This is a tunable multiplier the NRTS processor applies to a new circuit's Minimum and Peak Cell Rate values to compute that circuit's Initial Cell Rate when it starts transmitting. Because the Initial Cell Rate determines how aggressively a new ABR or NRT circuit ramps up before rate feedback kicks in, adjusting this factor changes how quickly newly active circuits reach their operating rate, trading faster ramp-up against a higher risk of an initial burst contributing to congestion. For example, an admin lowers cardNrtsIcrFact to make newly activated circuits start more conservatively, reducing the chance of a burst of new connections briefly overwhelming a congested link.