Estimation of available user data rate in a communications channel

According to an aspect, a method for estimating available user data rate in a communications channel is provided. Node weight selection parameters are monitored by a resource manager executing on a node in communication with neighbor nodes. Neighbor node weight selection parameters are analyzed by the node. The node determines whether a change to a node weight or a neighbor node weight is needed to balance the available user data rate. The available user data rate is estimated for the node and the node weight is predictively adjusted as needed. The available user data rate is estimated for one or more of the neighbor nodes and an estimate of the neighbor node weight is generated as needed. A scheduler for the communications channel is updated based on the node weight and the estimate of the neighbor node weight.