Validating connections to a network system

The present invention generally relates to management of computer networks, and relates specifically to validating connections to a network system. A mechanism for authenticating multiple connections to a network server is disclosed. A client establishes a first connection to the server. In establishing the first connection, the client provides authentication information and authorization information, and in response the server assigns first access privileges to the client. When the client requests a second connection, the server receives authentication information from the client, and assigns limited access privileges to the client. The server associates the first connection with the second connection and the client. The server automatically associates the first access privileges with the second connection, without requiring the client to provide authorization information for the second connection.