Abstract: A method for assigning a priority level to a stream by a network element in a communications network, where the network element has a plurality of communications ports is disclosed. The method includes monitoring at least one of the ports for at least one stream being communicated between a first user agent and a second user agent during a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) communication session. The SIP communication session includes a plurality of SIP packets. The network element captures at least one SIP packet of the plurality of SIP packets and extracts information from the at least one captured SIP packet to determine a service type of the at least one stream. The network element assigns a priority level to the at least one stream based on the service type and according to a policy that defines priority levels for streams according to a plurality of service types.