System and method for adjusting bandwidth based on a time of day profile

1. A method for expanding a data connection, the method comprising:

receiving a first user selection of a first profile from a plurality of profiles, the plurality of profiles being implemented by a network edge device;

implementing the first profile selected by the user;

determining a current time;

increasing bandwidth available to one or more devices of the user through a data connection in response to determining that the first profile allows for the bandwidth increase at the current time; and

receiving a second user selection of a second profile from the plurality of profiles, the second profile being implemented to adjust the bandwidth available to the one or more devices of the user.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of user selections including at least the first user selection and the second user selection occur within a single billing period, the user being charged for bandwidth allocated for the plurality of user selections.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the profile specifies one or more time periods during which the bandwidth increase occurs.

4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

charging the user an additional amount for the bandwidth increase.

5. The method according to claim 4 , further comprising:

receiving the selection of the first profile by the user; and

displaying the additional amount to the user during the first user selection.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the implementing, the determining, the increasing and the receiving are performed by a network device on an edge of a data network.

7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first profile specifies the bandwidth increase and additional charges for an off-peak time and a non-peak time.

8. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

implementing a plurality of bandwidth increases and decreases corresponding to two or more profiles that are compatible being selected by the user.

9. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising:

ending the bandwidth increase in response to determining the first profile calls for an adjustment at the current time.

10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the data connection is an Ethernet connection.

11. A network device for adjusting bandwidth comprising:

a clock configured to determine a current time;

a bandwidth controller operable to determine whether the bandwidth available to a user is to be adjusted based on the current time and a profile, the bandwidth controller operable to issue a command to adjust the bandwidth in response to the determination; and

an access circuit for adjusting the bandwidth available to the user in response to the command.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the profile includes one or more time periods during which the bandwidth is adjusted.

13. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the user selects a plurality of profiles that are compatible to meet bandwidth needs.

14. The system according to claim 11 , further comprising:

a rate logic configured to receive a selection of the profile from one or more profiles and display a cost to the user based on the selection of the profile.

15. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the bandwidth is increased to make efficient use of unused bandwidth of a communications service provider.

16. A network device for adjusting bandwidth comprising:

a processor for executing a set of instructions; and

a memory in communication with the processor, the memory operable to store the set of instructions, the set of instructions are operable to:

determine a profile selected by a user,

determine a current time, and

increase bandwidth available to the user through a data connection in response to determining the profile allows for the bandwidth increase at the current time.

17. The network device according to claim 11 , wherein the profile specifies the bandwidth increase and an additional charge for the bandwidth increase.

18. The network device according to claim 11 , wherein the profile includes one or more time periods during which the bandwidth is adjusted.

19. The network device according to claim 11 , wherein the set of instructions is further operable to receive a selection of the profile from one or more profiles; and display a cost to the user based on the selection of the profile.

20. The network device according to claim 11 , wherein the network device is located at the edge of a data network.