A method of transmitting data packets, in particular a real-time or near-real-time data over an internet protocol (IP) network using a real-time protocol (RTP) for media data packets and a real-time control protocol (RTCP) for control data packets. Each protocol is allocated a fraction of the available transmission bandwidth. The method comprises the steps of determining the needed RTCP bandwidth based on known link parameters for an individual media session, transmitting control data packets using the needed RTCP bandwidth and transmitting media data packets using the remainder of the available bandwidth.