Which mode should QoS be set to ensure that the highest priority queue is served first?

Quality of Service (QoS) settings play a crucial role in managing the prioritization of data packets across a network, especially in applications where audio and video streaming require reliable performance. In the context of ensuring that the highest priority queue is served first, the appropriate mode is Strict Priority mode.

Strict Priority mode is designed to guarantee that high-priority traffic is transmitted before any other types of traffic. When implemented, this mode allows packets assigned to the highest priority queue to be processed immediately, regardless of the state of lower priority queues. This is particularly important in audio networking systems like Dante, where the timely delivery of audio packets is critical for avoiding latency and dropouts. In scenarios with multiple data streams, the use of Strict Priority mode ensures that time-sensitive audio data takes precedence, effectively maintaining the quality of audio transmission.

The other options, such as Round Robin mode and Equal Share mode, allocate bandwidth and processing time more equitably among the queues, which may lead to delays in high-priority traffic being transmitted. Dynamic mode may adjust settings based on network conditions but does not inherently prioritize traffic in the same way that Strict Priority mode does. Thus, the best choice for ensuring that the highest priority queue is consistently served first is Strict Priority mode.