METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL A CLIENT IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

摘要

A method and apparatus to control a client (110) in a communications network (300) accessed by the client (110) through a service provider (210) independent of a client controller (400), such as an Internet service provider. When the client (110) starts the session, a start session message containing the user identity information is sent from the client (110) to the client controller (400) using the network (300) in accordance with a client control protocol. The client controller (400) can then determine whether the client (110) is authorized to use the network (300) based on the user identity information and, for example, a user database (410). If the client (110) is authorized, a session authorization message is sent to the client (110) authorizing the client (110) to use the network (300) for a predetermined period of time. When the client (110) stops accessing the network (300), the client (110) informs the client controller (400) by sending an end session message. If the client (110) wants to access the network beyond the predetermined period of time, the client (110) sends a continue session message to the client controller (400). If no end session or continue session message is received, the client controller (400) assumes that the client (110) is no longer accessing the network (300) at the end of the predetermined period of time. Other control messages, such as display and download commands, can also be sent from the client controller (400) to the client (110) using the client control protocol.