Network scheduler
arbiter on a node in packet switching communication network
A network scheduler, also called packet scheduler, queueing discipline (qdisc) or queueing algorithm, is an arbiter on a node in a packet switching communication network. It manages the sequence of network packets in the transmit and receive queues of the protocol stack and network interface controller. There are several network schedulers available for the different operating systems, that implement many of the existing network scheduling algorithms.
The network scheduler logic decides which network packet to forward next. The network scheduler is associated with a queuing system, storing the network packets temporarily until they are transmitted. Systems may have a single or multiple queues, in which case each may hold the packets of one flow, classification, or priority.
In some cases, it may not be possible to schedule all transmissions within the constraints of the system. In these cases, the network scheduler is responsible for deciding which traffic to forward and what gets dropped.
Terminology and responsibilities
A network scheduler may have responsibility in implementation of specific network traffic control initiatives. Network traffic control is an umbrella term for all measures aimed at reducing network congestion, latency and packet loss.
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