Wireless rate adaptation

A method of adapting wireless transmission rates that includes the steps of determining at least a short-term loss ratio for wireless communication during a window of time, and adapting a transmission rate responsive to at least the short-term loss ratio, a maximum tolerable loss threshold for the communication during the window, and an opportunistic rate increase threshold for the communication during the window. A size of the window, the maximum tolerable loss threshold, and the opportunistic rate increase threshold are responsive to the transmission rate used for the communication. Preferably, the window is re-started if the transmission rate changes. Also, systems, devices, and memories that embody the foregoing.