The Generic Cell Rate Algorithm (GCRA) is an algorithm that is used in Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks to measure the timing of cells on Virtual Channels (VCs) and or Virtual Paths (VPs) against bandwidth and jitter limits contained in a traffic contract for the VC or VP to which the cells belong. Cells that do not conform may then be re-timed (delayed) in traffic shaping, or dropped or reduced in priority in traffic policing.