The token bucket algorithm is a technique for managing the frequency of system events. It keeps track of a bucket of tokens continuously added to at a set rate. These tokens can be viewed as units of capacity or permission that can be used to regulate the frequency at which events take place.

• The token bucket algorithm limits the number of tokens that can be in the bucket at any given time, representing the maximum capacity or permission available to the system.
• Tokens are added to the bucket at a fixed rate over time, starting with an empty bucket.
• When an event occurs, it requests a token from the bucket.
• If a token is available, it is removed from the bucket, allowing the event to occur.
• If no tokens are available, the event is blocked or delayed until a token becomes available.
• After each event, the algorithm checks whether the bucket has exceeded its capacity, and if so, additional tokens are discarded.
• This ensures that the bucket is not too full and the system remains controlled.