Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a general-purpose, multifunction, individually addressable, full-bandwidth bi-directional communication device with built-in Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) capabilities that connects a home or business user with ATM and other switched broadband digital networks in a convenient, adaptable, extensible manner at reasonable cost. The device supports a Document Services Architecture (DSA) and, in particular, supports agent-based communications (including interaction with an Agent Instance Service) to ensure well-behaved communications and fair allocation of network resources among users. The device can be used in a heterogeneous environment and with different types of networks and protocols. The full-bandwidth bi-directional communication and built-in AAA capabilities of the device distinguish it from other "set-top boxes.