Abstract: Flow statistics for a buffer that receives data from a plurality of other entities are collected, and an available bandwidth for an interface coupled to an output side of the buffer is determined. From those is determined an arrival rate such that the buffer would not be overloaded. A flow control message is sent to each of the entities that limits aggregate flow from the entities so as not to exceed the arrival rate. One embodiment uses a scaling factor in the flow control messages, the same scaling factor for each entity on any given scheduling interval. An entity receives the flow control message and from it determines an allowed amount CRallowed of packet data units PDUs for that scheduling interval. The lower of CRallowed and an allocation of granted credits CR is used to compute a send rate, which the entity uses as its maximum rate for the interval.