Patent ID: 7054946

Claim:
A method for optimizing data transmissions, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a request for routing priority for a transaction, the request being originated by a content provider; identifying a service level available to the content provider; determining a data transmission priority level to which the content provider is entitled, the data transmission priority level is based upon, at least, the identified service level and the request for routing priority; identifying at least a first transmission path accessible by the content provider, wherein the first transmission path includes at least a first network device; enabling a priority data handling feature associated with the at least a first network device; responsive to completion of the transaction associated with the received request, disabling the enabled priority data handling feature; retrieving a configuration record from a central repository of configuration records, the retrieved configuration record being unique to the at least a first network device and the retrieved configuration record including configuration information about the at least a first network device; altering the configuration record to include an indication that the priority data handling feature should be enabled on the at least a first network device; and generating a device-specific command using the altered configuration record; wherein the generated device-specific command is for enabling the priority data handling feature associated with the at least a first network device.