Abstract: A mediation server assigns customized “plug-ins” to particular network access servers (NAS) that allow a service provider application to use a single interface to communicate with multiple types of NASs. Vendor specific details of NAS transaction processing are hidden in the customized plug-ins implementations in which a service provider application has no knowledge of such transaction processing information. The mediation server extracts a user identifier from a call request, and uses the user identifier to select a mediation handler plug-in. The mediation server then uses the mediation handler plug-in to communicate with a particular NAS. In addition, a RADIUS server uses a NAS identifier to assign a RADIUS handler plug-in to a NAS session, and uses the assigned RADIUS handler plug-in to communicate with the NAS.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a resource over a content-specific session is provided. A client requests a resource from a service provider, such as an ISP. The service provider provisions the order and records the order in a data store. A service login identifier is created with attributes, such as bandwidth, that correspond to the requested resource, such as a movie or network accessible storage. The client logs into the service provider using the service login identifier and the client's normal password. The service login is authenticated and a session is established using the attributes that correspond to the requested resource. The client is directed to the requested resource by using a resource URL that was provided by the service provider, such as a URL to a requested movie or network accessible storage.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying a resource over a content-specific session is provided. A client requests a resource from a service provider, such as an ISP. The service provider provisions the order and records the order in a data store. A service login identifier is created with attributes, such as bandwidth, that correspond to the requested resource, such as a movie or network accessible storage. The client logs into the service provider using the service login identifier and the client's normal password. The service login is authenticated and a session is established using the attributes that correspond to the requested resource. The client is directed to the requested resource by using a resource URL that was provided by the service provider, such as a URL to a requested movie or network accessible storage.

Abstract: A management system for local area networks ensures selected levels of quality of service to all transmission requests submitted to the management system. This management system is attached to the network and receives requests from all other stations on the network to reserve facilities for a particular quality of service data stream. An allocator in the management system determines if the requested facilities are available and, if so, reserves these facilities for the requesting station. If the facilities are not available, the request is denied. A hierarchical data base containing all of the current parameters of all of the network resources and all of the currently supported data streams is used to support the allocation process.