Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a customer premises equipment (CPE) apparatus includes a first communications unit and a processing unit. The first communications unit is adapted to send and receive messages over an upstream network. The processing unit is adapted to control the sending and receiving of messages through the first communications unit. The processing unit is adapted to perform each of a plurality of first sequence tests until the first sequence tests are exhausted, and each of a plurality of second sequence tests until one of a second sequence test passes or the second sequence tests are exhausted. The processing unit is adapted to receive test results from the performed test and to configure the CPE based upon the performed test results.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a method is provided and includes identifying a first data type of a first payload of a first data packet to be transmitted as part of a flow, where the first data type is identified by evaluating a quality of service (QoS) field, and setting an acknowledgement flag based on the first data type; the acknowledgement flag to indicate that an acknowledgement is not required from a receiving device such that a network device avoids retransmitting a first outgoing frame when the acknowledgement is not received for the first outgoing frame. In more particular instances, the method can include where the acknowledgement flag is in the first outgoing frame.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided and includes a network device that identifies a data type of a payload of a data packet to be transmitted. The network device adapts one or more of data transmission rates according to the data type that was identified. A control portion of the data packet is used to identify the data type. In more specific embodiments, the data transmission rates are controlled by one or more link layer configuration parameters, which are controlled according to the identified data type of the data packet. In still other embodiments, the network device identifies data packets with payloads relating to Intra-coded picture frames (I-frames), Predicted pictures frames (P-frames), and Bi-directional predictive pictures frames (B-frames).

Abstract: An advantageous system, apparatus, and method for remotely managing or maintaining a Gateway, such as a residential router, are provided. In one example, the Gateway generates and sends an announcement to a service or equipment provider informing the provider of the Gateway's current IP address (or resolvable name) and a valid password to access the Gateway. Thus, in one example, a service/equipment provider without inherent knowledge of a Gateway IP address may remotely manage or troubleshoot a Gateway using a basic Web browser.

Abstract: A proxy server according to an embodiment includes a memory and a communication unit. The memory is configured to store and retrieve a client device identifier and an associated client device transport address, while the communication unit is configured to send and receive messages. The communication unit is configured to receive an identification message according to a first protocol from a client device through at least one intermediate network address translator (NAT). The identification message includes the client device identifier and conveys the client device transport address. The communication unit is configured to receive a request message from an admin device including the client device identifier. The proxy server is configured to retrieve the associated client device transport address and instruct the client device to open a connection with the proxy server according to a second protocol that is different from the first protocol.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a VoIP device operable to estimate an upstream data rate for a network device is provided. The VoIP device includes a transceiver operable to transmit VoIP packets to and receive VoIP packets from the network device; and a logic engine configured to initiate a series of simulated VoIP streams through the network device to a VoIP call destination, the logic engine being further configured to determine when at least one of the simulated VoIP streams in the series is unsuccessful, the logic engine being further configured to estimate the upstream data rate for the network device based upon a data rate for those simulated VoIP streams preceding the unsuccessful simulated VoIP stream.

Abstract: Client adapter and method simplify security deployment in an EPN, including the shared services electrical power lines of a premises. With direct coupling, piggybacked adapter receives network signals and electrical from EPN-connected first adapter through a shared medium port. An authenticating adapter exchanges security management services and information with supplicant adapter. Two or more adapters may be piggybacked. Piggybacked adapters exchange security management service information without rogue intrusion. Exchanged information, stored, is later used to communicate securely. Defined adjacency (neighborhood) information can be exchanged, and a neighborhood established on an EPN, where one authorized neighbors securely communicate.

Abstract: An UNENROLLED adapter responds to an enrollment activation signal by generating an enrollment supplicant signal. The enrollment supplicant signal is received by an ENROLLED adapter, an enrollment provider, which responds by formulating and transmitting an enrollment provider signal, including security management service information, to the UNENROLLED adapter. The UNENROLLED adapter changes a network adapter configuration responsive to the security management service information provided by the ENROLLED adapter, by which the network adapter is configured securely, and secure communications are effectuated. Enrolled adapter can solicit enrollment of an UNENROLLED adapter. The activation signal can be a physical or virtual activation sequence.

Abstract: Client adapter and method simplify security deployment in an EPN, including the shared services electrical power lines of a premises. With direct coupling, piggybacked adapter receives network signals and electrical from EPN-connected first adapter through a shared medium port. An authenticating adapter exchanges security management services and information with supplicant adapter. Two or more adapters may be piggybacked. Piggybacked adapters exchange security management service information without rogue intrusion. Exchanged information, stored, is later used to communicate securely. Defined adjacency (neighborhood) information can be exchanged, and a neighborhood established on an EPN, where one authorized neighbors securely communicate.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for managing multiple video sources are described. Video data for a first channel may be displayed and buffered, while video data for a second channel that is not being displayed or recorded is also being buffered. The second channel may be a previous display channel and/or a predicted future channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a VoIP-integrated router operable to interface with analog telephones and digital devices is provided. The VoIP-integrated router is configured to perform a method of estimating the upstream data rate of a modem, comprising transmitting packets at a known rate from the VoIP-integrated router through an upstream path for the modem to a node; during the transmission of the packets, transmitting Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) PING messages to the node; and based upon an examination of the PING messages and the known rate, estimating the upstream data rate of the modem.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating a mobile station, such as a dual mode cellular telephone, for access to a wireless local area network is disclosed. The mobile station can be authenticated by registering, and thus pre-authenticating, it with the wireless area network. Registration can comprise providing identifying information regarding the mobile station to the local area network. Access to the local area network facilitates the use of the local area network for communications by the mobile station, such as using VoIP over the Internet.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes querying for a total capacity for data transmissions for a local network segment, and identifying an available capacity for the local network segment by subtracting a sum of current aggregate consumption of the local network segment from the total capacity. The method also includes comparing the available capacity to a requested capacity that is generated by a network element for a specific communication session. If the requested capacity is equal to or greater than the available capacity, the request is withheld and not transmitted. In more specific embodiments, if the requested capacity is less than the available capacity, the request is transmitted. The query can be communicated to a gateway. In still other embodiments, the query includes a specific query as to a capacity allocated for video data and the network element is a set-top box.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided and includes a network device that identifies a data type of a payload of a data packet to be transmitted. The network device adapts one or more of data transmission rates according to the data type that was identified. A control portion of the data packet is used to identify the data type. In more specific embodiments, the data transmission rates are controlled by one or more link layer configuration parameters, which are controlled according to the identified data type of the data packet. In still other embodiments, the network device identifies data packets with payloads relating to Intra-coded picture frames (I-frames), Predicted pictures frames (P-frames), and Bi-directional predictive pictures frames (B-frames).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide IP bonding. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an IP bonding scheme is disclosed that modifies Generic Routing Encapsulation techniques such that information may be divided and carried through multiple paths (e.g., to improve capacity).

Abstract: A multi-use adapter configured to provide network connectivity for a serial bus client is provided. The adapter includes: a serial interface for coupling with the serial bus client; a network interface for interfacing the adapter with a network; and host control logic configured to interface a plurality of types of serial bus clients with a utilizing device over the network. The host control logic may be configured to detect a USB client coupled to the USB interface, to determine a corresponding driver for the detected USB client, and to retrieve the corresponding driver via the network interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a service provider to manage a service node that is separated from the service provider by a firewall. A dual-mode mobile device establishes separate secure connections with the service provider and the service node. The mobile device can then serve as a bridge between the service provider and the service node so that a secure management session can be initiated between the service provider and the service node. A method of managing a service node includes: establishing a first secure connection between a dual-mode mobile device and the service node; establishing a second secure connection between the dual-mode mobile device and a remote system; and initiating a secure management session between the service node and the remote system via the first secure connection and the second secure connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method comprises enrolling a mobile device in a local area network by setting a variable to a mobile device identifier and authenticating the mobile device using a network gateway and the mobile device identifier. A request for data is received from the mobile device and the data is delivered from a service provider to the mobile device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a UMA-integrated device includes at least one cellular UMA integrated circuit supporting the UMA Up architecture from the IP transport layer and higher; a router integrated circuit coupled to at least one cellular UMA integrated circuit through an Ethernet link; and an analog telephone adapter (ATA) logic circuit configured to couple the cellular UMA integrated circuit to an analog telephone.

Abstract: VoIP verification is initiated by subscriber-side test VoIP appliance, or VoIP proxy agent. Test VoIP appliance is coupled to test node over a communications internetwork by upstream and downstream datapaths. VoIP verification request is transmitted to test node. Responsively, test node transmits VoIP verification signal to test VoIP appliance. Perceivable indication of verification signal received by VoIP appliance is effected by visual display, audible indication, or both. Operational state verifier apparatus is disposed in a digital telephony device, a computer terminal, or with an ATA interface coupled to analog telephony device used in VoIP communications system.