Abstract: In a network element cluster having a plurality of nodes, distribution decisions are determined on the basis of certain field(s) of data packets according to predetermined criteria, and data packets are distributed to nodes of the network element cluster according to the distribution decisions. Data packets are processed by said nodes of the network element cluster, and the processing involves selecting at least partly arbitrary value(s) for at least one of the field(s) of at least one data packet. Such value(s) are selected for at least one of said certain field(s) of a third data packet, such that distribution decisions determined according to the predetermined criteria result in the same node in the cluster processing inbound and outbound packets of the same session ID.

Abstract: An automated software production system is provided, in which system requirements are captured, converted into a formal specification, and validated for correctness and completeness. In addition, a translator is provided to automatically generate a complete, robust software application based on the validated formal specification, including user-interface code and error handling code.

Abstract: A system to automatically gather attribute data about elements such as networks, network interface cards, operating systems, device types, installed software, processes in execution, financial data, etc. in an organization or a designated subset of the organization. Fingerprint files are used, each fingerprint file corresponding to an element of a specific type and each containing a list of attributes that will be found if that element exists in the system. Each fingerprint contains or points to one or more collection instructions which control a data collector process to attempt to gather attribute data. Each fingerprint contains or points to rules that are used to analyze the attribute data gathered to calculate the probability that the element exists. The rules can be fired sequentially, in if-then-else fashion or can be incorporated in a script in loops and with mathematical manipulations, tests and branching for more sophisticated analysis.

Abstract: A network device (100, 300) is connected to a network (102) having also a management station (107) connected thereto. The method for configuring the network device comprises the steps of transmitting from the management station a configuration packet to the network device (201), authenticating at the network device the management station as the genuine transmitter of the configuration packet (202) and decoding the configuration parameters contained in said configuration packet and storing them as the configuration parameters of the network device (203).

Abstract: A modular, expandable, self-regulating watering system for burial in planters, which do not have access to water pipes nearby for use in watering plants continuously with on the amount of water the plant needs and which can be refilled by relatively infrequent visits. The system is comprised of a plurality of hollow sections each of which has two upper ports and two lower ports, unless there are only two sections in which case only one upper port and one lower port is needed on each section. One section has a fill pipe that extends above the soil level. One section has an air port at the top thereof, or close to the top, which is coupled to an air tube, which is plugged at the other end with a hydrophilic sensor. Expansion sections can be added or subtracted to make the system larger or smaller. All sections are coupled together at their upper ports by flexible hose or tubing, and are coupled together by their lower ports by flexible hose or tubing.