METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE USER IDENTITY AND LIMIT ACCESS TO A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

摘要

A method and apparatus to determine user identity (200) and limit access to a communications network (300). A first message containing user identity information (200) is received from a client computer in accordance with a first protocol. A first network address (310) is determined from the first message. A second message containing an information request is also received from the client in accordance with a second protocol, and a second network address is determined from the second message. The requesting user identity (200) is then determined based on the first network address (310), the user identity information and the second network address. Based on the requesting user identity (200), it can be decided whether to grant the information request. If access is granted, the requested information is retrieved using the communications network.