Definition
Application-aware networking (AAN) is a modern networking approach that allocates network resources to applications based on their requirements and characteristics. It recognizes that different applications have different requirements and gives them priority, bandwidth, and speed accordingly.
How Application-aware Networking Works
- The network recognizes an application and the type of traffic associated with it (e.g., web browsing, or video calls). It then calculates the required latency, bandwidth, and other parameters for the application to perform optimally.
- The network adjusts its settings accordingly to ensure the resource priority is set right. For instance, it may allocate more bandwidth to a video call application and less to the application transferring data in the background.
- Application-aware networking ensures that critical apps are the first to get the necessary resources.
- The network monitors the running applications to find the needed resources and adjusts its settings accordingly.
Uses of Application-aware Networking
- Internet service providers (ISPs): ISPs use application-aware networking to control network performance and speed, especially during peak hours.
- Cloud services: Cloud services use application-aware networking to share resources across the network.
- Telecommunications network: Telcom companies use application-aware networking to deliver better services, especially during peak hours.
- The data centers: Application-aware networking ensures high-priority applications get resources first and helps manage traffic flow.
- Corporate networks: Some corporate networks use application-aware networking to ensure critical applications run smoothly during congestion.