A system adapts access to a packet switching network. A dynamic bandwidth adaptation continuously monitors the mean bit rate of a signal source and the loss probability of a connection in the network. A filtering means removes noise from the mean bit rate and loss probabilty. A test means determine whether the values fall within a pre-defined acceptable adaptation region in a mean bit rate, loss probability plane. Triggering means initiate bandwidth adaptation procedures when the values fall outside of the region which in turn, initiate means for acquiring a new connection bandwidth, and determining new parameters for the adaptation mechanism.