A system and method of managing network connections using a link policy is disclosed. In one form, a network link management system can include a link control logic module operable to alter a first link data rate of a first link operable to communicate network traffic. The network link management system can also include a link manager coupled to the link control logic module. In one form, the link manager can be configured to initiate altering the first link data rate to a second link data rate value in response to a first link rate policy entry of the first link. The network link management system can also include a link rate policy accessible to the link manager and operable to store the link rate policy entry of the first link.