Abstract: Interaction with a computer network is facilitated or restricted based on a tangible token, such as a small card or disk, a small everyday article, a toy, or a product container. The token comprises a machine-readable indication, or “tag,” that identifies the token and which may be wirelessly read by a tag reader. The tag reader communicates the identifier to a computer connected to the network as a node. The computer, in response, determines and implements a network-access criterion based on the token. Generally, the computer maintains a database relating token identifiers to associated network-access criteria, and consults the database when presented with an identifier. The access criterion specifies information governing interaction between the computer and the network, and can serve to initiate connections or restrict them.