Network per-flow rate limiting

A method of monitoring data flow in a network is provided. The method includes: configuring a data flow including a plurality of data packets by a switch controller, the switch controller configured to control routing through the switch and switch configuration, wherein configuring includes storing an indication of a flow control policy in one or more of the data packets; monitoring a network switch receiving the data flow, wherein monitoring includes determining flow statistics in the switch; determining whether a congestion condition exists for the data flow based on the flow statistics and the flow control policy; and based on determining that the congestion condition exists for the data flow, performing a remedial action specific to the data flow to address the congestion condition.