ctivity between system components and peer platforms. The minimum required configuration is a simple Ethernet LAN segment. In more complex arrangements, the LAN segment provides access to MAN and WAN network facilities and services. If the network facilities are designed and implemented properly, use of any application on the system by any user with network access and user privileges is possible. Most operating systems including LAN interface drivers permit manual or automatic, so-called plug-and-play configuration of the network interface. Microsoft Windows 2000 Workstation and Server and Windows XP Professional workstation include real-time commu- nications client software. If the NIC is capable of being configured for QOS, then end-to-end real-time content transport is possible if it is configured. This is the first step in gaining end-to-end real-time content transport across the network between server platforms. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK Depending on initial size and growth plans, a local ISP may not be the best choice. For example if the requirement is for T1 access to the 3 CONTENT TRANSPORT NETWORK DEFINED Internet, then a local ISP may be appropriate. However, if the re- quirement goes beyond approximately 4 to 6 T1s, then it will make economic sense to use DS3. At this level, getting direct access to a Tier 1 backbone service provider starts to become attractive, economically and operationally. A Tier 1 backbone service provider is the highest and largest in terms of Internet hierarchy and coverage. Examples include AT&T, MCI, and Sprint in the United States. Similar net- works exist in other countries as well. The point is the local ISP arranges for access to these networks and then aggregates traffic and resells the service. Direct access to the Tier 1 network also improves end-to-end performance and avoids finger pointing. Alternatively, the customer can purchase point-to-point private line facilities and connect the routers together in the desired configur- ation. These facilities may range all the 