Marking mechanism for controlling consecutive packet loss in ATM networks

An apparatus and method for optimal packet marking to control consecutive packet loss (also called "average packet gap") in a packet buffer. The apparatus and method can be used in a packet switched system having either a single or multiple packet class, as well as at any entry point of the packet switched system, e.g. source buffers, and switching node buffers. It is shown that variations of the disclosed packet marking method are optimal for either minimizing or maximizing the average packet gap.