Remote access of protected internet protocol (ip)-based content over an ip multimedia subsystem (ims)-based network

A service control device for allowing remote access of protected content provided to at least one home network device within a home network from an IMS-based IPTV service provider network, the service control device comprising:

• a controller configured to receive remote access request information from a remote access device located outside of the home network and registered with the home network, wherein the remote access request information includes a request for remote access to the protected content provided to the at least one home network device;
• and
• a memory element coupled to the controller for storing at least a portion of the remote access request information received by the service control device,
• wherein the controller is configured to authorize remote access of the protected content provided to at least one home network device by the remote access device,
• wherein the controller is configured to forward at least a portion of the remote access request information to the home network when the remote access request has been authorized, and
• wherein the remote access request information includes instructions to allow protected content requested by the remote access request to be transmitted from a home network device in the home network to the remote access device.

A computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed on a programmed processor, carry out a method for allowing remote access of protected content provided to at least one home network device within a home network from an IMS-based IPTV service provider network, the computer readable medium comprising:

• instructions for receiving a remote access request for remote access to at least a portion of the protected content from a remote access device registered with the home network, wherein the remote access request is received from a remote location outside of the home network;
• instructions for authorizing remote access by the remote access device of the protected content provided to the home network device;
• and
• instructions for forwarding the remote access request to the home network when the remote access request has been authorized,
• wherein the remote access request includes instructions to allow protected content requested by the remote access request to be transmitted from a home network device in the home network to the remote access device, and
• wherein the remote access request includes instructions to allow key exchanges between the home network and the remote access device that permit the remote access device to decrypt content encrypted and transmitted from the home network device to the remote access device.