1 Queue Types Explained

1. Simple Queue

The Simple Queue type is the most basic form of traffic management in MikroTik RouterOS. It allows you to set a maximum rate limit for outgoing traffic on a specific interface. This type of queue is useful for limiting the bandwidth usage of specific applications or users.

For example, if you want to limit the bandwidth for a video streaming application to 1 Mbps, you can create a Simple Queue rule that enforces this limit. This ensures that the video streaming does not consume all the available bandwidth, leaving enough for other critical applications.

Think of Simple Queue as a traffic light that controls the flow of cars on a single lane. It ensures that the number of cars (data packets) does not exceed a certain limit, preventing congestion.

2. FIFO (First In, First Out)

FIFO is a basic queuing method where packets are processed in the order they are received. This type of queue does not prioritize any specific type of traffic but ensures that all packets are processed fairly.

For instance, in a network where all traffic is equally important, using FIFO ensures that no packet is left behind. This is particularly useful in environments where real-time traffic is not a concern, such as in a file transfer network.

Imagine FIFO as a line at a grocery store. Customers (packets) are served in the order they arrive, ensuring fairness and no one is left out.

3. Priority Queue

Priority Queue allows you to assign different priorities to different types of traffic. High-priority traffic is processed before low-priority traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth.

For example, in a corporate network, you might want to prioritize VoIP traffic over web browsing. By creating a Priority Queue rule, you can ensure that voice calls are not interrupted by other less critical traffic.

Think of Priority Queue as a VIP line at an airport. High-priority passengers (critical traffic) are processed first, ensuring they reach their destination on time.

4. Round Robin

Round Robin is a queuing method that alternates between different queues to ensure fair distribution of bandwidth. Each queue is given a turn to send packets, ensuring that no single queue monopolizes the available bandwidth.

For instance, in a network with multiple applications, such as email, web browsing, and file transfers, using Round Robin ensures that each application gets a fair share of the bandwidth. This prevents any single application from overwhelming the network.

Imagine Round Robin as a rotating schedule for a shared resource, like a conference room. Each department (queue) gets a turn to use the room, ensuring fair access.

5. Class-Based Queue

Class-Based Queue allows you to create different classes of traffic and apply specific rules to each class. This provides granular control over how different types of traffic are managed.

For example, you can create a class for VoIP traffic, another for web browsing, and a third for file transfers. Each class can have its own rate limit and priority, ensuring that each type of traffic is managed appropriately.

Think of Class-Based Queue as a multi-lane highway. Each lane (class) has its own speed limit and rules, ensuring that different types of vehicles (traffic) can travel efficiently without interfering with each other.

Understanding these queue types is essential for managing network traffic effectively. By leveraging different queue types in MikroTik RouterOS, you can ensure that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth while preventing less important traffic from overwhelming the network. This knowledge is invaluable for anyone aiming to become a MikroTik Certified Routing Engineer.