Method and apparatus for offering preferred transport within a broadband subscriber network

[0055]In one embodiment, the present invention provides a marking, also herein interchangeably referred to as a content tag, which is associated with content traveling across a network. The content tag provides information, for example, concerning the format, origin, client application, type, or class of the content.

[0056]In one embodiment, the present invention allows a network access operator—such as, for example, a DSL carrier, an MSO, an ISP, or WISP or any broadband or public or private network access provider—to verify, authenticate and offer differentiated service for content transmissions that are marked at an earlier point in distribution, for example, by associating them with a marking or content tag. That earlier point can be at the time of content creation, origination of transmission by a content server or peer client application, or at a midway transmission or distribution point. The marking or content tag can be associated with a piece of content regardless of the form o