Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for configuration of a Remote PHY or Communications Device, and redirection one or more core device(s) within a content and data delivery network. In one embodiment, the architecture comprises a Remote PHY distributed CCAP architecture within a cable network, and the methods and apparatus provide a network operator with the ability to associate multiple remote devices (and their associated service groups, and hence subscribers) to one or more specific CCAP core(s), to facilitate the operator's operational and support models, including defining and instantiating an overall network topology. In one exemplary variant, information from multiple sources are used by an analytics engine to calculate remote device-to-core assignments, so as to achieve the desired overall operational topology and goals. Improved mechanisms for remote device installation are described. In one implementation, mobile devices are used by installers to interact with the assignment process logic.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for pulsed charging applications comprises a bulk capacitor operably connected to a power source, an inductor connected to the bulk capacitor with a charge switch, a pulse capacitor connected to the inductor, a freewheeling diode connecting a point between the charge switch and the inductor to a point after the pulse capacitor, a second diode connecting the inductor to the pulse capacitor, and a pulse switch connecting the pulse capacitor to a load.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for configuration of a Remote PHY or Communications Device, and redirection one or more core device(s) within a content and data delivery network. In one embodiment, the architecture comprises a Remote PHY distributed CCAP architecture within a cable network, and the methods and apparatus provide a network operator with the ability to associate multiple remote devices (and their associated service groups, and hence subscribers) to one or more specific CCAP core(s), to facilitate the operator's operational and support models, including defining and instantiating an overall network topology. In one exemplary variant, information from multiple sources are used by an analytics engine to calculate remote device-to-core assignments, so as to achieve the desired overall operational topology and goals. Improved mechanisms for remote device installation are described. In one implementation, mobile devices are used by installers to interact with the assignment process logic.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for pulsed charging applications comprises a bulk capacitor operably connected to a power source, an inductor connected to the bulk capacitor with a charge switch, a pulse capacitor connected to the inductor, a freewheeling diode connecting a point between the charge switch and the inductor to a point after the pulse capacitor, a second diode connecting the inductor to the pulse capacitor, and a pulse switch connecting the pulse capacitor to a load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single measurement agent installed at an aggregation point in a network is cycled through multiple network segments (or service groups) using a switching device. Detailed broadband measurement tests are performed on each network segment.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the delivery of targeted content. When a user desires to opt-out of receiving targeted content, the user registers with a do-not-target (DNT) registry and is issued a DNT cookie. The DNT cookie is a domain cookie that is stored on a user network access device. A provider of targeted content may look for the DNT cookie stored on the user's network access device. When the DNT cookie is not found, then the provider may deliver targeted content to the user. When the DNT cookie is found, then the provider may not deliver targeted content to the user. A Web site may offer the user an “override” cookie that allows that Web site to provide targeted content, or selected targeted content, even when the user has a DNT cookie. Alternatively, a DNT header can be added to a Web page request that indicates that the user does not want to receive targeted content. The DNT header may be overridden by an override cookie.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing persistent multicast delivery of content to devices within a network. In one embodiment, a webserver is provided to determine whether requested content is to be provided via a persistent multicast. If a multicast is not to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query a unicast server. If a multicast is to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query an entity for joining the multicast. After joining the multicast, the entity processes and provides the content to the requesting device as a unicast stream. In one variant, a web persistent port which is assigned by the entity to receive the multicast comprises a Web Socket compatible TCP port and the requesting device runs a WebSocket compatible media player. The webserver tracks requests to identify “popular” content to be delivered as a multicast. Content protection schemes and trick mode functions are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting whether network nodes and CPE devices serviced by the network nodes are in the same region of a utility power grid are described. Methods and apparatus for using the result of the determination to control, e.g., automatically, backup power resource allocation are also described. Transforming the information collected from CPE devices and other devices into images which are displayed, e.g, as maps, is also described. An automatic determination of whether a network node is in the same power grid region as one or more groups of CPE devices to which the network node provides service. If a network node and a group of CPE devices serviced by the network node are in different utility power regions, backup power devices are automatically deployed to support service to CPE devices during an external power outage at the network node.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for configuration of a Remote PHY or Communications Device, and redirection one or more core device(s) within a content and data delivery network. In one embodiment, the architecture comprises a Remote PHY distributed CCAP architecture within a cable network, and the methods and apparatus provide a network operator with the ability to associate multiple remote devices (and their associated service groups, and hence subscribers) to one or more specific CCAP core(s), to facilitate the operator's operational and support models, including defining and instantiating an overall network topology. In one exemplary variant, information from multiple sources are used by an analytics engine to calculate remote device-to-core assignments, so as to achieve the desired overall operational topology and goals. Improved mechanisms for remote device installation are described. In one implementation, mobile devices are used by installers to interact with the assignment process logic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing a mobile device user to forward one or more messages which are received on the user's mobile device, to a television or a set top box are described. The user is able to view the forwarded messages on the television and can also reply to such received messages from the television. The methods and apparatus may be implemented using a message forwarding application installed on a user's cell phone and a server responsible for forwarding messages and replies between the user's Internet capable TV or set top box and mobile telephone. To the party sending a message, replies appear to have originated from the user's cell phone making the use of the service transparent to individuals other than the user to which the message is sent. Message received and sent logs are maintained in the user's phone so the message record is complete.