Data processing system and method for prohibiting unauthorized modification of transmission priority levels

Abstract

A data processing system and method are disclosed for prohibiting an unauthorized user from modifying a priority level associated with a client computer system. The priority level is utilized by a client computer system during transmission of the client's data over a network. One of a plurality of priority levels is associated with the client computer system. The plurality of priority levels includes a higher priority level and a lower priority level. The client computer system associates the priority level with the data transmitted by the client computer system over the network. The data associated with the higher priority level is typically transmitted prior to data associated with the lower priority level. In response to an attempt to modify the associated priority level, the client determines whether the attempt is being made by an approved user. In response to a determination that the attempt is not being made by an approved user, the attempted modification of the priority level is prohibited. In another embodiment, a priority level may be associated with each class of data. When the client computer system transmits a packet, the client determines which class of data is included in the packet. The priority level associated with that class is then associated with the packet including that class of data. The client, then, transmits the packet which is associated with one of the priority levels.