Systems, methods, devices and techniques can be used in networks including resilient packet ring networks and other types of ring topology networks to adjust the flow of data traffic to MAC clients associated with stations on the network. In one example, adjusted fairness rates and/or messages associated with a network communication protocol are used to reduce traffic destined for a particular station and/or a MAC client associated with that station. In another example, station MAC clients or other components implement virtual destination queues and transmit information associated with the rate at which they receive data. The information and queues are used to reduce traffic destined for a particular station and/or a MAC client associated with that station.