Apparatus, method, and software for limiting session rates in a computer network

A software program contained on a computer readable medium for controlling a number of sessions established on a communication network, wherein the software program includes instructions to instruct a controller to perform a routine comprising:

• (a) inputting at least a first data packet transmitted on the communication network;
• (b) determining a new session corresponding to the at least the first data packet, wherein the new session is requested by at least a first user and wherein the at least the first user has an account authorizing the at least the first user to establish sessions on the communication network;
• (c) determining if a creation of the new session would exceed a permitted usage of the communication network, wherein the permitted usage corresponds to the account;
• (d) if the creation of the new session would exceed the permitted usage, preventing the new session from being created;
• and
• (e) if the creation of the new session would not exceed the permitted usage, allowing the new session to be created.

A system for controlling a number of sessions established on a communication network, comprising:

• an interface that inputs at least a first data packet transmitted on the communication network;
• and
• a controller that receives the at least the first data packet, wherein the controller determines a new session corresponding to the at least the first data packet,
• wherein the new session is requested by at least a first user and wherein the at least the first user has an account, which is at least indirectly set up with the controller and which authorizes the at least the first user to establish sessions on the communication network,
• wherein the controller determines if a creation of the new session would exceed a permitted usage of the communication network, wherein the permitted usage corresponds to the account,
• wherein, if the creation of the new session would exceed the permitted usage, the controller prevents the new session from being created, and
• wherein, if the creation of the new session would not exceed the permitted usage, the controller allows the new session to be created.