Abstract: User credentials are validated within a network infrastructure element such as a packet data router or switch. The network element has authentication and authorization logic for receiving one or more packets representing an input application message logically associated with OSI network model Layer 5 or above; extracting user credentials from the one or more packets; authenticating an identity associated with the user credentials; authorizing privileges to the identity; and forwarding the application message to an intended destination if the identity is successfully authenticated and/or authorized. The authentication and authorization logic in the network element can invoke extension authentication and authorization methods that may be provisioned after the network element is deployed in a networked system.

Abstract: User credentials are validated within a network infrastructure element such as a packet data router or switch. The network element has authentication and authorization logic for receiving one or more packets representing an input application message logically associated with OSI network model Layer 5 or above; extracting user credentials from the one or more packets; authenticating an identity associated with the user credentials; authorizing privileges to the identity; and forwarding the application message to an intended destination if the identity is successfully authenticated and/or authorized. The authentication and authorization logic in the network element can invoke extension authentication and authorization methods that may be provisioned after the network element is deployed in a networked system.