Method for managing network connections

A method for managing network connections connected through a network device, the network device storing a connection-tracking (Conntrack) table where entries of tracked connection data related respectively to the network connections are stored, the method comprising steps of:

• in response to receipt of a request for establishing a new network connection, storing in the Conntrack table an entry of tracked connection data that is related to the new network connection to be established, and updating a current tracked-connection count by adding one thereto, the current tracked-connection count representing a number of entries of tracked connection data that are currently stored in the Conntrack table and that are related respectively to existing network connections connected through the network device;
• determining a priority level of the new network connection according to a data packet transmitted through the new network connection;
• and
• determining whether to output data packets that are received through the new network connection based at least on the current tracked-connection count and the priority level of the new network connection.