A system and method for managing access of one or more active devices through a data network is disclosed. The system comprises a service station operative to communicate with a requesting active device and a router, the active device and router operative to communicate with a data network. Connection management software executes at least partially in the service station to direct the router to control access to a responding active device by the requesting active device based on a detectable state of a predetermined characteristic of the requesting active device, the state being disclosed to the service station upon a request by the service station. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.