Method and apparatus for providing a connection to a data network

Abstract

A local access node, such as a cable television network node, is configured to recognize a subscriber terminal wishing to gain access to a data network. The locals access node obtains subscriber information, including an identification of a data network service provider, from the subscriber terminal. The subscriber information is forwarded to the data network service provider identified by the subscriber information for authentication purposes. If authenticated, the subscriber terminal is connected to the data network via the local access node. Upon termination of the connection, the local access node sends data network connection information to the data network service provider for billing and revenue sharing purposes.

1 . A method for connecting a computer to a data network, comprising: 
 detecting when the computer establishes a connection to the data network;    connecting the computer to an authentication platform;    requesting information from the computer, wherein said requested information identifies a requested Internet Service Provider (ISP) and authentication information;    receiving the requested information from the computer;    authenticating the computer with the requested ISP;    authorizing the computer to connect to the data network;    monitoring a connection time for the computer; and    reporting the connection time to the ISP after the connection is terminated.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the authentication information comprises: 
 a user identification; and  
 a password.  
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said steps of requesting information and authenticating said information are performed by the authentication platform.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said data network is associated with a cable television network.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein multiple users each having unique authentication information access the data network using a single computer.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer is connectable to the data network at different geographical locations.  
     
     
         7 . A system for connecting a computer to a data network, comprising: 
 an authentication platform connected to the computer, wherein the authentication platform determines whether the computer is authorized to connect to the data network, and wherein the authentication platform detects when the computer disconnects from the data network to generate billing information to be provided to an Internet Service Provider selected by the computer.    
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising: 
 a cable modem connected to the computer; and  
 a cable television network node linking the cable modem to the authentication platform.  
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein multiple users each having unique authentication information access the data network using a single computer.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the computer is connectable to the data network at different geographical locations.  
     
     
         11 . A system for connecting a computer to a data network, comprising: 
 means for requesting authentication information from the computer, wherein the requested authentication information includes a designated Internet Service Provider (ISP) and authentication information;    means for authenticating the computer with the designated ISP to determine whether the computer is authorized to be connected to the data network;    means for connecting the computer to the data network when the authenticating means determines that the computer is authorized to be connected to the data network; and    means for monitoring a connection time for the computer and for reporting the connection time to the ISP after the connection is terminated.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the data network is accessed via a cable television network.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the authentication information includes a user identification and a password.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the connection time is reported to the ISP as part of billing information.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein multiple users each having unique authentication information access the data network using a single computer.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the computer is connectable to the data network at different geographical locations.