A system and method for prioritizing sets of information transmitted
across a network. The priority of a set of information determines the
order in which it is transmitted and other characteristics associated
with the set of information, such as connection reliability. In one
embodiment, the set of information is a packet, and the packet is
prioritized upon receipt by an intermediary network computer. The
intermediary transmits packets based on the priority associated with each
packet. Priority information includes priority parameters, priority
values, parameter valuation information, and weighting algorithms.
Priority parameter types and values are based on attributes associated
with a set of information, such as user identification and requested
content. Priority types and values, which are based on priority parameter
types and values, determine a component of the priority associated with a
set of information. Parameter valuation information associates priority
parameters with priority values. Weighting algorithms are used to
determine a priority based on one or more priority values.