An example method for altering a transmission rate of a networking device. The example method comprises transmitting a first set of packets using first transmission characteristics represented by a first state of a finite state machine. The example method further comprises receiving information including a success status of transmission of the first set of packets. The example method also comprises updating, based on the received information, a weight of a first edge of the finite state machine, the first edge corresponding to a transition from a state representing prior transmission characteristics to the first state.