The type of algorithm used by this dropper. A value of tailDrop(2) or headDrop(3) represents an algorithm that is completely specified by this MIB. A value of other(1) requires further specification in some other MIB module.

The tailDrop(2) algorithm is described as follows: diffServAlgDropQThreshold represents the depth of the queue diffServAlgDropQMeasure at which all newly arriving packets will be dropped.

The headDrop(3) algorithm is described as follows: if a packet arrives when the current depth of the queue diffServAlgDropQMeasure is at diffServAlgDropQThreshold, packets currently at the head of the queue are dropped to make room for the new packet to be enqueued at the tail of the queue.

The randomDrop(4) algorithm is described as follows: on packet arrival, an algorithm is executed which may randomly drop the packet, or drop other packet(s) from the queue in its place. The specifics of the algorithm may be proprietary. For this algorithm, an associated diffServRandomDropEntry is indicated by pointing diffServAlgDropSpecific at the diffServRandomDropTable. The relevant entry in that table is selected by the common indexing of the two tables. For this algorithm, diffServAlgQThreshold is understood to be the absolute maximum size of the queue and additional parameters are described in diffServRandomDropTable.