A subscriber login server is used for managing a subscriber login session.
The login server is associated with a DHCP server for configuring a
premise equipment device and operator-managed device. A subscriber login
client at the premise equipment device securely communicates login
username and password identifiers to the subscriber login server without
using PPP technology. The login server retrieves matching identifiers
from a RADIUS server and authorizes service with messages to the DHCP
server and the CMTS.The login client can emulate a PPP login client so
that a user's interface is similar to a PPPoE client. However, a layer-3
CMTS can be used instead of a layer-2 CMTS. In addition, subscriber
authentication and accounting using RADIUS are preserved, positive
network access control at the CMTS is maintained, and native IP traffic
is routed or switched for maximum performance and QoS treatment.