Abstract: An apparatus for managing network access is provided that includes a billing system element operable to receive one or more packets of a communication flow and to communicate with a price server. The price server is operable to receive a query from the billing system element associated with a pricing parameter relating to a data segment to be accessed by an end user associated with the communication flow. The price server is also operable to return a response to the billing system element that includes the pricing parameter relating to the data segment such that the end user can verify the pricing parameter before accessing the data segment.

Abstract: A network is disclosed that includes a first tier of forwarding agents connected to a first tier of network devices. A second tier of forwarding agents is connected to a second tier of network devices. A service manager is configured to receive a packet from one of the forwarding agents; determine the tier of the forwarding agent; and send an instruction to the forwarding agent directing the forwarding agent to forward the packet to a network device connected to the tier of forwarding agents that includes the forwarding agent. filed Jul. 2, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. CISCP519) entitled SENDING INSTRUCTIONS FROM A SERVICE MANAGER TO FORWARDING AGENTS ON A NEED TO KNOW BASIS which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes; and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/347,126, filed Jul. 2, 1999 (Attorney Docket No. CISCP520) entitled DISTRIBUTION OF NETWORK SERVICES AMONG MULTIPLE SERVICE MANAGERS WITHOUT CLIENT INVOLVEMENT, filed Jul.