At a source node, a plurality of packets may be determined for transmission to a destination node in a network comprising a plurality of network nodes. A transmission rate of the plurality of packets from the source node to a neighbor node in the network may be adaptively controlled, based on a determination of a current status of the network by utilizing a plurality of parameters that are estimated via a reinforcement learning routing algorithm. The plurality of parameters include an estimated cost value representing a current cost to transmit the plurality of packets to the destination node via the network. Transmissions from intermediate nodes may also be adaptively deferred based on a determination of a current status of the network by utilizing the plurality of parameters.