network management technique in which a specific amount of bandwidth or resources is allocated exclusively for a particular type of traffic, application, or service to ensure reliable performance and Quality of Service (QoS).
Reserved flows are integral to network performance, particularly in environments where demand for bandwidth is high and varied. By earmarking resources, network administrators can guarantee that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and performance metrics such as latency and jitter remain within acceptable parameters.
For instance, in a corporate network, a reserved flow might be set up for video conferencing to ensure that calls remain clear and uninterrupted, even if the network experiences high traffic loads. This is achieved through technologies like Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) or Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), which create a dedicated path across the network infrastructure for the reserved traffic.
Reserved flows can be static, with a fixed amount of resources allocated permanently, or dynamic, where the reservation adapts to the current network conditions and traffic requirements. Dynamic reservations are particularly useful for fluctuating network demands, allowing for more efficient use of resources while still delivering the required service levels.
While reserved flows are beneficial for maintaining QoS, they must be managed carefully to avoid excessive resource allocation that could lead to inefficiencies. Additionally, in multi-tenant network environments, security measures must be in place to ensure that reserved flows are protected and isolated from other traffic to prevent unauthorized access and potential interference.