Description: Rate limiting is the process of controlling the amount of traffic sent or received by a network interface. This mechanism is fundamental for managing resource usage in networks and systems, ensuring they are not overloaded and maintaining optimal performance. Rate limiting can be implemented at the hardware or software level and is used to regulate data flow, preventing congestion and ensuring that all users or applications have equitable access to available resources. Additionally, it allows prioritization of certain types of traffic, which is crucial in environments where different service levels are managed. The main features of rate limiting include the ability to set limits on the amount of data that can be sent or received in a specific period, as well as the possibility of applying differentiated policies based on the type of traffic or the source/destination of the data. This approach not only improves network efficiency but also contributes to security by preventing denial-of-service (DoS) attacks that aim to saturate a system’s resources.
