the present invention is a directory server for monitoring network access requests , which includes a storage device for storing data items and an identifier associated with a monitoring node for at least a selected data item of the data items ; a communication device for transmitting signals to the monitoring node ; and a processing device , coupled to the storage device and the communication device . the processing device receives a network access request for the selected data item and , responsive to receipt of the request , automatically transmits a signal notifying the monitoring node of the request via the communication device , thereby enabling the monitoring node , e . g ., a third party , to enforce traffic class priorities and access characteristics of the network .