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The token bucket algorithm is a technique for managing the frequency of system events. It keeps track of a bucket of tokens continuously added to at a set rate. These tokens can be viewed as units of capacity or permission that can be used to regulate the frequency at which events take place.
- The token bucket algorithm limits the number of tokens that can be in the bucket at any given time, representing the maximum capacity or permission available to the system.
- Tokens are added to the bucket at a fixed rate over time, starting with an empty bucket.
- When an event occurs, it requests a token from the bucket.
- If a token is available, it is removed from the bucket, allowing the event to occur.
- If no tokens are available, the event is blocked or delayed until a token becomes available.
- After each event, the algorithm checks whether the bucket has exceeded its capacity, and if so, additional tokens are discarded.
- This ensures that the bucket is not too full and the system remains controlled.
