Abstract: Flow in a data network is policed by determining a measure of greediness of a flow through a node, comparing the measure of greediness with a measure indicative of acceptable greediness dependent on the expected greediness of a compliant flow experiencing substantially similar path conditions, and designating the flow for possible sanction in the event that the greediness is not in accordance with the acceptable greediness. Such allows for the policing of a data network when one or more fields in a data packet that carry information relating to a characterization of an end-to-end path and/or a downstream path of the data packet are used in order to police the data network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for policing flow in a data network by determining a measure of greediness of a flow through a node, comparing said measure of greediness with a measure indicative of acceptable greediness dependent on the expected greediness of a compliant flow experiencing substantially similar path conditions, and designating the flow for possible sanction in the event that the greediness is not in accordance with said acceptable greediness. Such methods and apparatus allow for the policing of a data network wherein one or more fields in a data packet that carry information relating to a characterisation of an end-to-end path and/or a downstream path of said data packet are used in order to police said data network.