A method and system for controlling the flow of packets within a network node is disclosed. The method comprises receiving packets that are intended for a queue, classifying each of packets into at least one of a plurality of traffic classes and applying class-specific random early detection to each of said packets. The system comprises a classification engine configured to classify packets into one of a plurality of traffic classes, class-specific random early detection (RED) logic configured to apply class-specific RED to each of said packets that have been classified by said classification engine; and a queue for queuing any of said packets that are not dropped in response to application of said class-specific RED.