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Leaky Bucket Algorithm
Understanding Rate Limiting
The Leaky Bucket Algorithm is a mechanism that helps in controlling the rate at which data packets are transmitted. When it comes to network traffic management, this algorithm plays a critical role in ensuring that the rate of data flow doesn’t exceed the system’s capacity to handle the traffic, which could otherwise lead to network congestion.
Understanding the Leaky Bucket Algorithm
Imagine a bucket with a small hole at the bottom. Water is poured into the bucket at an irregular rate, and due to the hole, it leaks out at a constant rate. This is the principle behind the Leaky Bucket Algorithm.
The algorithm works by analogy, where the bucket represents a fixed bandwidth capacity. Data packets coming from different streams are poured into the bucket, and the packets leak out of the bucket at a constant rate. If the incoming rate exceeds the capacity of the bucket to leak, it means that the incoming rate is more than what the network can handle, and thus, the excess packets are dropped. This helps in controlling the traffic rate to an extent that the network can handle without leading to packet drops due to congestion.
