A system and method for providing for a number of different authentication methods. The system and method can be used in conjunction with a data communications network, where client devices gain access to the data communications network through a network access device. The different authentication methods can allow for authentication based on a physical address for the client device, and can allow for authentication based on a web authentication procedure, and can provide for an authentication method which utilizes a combination of authentication methods which includes authentication based on both the physical address of the client device and based on user credential information.