How does QoS traffic shaping alleviate network congestion?

Question

Options

• AIt drops packets when traffic exceeds a certain bitrate.
• BIt buffers and queue packets above the committed rate.
• CIt fragments large packets and queues them for delivery.
• DIt drops packets randomly from lower priority queues.

• B
  88% (22)
• C
  8% (2)
• D
  4% (1)

Explanation

QoS Traffic Shaping – Explanation

Traffic shaping alleviates congestion by buffering and queuing packets that exceed the committed (agreed-upon) rate, then releasing them in a controlled, smooth flow rather than discarding them - this is exactly what option B describes. Option A describes traffic policing, not shaping; policing enforces limits by dropping excess packets rather than delaying them. Option C describes packet fragmentation, which is a separate mechanism unrelated to traffic shaping's core function. Option D describes a random early detection (RED) or weighted RED technique used in congestion avoidance, not traffic shaping.

Memory Tip: Think of traffic shaping as a "shape up or wait" policy - excess packets don't get dropped, they get held in a buffer and sent later at the allowed rate, smoothing out traffic bursts like water flowing through a controlled valve. If packets are dropped, think policing; if packets are delayed/queued, think shaping.

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