A CCESS G ATEWAY 3The Subscriber Interface 227The Subscriber InterfaceThis chapter provides an overview of the Access Gateway’s Subscriber Interface and sectionsoutlining the authorization and billing processes, subscriber management modles, and the ICC.OverviewThe Subscriber Interface is the window to the solution provider’s Web site, and much morethan that. When a subscriber accesses the solution provider’s high speed network, the AccessGateway points their browser to a sign-in page. The Access Gateway then creates a databaseentry that automatically records the subscriber’s Media Access Control (MAC) address andintegrates this address with a PMS interface for secure billing. Like a router, the AccessGateway continuously tracks subscriber IP and MAC settings, eliminating the need for furthersign-ins and ensuring that subscriber usage and billing is recorded accurately. The AccessGateway also eliminates configuration issues between the subscriber’s computer and thenetwork.The Subscriber Interface is the portal Web site of the solution provider’s broadband network,and as such, its appearance and functionality reflect the needs of the solution provider. TheAccess Gateway is a gateway to this network, providing connection services that enable andautomate an effective Enterprise relationship between a supplier (the solution provider) and itscustomer (the subscriber). The Access Gateway’s role in this customer/supplier relationship iseffectively “invisible” to subscribers.AGSubscriber GatewaySubscriberBillingBroadband NetworkPortalInternetAAA Module
