Abstract: In an embodiment, header information of messages is altered to specify a window within which to receive information, so that the messages sent by a remote device will be sent at a rate that a network can receive messages. The sending of acknowledgements of messages are paced to control window growth. Bandwidth is allocated to a plurality of flows such that the satisfied flows require less bandwidth than an amount of bandwidth allocated to each unsatisfied flow.

Abstract: A machine, such as a router (or other network appliance capable of filtering incoming packets), determines whether a packet is from a location that is likely to be capable of establishing an acceptable connection quality. If it is determined that an acceptable connection quality is unlikely to be obtained, the machine blocks the packet so that the connection is not established. If it is determined that the acceptable connection quality is likely to be obtained, the packet is received and the connection is allowed. As a consequence of blocking packets from locations that are expected to have a poor connection, connections are not established with servers that will provide poor service and a poor user experience.