A deadline-aware network protocol is described. In an example, data transfer at a transport layer entity of a packet-based communication network is controlled by receiving a request for network resources for a data flow from a network element and allocating network resources to the data flow. The data flow comprises a number of data packets associated with an application, and the request comprises a factor relating to a time deadline associated with the application. The network resources allocated depend on the factor relating to the time deadline. In examples, the network resource can be a bandwidth or data rate allocated to the data flow, and the factor can be a data rate sufficient to complete the data flow within the time deadline. In examples, the network resources are allocated greedily, such that requests are fully satisfied whenever possible, and the network resources are fully utilized.