Abstract: An apparatus, method and machine readable storage medium, for an authentication server such as a RADIUS server, for authenticating a subscriber are disclosed. The method comprises: receiving at the authentication server, a request message including a plurality of attributes having respective attribute names and respective attribute values; retrieving from a profile storage, an authentication profile object; identifying a plurality of authentication attributes to use for authentication, including a respective associated priority value, from the authentication profile object; extracting attribute values from the request message, corresponding to each authentication attribute; and attempting to authenticate the request message based on each of the extracted attribute value in order of a respective associated priority value until the authentication attempt is successful.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and machine readable storage medium, for an authentication server such as a RADIUS server, for authenticating a subscriber are disclosed. The method comprises: receiving at the authentication server, a request message including a plurality of attributes having respective attribute names and respective attribute values; retrieving from a profile storage, an authentication profile object; identifying a plurality of authentication attributes to use for authentication, including a respective associated priority value, from the authentication profile object; extracting attribute values from the request message, corresponding to each authentication attribute; and attempting to authenticate the request message based on each of the extracted attribute value in order of a respective associated priority value until the authentication attempt is successful.

Abstract: A method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages is disclosed. The method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages includes receiving a RADIUS Access Request message, retrieving customer authentication information having a first and second authenticator value; attempting authentication against the first authenticator value, and in the event that a failure to authenticate occurs, then attempting authentication against the second authenticator value. In the event of a successful authentication against either the first or second authenticator value, a RADIUS Access Accept message is provided. Examples of first and second authenticator values include a UserName and a MAC address. The method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages provides advantages over single authenticator value systems known in the art.

Abstract: A method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages is disclosed. The method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages includes receiving a RADIUS Access Request message, retrieving customer authentication information having a first and second authenticator value; attempting authentication against the first authenticator value, and in the event that a failure to authenticate occurs, then attempting authentication against the second authenticator value. Int the event of a successful authentication against either the first or second authenticator value, a RADIUS Access Accept message is provided. Examples of first and second authenticator values include a UserName and a MAC address. The method for providing multiple authenticator support when responding to RADIUS Access Request messages provides advantages over single authenticator value systems known in the art.

Abstract: A method and system for enforcing metered data usage is disclosed for automatically providing top-ups to a cumulative user data quota. The method for enforcing metered data includes determining cumulative data usage associated to a customer, comparing the cumulated data usage to a quota threshold, and in the event that the cumulated data usage exceeds the threshold, to automatically apply a quota top-up if one is provided for in an associated customer plan. This allows the customer data transfers to continue without requiring manual intervention on the part of the service provider in the event that quota is exceeded. The method and system for enforcing metered data usage also provides for expressing cumulative data usage in terms of a percentage of base quota, thereby facilitating determination if an increase in base quota should be arranged.