# Set send and receive limits independently on an SDN VM adapter

> Which traffic direction should a bandwidth limit constrain on an SDN VM network adapter?

- Canonical URL: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260908-113-set-send-and-receive-limits-independently-on-an-sdn-vm-adapter/
- Publisher: Detection Systems & Engineering (DSE Security)
- Author: DSE Security Editorial Team
- Published: 2026-09-08T18:15:18+00:00
- Modified: 2026-09-08T18:23:26+00:00
- Last reviewed by DSE: 2026-09-08
- Resource type: Guide
- DSE priority: Information
- Topics: IT, Networks & Infrastructure
- Reading time: 1 minutes

## What you need to know

Which traffic direction should a bandwidth limit constrain on an SDN VM network adapter?

## Potentially affected

Administrators applying SDN QoS to virtual-machine network adapters.

## DSE recommendation

Ask the workload owner to specify whether the concern is outbound traffic, inbound traffic, or both.

## Article

## Source facts

Microsoft SDN QoS permits a maximum bandwidth limit on VM traffic in the sending direction, receiving direction, or both. The documented control applies to VMs on traditional VLANs and SDN virtual networks. Microsoft configures the policies through Network Controller PowerShell cmdlets after Network Controller is installed. The source also describes hardware QoS offload for physical adapters that support it. [Microsoft documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/sdn/manage/Configure-QoS-for-Tenant-VM-Network-Adapter).

## Applicability

Identify the VM adapter, network attachment, direction of the contested traffic, and application requirement. Review the physical adapter capabilities and host configuration separately from choosing the requested limit.

## DSE recommendation

Ask the workload owner to specify whether the concern is outbound traffic, inbound traffic, or both. Record separate limits and the reason for each. Choose a controlled competing workload and retain the original policy association before changing the adapter configuration.

## Verification

Measure both send and receive traffic during the approved test, including a competing VM. Compare the observed rates and application response with the chosen directional limits. Inspect the policy attachment on the intended adapter and preserve any unexpected restriction in the opposite direction as an issue to resolve before wider deployment.

## Official references

[Microsoft Learn: Configure Quality of Service (QoS) for a VM network adapter](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/sdn/manage/Configure-QoS-for-Tenant-VM-Network-Adapter). Source reviewed September 8, 2026.

## Primary reference

- Name: Configure Quality of Service (QoS) for a VM network adapter
- Authority: Microsoft Learn
- URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/sdn/manage/Configure-QoS-for-Tenant-VM-Network-Adapter
- Source publication date: Not stated by the source

## Citation and use

Preferred citation: “Set send and receive limits independently on an SDN VM adapter,” DSE Security, https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260908-113-set-send-and-receive-limits-independently-on-an-sdn-vm-adapter/
Publishing principles: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-updates-editorial-methodology/
Usage and citation policy: https://update.dsesecurity.com/usage/
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