A controller for using a first data item transmitted via a network to generate a second data item for controlling an entity to be controlled over the network, wherein the controller is characterized in being provided with: an adjustment unit for adjusting, with respect to the maximum delay time permissible on the network, the time by which generation of the second data item is started using the first data item after the first data item has been received; and a delay compensation unit, designed using a model of the entity to be controlled and the maximum delay time permissible on the network, for compensating for the delay of the first and second data items that can be generated using the network.