Segmented IP backbone network access

A method for controlling service access to a backbone network comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an internet protocol backbone network having a plurality of access points that include traffic control devices, and further providing at least two service classes for the internet protocol backbone network, the service classes distinguished by a level of service, the service classes including at least one lower class that has a lesser demand for a level of service than the other class;
• (b) allowing the users of the network provided in step (a) to select one of the service classes, and further dividing the users into the selected service classes;
• (c) identifying the usage level of the lower service class;
• (d) identifying the usage level of the other class
• (e) comparing the usage level of the lower service class identified in step (c) to the capacity of the backbone network required to provide service to the other class;
• and
• (f) adjusting the traffic control devices at the access points to the backbone network to decrease access of the lower service class to the backbone network to provide sufficient capacity in the network for transport of messages for the other class, the decrease in access occurring only when there is insufficient capacity in the network for transport of messages for the other class.