Method and apparatus for prioritizing packets for use in managing packets in radio access networks

The invention includes a method and apparatus adapted for managing packets within a Radio Access Network (RAN). A method includes receiving a packet within the RAN, determining a packet priority assigned to the packet, and managing the packet within the RAN based on the packet priority of the packet and a condition of the RAN. The packet priority assigned to the packet is based on at least one characteristic of the packet, which is determined based on packet contents of the packet. The at least one characteristic associated with the packet comprises information available at or above the network layer. The packet priority may be assigned to the packet within the RAN and/or outside of the RAN. The management of the packet within the RAN may include managing assignment of RAN resources to the packet (e.g., processor resources, radio resources, and the like), directing an access device to use a proscribed resource allocation, managing scheduling of the packet for transmission over the air interface of the RAN, and the like, as well as various combinations thereof.