A network device for managing communications. The network device includes a first counter operable to track CIR tokens. The first counter is operable to increase the CIR tokens at a first rate. The network device also includes a second counter operable to track the EIR tokens. The second counter is operable to increase the EIR tokens at a second rate. The network device also includes logic in communication with the first counter and the second counter. The logic is operable to determine whether there are EIR tokens in response to a determination that there are not CIR tokens. The logic is further operable to command the second counter to decrement the EIR tokens in response to a determination that there are EIR tokens. The logic is further operable to communicate a data unit from the network device through a network in response to decrementing the EIR tokens.