Minimizing memory accesses for a network implementing differential services over multi-protocol label switching

A method, system and computer program product for translating a type of service field of one protocol into multiple protocols. An ingress router in a DIFFerentiated SERVices network (Diffserv over MPLS network) may determine a type of quality of service, e.g., forward IP packet using best effort. A value referred to as a Per Hope Behavior (PHB) value may be generated based on the identified type of quality of service. The PHB value may be used to index into a table comprising a row of entries with different quality of service values, e.g., DSCP value, EXP value, corresponding to a particular PHB value. Consequently, the PHB value may be used to perform a single memory access to determine the quality of service values for a plurality of protocols where the quality of service values corresponds to the identified type of quality of service.