A method for controlling bandwidth allocation of first and second data packet types in a single rate network by determining, by a device, a throughput rate of the first data packet type in the network and reducing, by the device, the throughput rate of the first data packet type when the throughput rate reaches a predetermined level is described. A method for controlling bandwidth allocation of each of a plurality of data packet categories in a multi-rate network by determining, by a device, a throughput rate of one of a plurality of data packet categories/classes (the j th data packet category) and reducing the throughput rate of the j th data packet category when the throughput rate reaches a predetermined level, wherein a maximum bit rate of a data packet category is based on a distance between members of the data packet category and the device and wherein said j th data packet category transmits TCP packets, is described.