Adjusting connection validating control signals in response to changes in network traffic

A non-transitory machine readable medium storing a program which when executed by at least one processing unit of a first network entity regulates transmission of control signals with a second network entity, the first and second network entities connected by a link, the program comprising sets of instructions for:

• establishing a control signal session on the link with the second network entity, wherein the first network entity receives control signals at an initial rate from the second network entity;
• monitoring a rate of data transmission over the link;
• and
• when the monitored rate of data transmission is above a threshold for a period of time, instructing the second network entity to cease transmission of control signals to the first network entity.

A method for regulating transmission of control signals in a network, the network comprising a link connecting first and second network entities, the method comprising:

• transmitting control signals from the first network entity to the second network entity on the link at an initial control signal rate;
• monitoring a rate of data transmission on the link;
• and
• when the monitored rate of data transmission is above a threshold for a period of time, instructing the first network entity to adjust the control signal rate and transmit the control signals at an adjusted control signal rate.