Abstract: An Internet service device includes data and instructions to generate a user interface to subscribe to an Internet service, and to automatically discover one or more service provider services. The internet service device may receive information indicative of a selected service provider from a user device, and may automatically discover a location of a subscription service and a configuration service for the selected service provider. Automatic discovery of one or more services may be performed using DNS SRV. Device can be automatically identified to service subscription and configuration servers to enable association of subscriber with a device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of configuring a network connectivity device comprises receiving a network association request from a prospective client device requesting access to a network and sending an alert signal to a control device to cause the control device to emit an audible signal indicative of a network association request from a prospective client device. A prompt message is sent to the control device to cause the control device to provide instructions on providing feedback to the network connectivity device. The network connectivity device receives feedback from the control device and permits or denies access to the network responsive to the feedback from the control device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes intercepting a configuration message from a first network node addressed to a third network node, and modifying the intercepted configuration message to provide a modified configuration message that includes address information associated with a second network node that is configured to provide bootstrap information for the third node.

Abstract: Methods and devices allowing distribution of content that resides in a source device on a local area network (LAN) are described. A gateway between the LAN and a wide area network (WAN) receives from a sink device a request for an instance of content. The request is sent over the WAN. Distribution of the item of content within the LAN uses a first digital rights management (DRM) protocol that prevents the item of content from being distributed outside the LAN. For the item of content, the gateway converts from the first DRM protocol to a second DRM protocol that can be used for transmitting content over the WAN. The item of content can then be forwarded to the sink device according to the second DRM protocol.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device configured to send and receive messages over a first network and a second network includes a network status detector unit and a network disabling unit. The network status detector unit is configured to detect the availability of the first network and output a first network status signal indicating the availability or unavailability of the first network. The network disabling unit is configured to receive the first network status signal and disable the sending and receiving of messages on the second network when the first network status signal indicates the first network is unavailable.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device configured to send and receive messages over a first network and a second network includes a network status detector unit and a network disabling unit. The network status detector unit is configured to detect the availability of the first network and output a first network status signal indicating the availability or unavailability of the first network. The network disabling unit is configured to receive the first network status signal and disable the sending and receiving of messages on the second network when the first network status signal indicates the first network is unavailable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a secure communication is initiated between two devices by generating a pairing message from a predetermined static identification on the first device, transmitting the pairing message to the second device, generating a pairing identification from the static identification, and initiating a secure communication between the first and second device if the pairing message corresponds with the pairing identification.

Abstract: Range-confined security management adapter and method simplify security deployment in a network. First RC security information, including nearest- and k-neighbor information, is transmitted between authenticating neighbor and supplicant neighbor using a predetermined transmission adaptation technique. The adapter can evoke a response from the neighbor by adapting the initial transmitted signal power level, and increasing incrementally; the initial transmitted signal bit rate, and decreasing incrementally; or both, in response to second RC security information signal. RC communications are effected at low power, high bit rate, or both, establishing secure configuration, effecting secure communication, and thwarting miscreant intrusion into the network.

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: In one embodiment, a method includes an apparatus includes a programmable microprocessor that determines the current security status of a network, generates a signal corresponding to the status, and applies the signal to an indicating device to produce an indication of the security status of the network that is sensible to a user. The indicating device can include an electric light source, such as an LED, or a electro-acoustic transducer, such as a loudspeaker, or both, that produces different colors of light or different sounds or that flashes or sounds intermittently to indicate the current security status of the network, to warn of an unexpected change in the level of security, or to indicate the functionality of other network security measures, such as a firewall or VPN.

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.