Lync 2013 executable name change can break QoS

A quick note to those with Group Policy-based QoS for Lync/OCS that I thought worthy of a blog post:

The Lync 2013 client executable file name has changed from communicator.exe in OCS and Lync 2010 to Lync.exe.

So, why does this matter – If you are applying QoS DSCP markings on Lync traffic for specific port ranges for communicator.exe (using Policy-Based QoS), you’ll likely find no markings applied to Lync 2013 client traffic. As a result, there is a possibility that call quality can be reduced or other Lync functionality slow due to a lack of traffic prioritisation.

If you’re currently running a hybrid of both clients it would be worthwhile updating these GPO’s to add in the new executable name… or replacing it if you have finished upgrading 🙂 .

-Patrick

Lync GPO's