How to Configure QoS Tagging in UniFi Networks

Have you ever wondered why your Zoom call gets choppy the moment someone in your house starts streaming a 4K video? It’s not magic—it’s bandwidth competition. The solution? Quality of Service (QoS) tagging. This feature gives you the power to decide which network traffic gets "VIP access" to your bandwidth.

QoS tagging is a method of prioritizing certain network traffic to ensure smooth streaming, crisp VoIP calls, and lag-free gaming. Without QoS, all traffic is treated equally. With QoS, you can make sure that your important work video call gets priority over your roommate’s YouTube binge session.

Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents

• What is QoS tagging?
• How does QoS work in UniFi networks?
• Benefits of QoS tagging in UniFi
• How to configure QoS tagging in UniFi
  • 1. Log in to UniFi Controller
  • 2. Enable QoS for a network
  • 3. Set traffic prioritization rules
  • 4. Prioritize Ethernet ports (for VoIP phones and switches)
  • 5. Apply DSCP tags
• Example QoS configurations
• Pro Tips for QoS success
• Troubleshooting QoS issues
• Why use QoS on UniFi?
• Final Thoughts

What is QoS tagging?

QoS tagging is a way to label network traffic with a "priority tag." This tag tells UniFi devices (like routers, switches, and access points) how important that traffic is. Devices that support QoS, such as UniFi switches and access points, then give higher-priority traffic faster access to the network.

The tags used in QoS are called DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) tags. Think of it like boarding a plane. Priority passengers (like first-class and business) board first. DSCP tags do something similar with network traffic. They allow time-sensitive services like VoIP, video conferencing, and gaming to jump the queue.

Example Use Case: You want your Zoom calls to always have a higher priority than Netflix. QoS allows you to "tag" Zoom traffic with higher priority than streaming services, ensuring clear calls even when someone is watching 4K Netflix in the next room.

How does QoS work in UniFi networks?

UniFi networks use a combination of DSCP tags, VLANs, and prioritization rules to manage QoS. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. DSCP Tagging: This tag identifies priority traffic (like VoIP, video, or gaming) and tells switches and routers to prioritize it.

2. Port Prioritization: You can prioritize an Ethernet port directly on UniFi switches. Useful if you have a VoIP phone plugged directly into a switch.

3. Traffic Rules: You can also create traffic rules to prioritize apps, devices, or entire networks (like VLANs).

With QoS, UniFi can detect and prioritize specific apps like Zoom, Teams, or Skype. It can also prioritize entire devices, like your work laptop, or set priorities for specific types of traffic (like gaming or video calls).

Benefits of QoS tagging in UniFi

1. Clearer video calls: Prioritize video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams.

2. Smoother gaming: Reduce ping and lag during online games.

3. Less buffering for streams: Prioritize 4K streams from Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.

4. More efficient bandwidth use: Instead of treating all traffic equally, give important traffic the speed it needs.

How to configure QoS tagging in UniFi

This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to configure QoS tagging in UniFi.

1. Log in to UniFi Controller

1. Log in to your UniFi Controller (self-hosted or via UniHosted).
2. Once inside, go to Settings (gear icon on the left sidebar).
3. From the menu, select Networks.

If you don’t have a UniFi Controller, consider using a cloud-hosted service like UniHosted, which lets you manage your UniFi network from anywhere.

2. Enable QoS for a network

1. Select an existing network or Create New Network.
2. Scroll to the Advanced Options section.
3. Look for the QoS Priority option and toggle it on.
4. Save changes.

This simple change tells UniFi to enable QoS tagging for that network.

3. Set traffic prioritization rules

Here’s where things get more interesting. Now, you’ll create specific rules for traffic types, devices, or applications.

1. Go to Settings > Traffic Management.
2. Click Create New Rule.
3. Select the match type:
   • By IP address (e.g., prioritize your work laptop).
   • By port (e.g., prioritize traffic on port 5060 for VoIP calls).
   • By application (e.g., prioritize Zoom, Teams, or Skype).
4. Set the priority: Choose between Low, Medium, High, or Critical priority.
5. Save changes.

4. Prioritize Ethernet ports (for VoIP phones and switches)

If you have a UniFi switch, you can prioritize individual Ethernet ports. This is useful if you have a VoIP phone plugged directly into the switch.

1. Go to Devices and select the UniFi switch.
2. Click the Ports tab.
3. Select the Ethernet port where your VoIP phone is connected.
4. Edit the port and set Port Priority to High or Critical.

5. Apply DSCP tags

For maximum control, you can set DSCP tags on traffic. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced Features.
2. Click Traffic Management.
3. Create a new rule to match specific traffic.
4. Add the DSCP Tag for your traffic type. Here are a few recommended DSCP tags:
   • EF (DSCP 46): Expedited Forwarding for VoIP.
   • AF41: Assured Forwarding for video traffic.
   • CS0 (DSCP 0): Default for normal traffic.

Example QoS configurations

Here are a few examples to help you get started:

Use Case	Traffic Type	DSCP Tag	Priority
Work from home (VoIP)	Zoom, Teams, VoIP	DSCP 46 (EF)	High
Gaming	Game console traffic	DSCP 46 (EF)	Critical
Streaming	YouTube, Netflix	DSCP AF41	Medium
File downloads	FTP, file sharing	Default	Low

Pro Tips for QoS success

• Don’t prioritize everything: If everything is "priority," then nothing is.

• Check logs: After setting up QoS, monitor traffic to see if it’s working as expected.

• Firmware updates: Some QoS features may only work on newer firmware.

• Separate VLANs: Use VLANs to isolate traffic for better QoS control.

• Use UniFi Insights: View traffic usage to see which devices are hogging bandwidth.

Troubleshooting QoS issues

If QoS isn’t working as expected, try the following fixes:

• Check for firmware updates: Some versions may have bugs.

• Reboot your devices: Reboot UniFi controllers, switches, and access points.

• Verify DSCP tags: Make sure DSCP tags are being applied.

• Check traffic rules: Make sure your prioritization rules don’t conflict.

Why use QoS on UniFi?

With QoS tagging in UniFi, you’re no longer at the mercy of your network. No more dropped calls, no more choppy video, and no more lag. QoS gives you control over your network's bandwidth.

Key benefits:

• No more choppy calls: Prioritize VoIP apps like Zoom or Teams.

• Lag-free gaming: Set Critical priority for gaming devices.

• Smooth video streaming: Prioritize streaming apps for 4K playback.

Final Thoughts

By enabling QoS tagging on your UniFi network, you unlock total control over your bandwidth. Video calls, gaming, and streaming will run without interruption.

If managing a UniFi Controller feels like a hassle, try UniHosted's cloud hosting. It’s the easiest way to run your UniFi network in the cloud with 24/7 access and automated updates.

Learn more at UniHosted. Get peace of mind knowing your UniFi Controller is always online and up to date.

With QoS configured properly, you'll never have to worry about choppy calls or laggy games again. Happy tagging! If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.