A method and a system for controlling a packet passing through a network device are provided. The method includes timestamping the packet with an arrival time when it arrives at the network device, and determining the time the packet spends in the network device. The time spent is calculated by comparing the arrival time stamp and the exit time stamp. Subsequently, the packet is labeled, based on a function of the determined time spent in the network device. The packet can be labeled, to be dropped, suppressed or temporarily stopped. The system for controlling the packet passing through the network device comprises the means for performing the above mentioned steps.