Network parameters are tracked in a communication network, particularly in a packet-based IP network. A traffic matrix for the network is regularly ascertained and a blocking probability for traffic subject to an access control is determined from a current traffic matrix. A check determines whether the blocking probability satisfies a criterion for scheduled network operation. If the criterion is not satisfied and/or redetermination for limits used as part of the access controls using the current traffic matrix does not result in a blocking probability satisfying the criterion then the current traffic matrix is used to determine a new link/cost metric for optimizing traffic transport through the network. New values for limits used as part of the access controls are determined based on the new link/cost metric. If the criterion is then satisfied with the limits fixed at the new values, the link weights are configured with the new link/cost metric in the network and the limits are stipulated at the new values.