Patent ID: 7301905

Claim:
A method for controlling overload in a telecommunications system having a maximum traffic load handling capability, wherein the traffic load includes at least first and second classes of traffic moving at first and second rates, respectively, the method comprising: determining whether the traffic load exceeds a first threshold, wherein the first threshold represents an overload of the first class of traffic; altering at least the first rate if the traffic load exceeds the first threshold; determining whether the traffic load exceeds a second threshold, wherein the second threshold represents an overload of the second class of traffic; altering at least the second rate if the traffic load exceeds the second threshold, so that overload occurring to the first and second classes of traffic can be separately controlled; setting a first timer if the traffic load exceeds the first threshold; and setting a second timer if the traffic load exceeds the second threshold, wherein the first and second timers are operable to prevent the system from oscillating between an overload state and a non-overload state; wherein the first and second traffic classes further comprise mixed traffic types.