METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESS LEVEL CONTROL IN A METROPOLITAN AERA NETWORK

摘要

Apparatus and method for using an access level portion of an address to control the level of access for subscribers in a metropolitan area network. The address is assigned to the subscriber terminal either dynamically by the network head-end, or is permanently assigned. The network head-end controls which of various services are offered to subscribers based on the access level portion of the address. If a subscriber's identity mandates a different level of access than dictated by the access level portion, an address filter is installed by the network head-end. The invention lends itself to use in an internet protocol based metropolitan area network of the type that makes use of the cable TV system.