Congestion adaptive data routing is leveraged to provide a substantial increase in data throughput in networks with data congestion. By continuously adapting the data routes when a congested route is encountered, the data can reach its destination via alternate routes around the congested area. This is accomplished in a distributed manner where each node provides an alternative path to congestion based on its local knowledge and/or knowledge obtained from neighboring nodes. This allows the data path to be dynamically adjusted for congestion without requiring a centralized body of control. In another instance, data rate changes can be combined with data path changes to increase the efficiency of the data throughput. Alternative routes can be determined based upon the costs associated with selecting that route. Selecting a minimum cost route yields the most efficient transfer of data.