1. A method of establishing a rate-adaptation domain in a packet network having a plurality of connected network nodes not providing rate adaptation, the method comprising the steps of: partitioning said plurality of connected network nodes into subdomains, each subdomain having connecting interfaces with at least one other subdomain; identifying those rate independent connecting interfaces among said connecting interfaces wherein the integrity of the data transfers through said connecting interfaces is preserved independent of the operating states of those subdomains connected; identifying at least one subdomain for which all connecting interfaces are rate independent connecting interfaces; and operating said at least one subdomain as a rate independent subdomain.