Patent ID: 6233618
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
A network device for controlling access by clients on a private network to a data file stored at servers in a public network, the network device being interconnected between the private and public networks, the network device comprising:a first interface receiving a request from a client on the private network to access a data file stored at servers on the public network;an access control processor coupled to first interface, the access control processor analyzing data in the request from the client and determining if the request should be forwarded to the public network for processing by a server to which it is destined, the determination being made by cross referencing resource identifier information in the request with access control data in at least one access control database, the access control data containing categorized resource identifier information the categorized resource identifier information specifying a content subject matter category to which the data file is assigned, and the categorized resource identifier information associated with each data file being assigned by prior human interpretation of the content in the data file, and then, as a result of such human interpretation, determining a subject matter category to which the data file is to be assigned, the data file stored at the servers on the public network;a second interface coupled between the first interface and the public network and coupled to the access control processor, the second interface forwarding the requests from the first interface to the servers on the public network if the access control processor determines the request should be forwarded to the public network for processing by a server to which it is destined; andmeans permitting a network administrator of the public network to control the operation of the network device.