Using DSCP Marking with Zoom
Differentiated services code point (DSCP) marking tags and classifies data packets so that network components can then determine which types of data traffic will have a higher priority during periods of congestion and when traversing complex network environments.
The following sections describe the available options and recommendations for tagging Zoom audio and video data.
DSCP Overview
If your organization uses DSCP marking, it is recommended that Zoom data is tagged to receive the best user experience possible
Zoom applications are designed with proprietary, adaptive features that optimize audio and video data in real-time allowing for a high-quality, consistent experience on networks with or without a QoS strategy or DSCP marking strategy.
For organizations that do utilize DSCP marking, Zoom data packets should be tagged so that Zoom’s real-time audio and video data is prioritized during times of network congestion, maintaining the best available audio and video collaboration experience.
Your QoS strategy for Zoom products may involve enabling DSCP marking in multiple locations
The following DSCP marking enablement options are provided by Zoom or are native to your legacy video conferencing appliances or network devices. Consider which options best suit your organization’s QoS strategy.
The DSCP marking settings in the Zoom web portal activate the tagging and classification of audio and video data heading outbound from Zoom applications in your account
Zoom account owners and administrators can enable DSCP marking for several Zoom products via settings available in the web portal. See the How to enable DSCP section of our Using QoS DSCP Marking support article for prerequisites and instructions for enabling DSCP and setting specific audio and video values.
The DSCP marking setting in the web portal enables the tagging of outbound audio and video data packets for the following Zoom applications and Zoom-enabled devices.
Zoom Workplace desktop apps for Windows and macOS
Zoom Workplace mobile apps for Android and iOS
Zoom Rooms apps on Windows and macOS computers
Zoom Phone operating on Zoom Workplace desktop and mobile apps
Zoom Phone certified Cisco/Poly/Yealing IP phones
Zoom VDI Plug-ins
Using Group Policy to configure DSCP marking for Windows-based Zoom apps allows admins to set unique audio and video classifications required for specific users or groups
GPO facilitates the customization of Zoom audio, video, and screen sharing data classifications to accommodate higher or lower DSCP service levels for individual users or groups.
For instructions, see the How to set DSCP marking through Group Policy section of our Using QoS DSCP Marking support article.
Some Zoom applications and Zoom-enabled devices may require DSCP marking to be enabled on the device itself or through other network components
The following Zoom products do not support DSCP marking through the available Zoom web portal settings or Group Policy:
H.323/SIP video conferencing devices using the Zoom Conference Room Connector product
Desktop apps installed with a standard installer (macOS) or .exe installer (Windows)
Zoom mobile applications (for iOS and Android)
Zoom Rooms Appliances
Zoom Phone for VDI
H.323/SIP video conferencing devices may have DSCP marking configuration options within the device settings. DSCP marking options may be available on your network components (e.g. - firewalls, routers, or switches) to tag and prioritize Zoom traffic for the above-listed Zoom Workplace apps or Zoom Rooms Certified devices that are not affected by Zoom-provided DSCP marking options.
Tagging Zoom data packets on network components allows for the proper prioritization of Zoom media and signaling throughout your network
Enabling DSCP marking in the Zoom web portal or through Group Policy only activates the tagging of Zoom data packets outbound from Zoom Workplace apps. DSCP tags may not be recognized by other internal network components, and tags can be stripped when traversing the Internet. This could potentially cause Zoom traffic to be a lower priority in your network QoS strategy, which may lead to quality issues.
MSI switches and Plist keys are available to split Zoom audio, video, and screen sharing traffic to individual ports for network-level DSCP marking
By default, all Zoom Workplace apps and Zoom Rooms media and signaling data is combined and transmitted over UDP port 8801. Zoom Workplace desktop and Zoom Rooms apps that are deployed using MSI files or Plist can enable a switch or Plist key to break audio, video, and screen sharing data into the following data ports.
Video: 8801
Screen share: 8802
Audio: 8803
With individual ports— network devices such as firewalls, routers, and other components have finer control when tagging and classifying Zoom media and signaling traffic.
When using DSCP marking, Zoom audio and video data is classified as part of an organization’s multi-class Quality of Service strategy
Many organizations utilize a 4, 8, or 12-class Quality of Service (QoS) strategy with DSCP tagging to ensure consistency in transporting real-time audio, video, data, and control signaling on their network.
The following tables demonstrate the common Zoom DSCP values and which service class they reside within for 4,8, and 12-class QoS strategy models. DSCP values for Zoom traffic can be customized to fit your organization’s prioritization of video and audio communications data.
Suggested Quality of Service Models
4-class QoS model
Service Class
DSCP Name
DSCP Value
Common Zoom data classification
Real-time
EF
46
Zoom audio, Zoom Phone, Zoom Contact Center
CS5
40
Zoom video/screen sharing
Signaling & Control
CS3
24
Transactional Data
AF31
26
Best Effort
DF
0
8-class QoS model
Service Class
DSCP Name
DSCP Value
Common Zoom Classification
Voice
EF
46
Zoom audio, Zoom Phone, Zoom Contact Center
Interactive Video
AF41
34
Zoom video/screen sharing
Streaming Video
AF31
26
Network Control
CS6
48
Signaling
CS3
24
Transactional Data
AF21
18
Best Effort
DF
0
Scavenger
CS1
8
12-class QoS model
Service Class
DSCP Name
DSCP Value
Common Zoom Classification
Voice
EF
46
Zoom audio, Zoom Phone, Zoom Contact Center
Broadcast Video
CS5
40
Zoom video/screen sharing
Real-time Interactive
CS4
32
Multimedia Conferencing
AF41
34
Multimedia Streaming
AF31
26
Network Control
CS6
48
Signaling
CS2
16
OAM
CS2
16
Transactional Data
AF21
18
Bulk Data
AF11
10
Best Effort
DF
0
Scavenger
CS1
8
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