Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to an auction optimization system that assists users in determining one or more parameters associated with a planned auction. In one embodiment, the auction optimization system computes a predicted final auction price for a given item based on historical auction data associated with the same or similar items. In other embodiments, the auction optimization system is operative to compute suggestions for various auction parameters, such as starting price, start time, duration, and reserve price. In certain embodiments, the auction optimization system uses novel data gathering techniques that minimize the load on on-line auction facilities and gather data in a manner consistent with the use policies associated with on-line auction facilities.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a flow-based, traffic-classification-aware data collection and reporting system that combine flow-based data collection technologies with enhanced traffic classification functionality to allow for analysis and reporting into aspects of network operations that prior art systems cannot provide. Embodiments provide enhanced views into the operation of computer network infrastructures to facilitate monitoring, administration, compliance and other tasks associated with networks. When a traffic flow terminates, a traffic monitoring device emits a flow data record (FDR) containing measurements variables and other attributes for an individual flow. A data collector gathers the flow data records and enters them into a database. A network management application can then query the database with selected commands to derive reports characterizing operation of the network suitable to diagnose problems or view conditions associated with the network.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a network traffic synchronization mechanism facilitating the deployment of network devices in redundant network topologies. In certain embodiments, when a first network device directly receives network traffic, it copies the network traffic and transmits it to at least one partner network device. The partner network device processes the copied network traffic, just as if it had received it directly, but, in one embodiment, discards the traffic before forwarding it on to its destination. In one embodiment, the partner network devices are operative to exchange directly received network traffic. As a result, the present invention provides enhanced reliability and seamless failover. Each unit, for example, is ready at any time to take over for the other unit should a failure occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telecommunications devices, systems and methods for providing improved performance over long latency communications links. Some embodiments selectively pre-fetch and transmit information over the link using improved protocol and pre-fetch mechanisms. One system includes a first gateway (430) adapted to communicate with a client (410), the first gateway including a processor coupled to a storage medium. The storage medium includes code for receiving a request for retrieving a web object, code for forwarding the request to a second gateway (440) over the long latency link, and code for receiving a pre-fetch announcement and response data for the web object from the second gateway. The pre-fetch announcement is received prior to receiving the response data.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling aggregate and individual packet flow characteristics within a compressed logical data tunnel. A logical data tunnel is formed and includes one or more packet flows. Each packet flow includes individual packets having a shared destination address. Bandwidth allocated to control an aggregated flow of packets routed through the logical data tunnel. A transfer rate is assigned to control each packet flow transiting within the logical data tunnel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a router is deployed on a local area network (LAN) in addition to any routers deployed on a wide area network (WAN) coupled with the LAN having the router. A service management device is coupled between the two routers. The service management device provides management processing, for example, quality of service (QoS) processing, traffic shaping, type of service (ToS) processing, or class of service (CoS) processing. For messages between devices both coupled to the WAN router, the WAN router sends the messages to the LAN router. The LAN router then routes the messages back to the WAN router through the service management device, which provides management processing. The WAN router then sends the processed message to the destination device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems facilitating the deployment, configuration and maintenance of publication/subscription systems within the context of Web service networks. In one embodiment, the present invention provides Web services network system that presents a topic as a routing entity and includes functionality facilitating topic creation, subscription and publication in a manner consistent with the basic modes of Web services development and deployment, allowing such tasks to be approached in an intuitive, cost-effective and manageable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the publication/subscription system functionality according to the present invention is integrated into a distributed Web services network architecture as more fully described below. The Web services network architecture and integrated publication/subscription system according to the present invention can be implemented across any suitable computer network, including a local area network, an intranet or the Internet.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating automated detection of rogue wireless access points in a wireless network environment. The present invention, in one embodiment, integrates automated detection of rogue access points into wireless network systems. As discussed more fully below, the present invention can be applied to a variety of wireless network system architectures.

Abstract: A cartridge carrier has a base having a recessed plate, a top surface, and a bottom surface, an interposer board coupled to the base at the top surface, a motorized eject mechanism coupled to the interposer board and the base, a slider plate coupled to the base at the bottom surface and the motorized eject mechanism, and a button bar coupled to the base at the bottom surface, the button bar having a switch tab to contact the motorized eject mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing for the transparent intermediation of network traffic over connection-based authentication protocols. In one embodiment, the present invention allows a proxy to be placed into an NTLM or HTLMv2 environment and have it transparently ensure that NTLM transactions are handled appropriately, such that the proxy can interact (optimize/accelerate) with the authenticated content without breaking the authentication scheme. Embodiments of the present invention provide a proxy solution that is easily deployed and transparently fits into an existing NTLM environment.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems enabling a distributed wireless network security system. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless network system where security policies are automatically distributed and uniformly implemented across wireless network access points. Embodiments of the present invention address the situation where a malicious user moves to a different access point within a wireless network environment after failing to properly authenticate and/or associate at a first access point. Embodiments of the present invention enable an integrated, multi-layer network security system, wherein a security mechanism at one layer (e.g., link layer security mechanisms) can set policies based on information gleaned from operation of a security mechanism at another layer (e.g., application layer authentication servers).

Abstract: A wireless discovery and communication mechanism to facilitate configuration, management and performance tasks associated with wireless network environments. In certain embodiments, access elements transmit and receive neighbor messages on a periodic basis to neighboring access elements. The neighbor messages can include configuration and/or protocol information to allow the access elements or associated devices to discover each other over the air. The present invention can be applied to a variety of wireless network architectures, such as a plurality of distributed, substantially autonomous access points, or to a hierarchical wireless network system comprising central control elements, each supervising and controlling one or more access elements as described more fully below.

Abstract: A dual hub reel for a tape drive comprises an inner hub operatively connectable to a motor and a flexible leader connected at a first to the inner hub so as to be wound on to the inner hub when driven, to rotate by the motor. An outer hub is disposed about the inner hub and has an opening through which the flexible leader extends. The outer hub is arranged on the inner hub and is selectively freely rotatable about the inner hub or locked against the inner hub to rotate with the inner hub. A locking element is responsive to pressure supplied by a tape wrap to press against the inner hub and lock the outer hub to the inner hub by interaction of an engagement surface against the inner hub.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating location or containment of rogue or unauthorized access points on wireless computer network environments. Embodiments of the present invention support one to a plurality of rogue containment methodologies. A first rogue containment type involves identification of the physical connection of the rogue access point to the wired network infrastructure and, thus, allows for disabling of that physical connection to contain the rogue access point. Other rogue containment methods involve wireless techniques for containing the effect of rogue access points. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating network location of rogue access points to determine whether one or more rogue containment methodologies should be applied. As discussed below, the rogue location and containment functionality described herein can be applied to a wide variety of wireless network system architectures.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating integration of the functionality associated with a first on-line service entity with the functionality associated with a second on-line service entity. Embodiments of the present invention allow a first on-line service entity having its own membership model to efficiently collaborate with a second on-line service entity to offer its users the services of the second on-line service entity in a seamless and consistently branded manner. One implementation obviates the need for synchronization of the membership models between the first and second on-line service entities. One implementation allows the second on-line service entity to provide services to the users associated with the first on-line service entity in a seamless manner without the first on-line service entity having to proxy the session between the second on-line service entity and the users.

Abstract: In a fixed channel wireless network system with a limited number of channels, assignment of the fixed channels between remote client elements and access elements is made systematically according to a set of criteria accounting for network loading and interference, then channel assignments are dynamically updated according to a priority to maintain optimal network performance with changing conditions of load and interference. The channel utilization problem is address at a system level rather than at a local level by treating the system as a three dimensional color mapping problem. All noise is treated as having a source in virtual access elements with an appropriate performance metric. The performance metric is used to select a channel set that minimize chances of interference and maximize user performance. Specifically, there are several parameter matrices which are managed and updated by a central resource management element, namely signal strength between elements, interference, and load.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems that facilitate the design, production and/or measurement tasks associated with manufacturing and other processes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an understanding of how the multiple characteristics of a given process output are related to each other and to process inputs. This knowledge facilitates a reduction in measurement costs. It also facilitates an understanding of the sometimes complex interrelationships between design targets, design tolerances, process inputs, process control variables, average process output and variation in the process output. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the present invention facilitate 1.) determination of design target values, 2.) determination of design specification limits, 3.) design of process inputs, 4.) determination of process control variable settings, and/or 5.) reduction of measurement costs.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems enabling an information exchange system allowing for the transmission of a message carrier containing at least one message code along with video and television data, as well as subsequent capture and decoding of the message carrier to identify the at least one message code. As discussed herein, implementations of the invention can be used in connection with an electronic commerce and data interchange system featuring a Universal Digital Assistant (UDA) that facilitates financial transactions and data interchange, as well as dissemination, management and exchange of commercial information (e.g., advertising, promotions, sales announcements, and the like) and personal information (e.g., address and other contact information, driver's license number, and memberships). The invention, in one implementation, provides an end-to-end e-commerce solution that can transform a mobile phone/PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) into a Universal Digital Assistant configured to receive data (e.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating the configuration of transmit power and coverage areas corresponding to access points in a wireless network environment. The present invention in one embodiment facilitates the dynamic configuration of coverage boundaries across a plurality of access points, improving the performance of the wireless network environment.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to wireless discovery mechanism that facilitates the deployment and configuration of managed access elements in a wireless network system. In one embodiment, the present invention can be utilized to achieve a viral wireless discovery and configuration mechanism wherein un-configured access elements discovery network devices with which to exchange configuration information through wireless messages transmitted by configured access elements. Once configured, the newly installed access elements may then provide wireless messages to other un-configured access elements which receive configuration information in the same manner. In other embodiments, the wireless discovery mechanism can be used alternatively, as a supplement to, or as part of an enhancement to Layer 2 and 3 discovery mechanisms.