Implementing Rate Limiting and Traffic Shaping

Rate limiting provides essential protection against various DDoS attack types. Implement connection rate limits to prevent rapid connection attempts from overwhelming services. Configure per-IP connection limits that allow normal usage while blocking excessive requests. Dynamic rate limiting adjusts thresholds based on current conditions.

Request rate limiting protects application resources from abuse. Limit API calls, search queries, and resource-intensive operations per user or IP address. Implement graduated responses: slow down excessive requests before blocking completely. This approach minimizes impact on legitimate users who temporarily exceed limits.

Bandwidth rate limiting prevents volumetric attacks from consuming all available capacity. Configure quality of service (QoS) rules to prioritize legitimate traffic during congestion. Reserve bandwidth for critical services while limiting non-essential traffic. Implement fair queuing to prevent single sources from monopolizing resources.

Traffic shaping helps identify and mitigate attacks early. Shape traffic patterns to smooth out bursts and identify anomalies. Implement token bucket or leaky bucket algorithms to control traffic flow. Configure burst allowances that accommodate legitimate traffic spikes while limiting sustained floods.