Method and apparatus for providing access of a client to a content provider server under control of a resource locator server

摘要

A method provides client access to a content provider server under resource locator server control. The client connects to a network through a computer and accesses the resource locator server. The locator server provides to the computer a resource locator. The resource locator contains a digital signature representative of a right granted by the locator server to the client. The signature is computed based on a unique computer characteristic or on the computer connection to the network. The client computer accesses the provider server using the resource locator. The provider server checks the digital signature for the client connection to the network, and allows the client to access content according to the result of the checking. Further included are resource locator servers, content provider servers and computer program products are provided to implement this method. The processes avoid or makes very difficult link hijacking by the client.