A network application may transmit data over a network connection. The application may require certain functionality for the network connection. An embodiment provides a method for the application to inform the network of its requirement. The application may use a control packet to inform the network of its functionality requirement for the connection it is using. The control packets may be sent to the network at the same time the application is transmitting its data. In an embodiment, a user using the application instructs the network to provide certain functionality using the control packet.