Abstract: The invention deploys a message-based data transport platform, in which a communication engine controls the delivery of server or other backup data or other large quantity data to a remote site based on message objects as fundamental units. Data sessions from one or more servers or other data sources may be buffered over established pipes for delivery to a remote data host which likewise contains messaging control. Relatively large message units may wait for communication over the channel in a queue, and be released when prior messaging is complete. Completion port or other polling or other mechanisms may indicate that connections have become open for use. In embodiments the message objects may be signed, or encrypted to safeguard against alteration or unauthorized viewing. The communication engine may rely upon TCP or other underlying transport mechanisms to effect lower level transmission.

Abstract: The invention deploys a message-based data transport platform, in which a communication engine controls the delivery of server or other backup data or other large quantity data to a remote site based on message objects as fundamental units. Data sessions from one or more servers or other data sources may be buffered over established pipes for delivery to a remote data host which likewise contains messaging control. Relatively large message units may wait for communication over the channel in a queue, and be released when prior messaging is complete. Completion port or other polling or other mechanisms may indicate that connections have become open for use. In embodiments the message objects may be signed, or encrypted to safeguard against alteration or unauthorized viewing. The communication engine may rely upon TCP or other underlying transport mechanisms to effect lower level transmission.

Abstract: A video collection engine interfaces to one or more content providers, such as movie production or rental companies, downloadable audio outlets, software or software update sources, or other providers. The collection engine initiates a content transfer from one or more content providers on a periodic, demand-based or other basis to a local content store. The local content store may be cohosted in a DSLAM, cable headend or other local networking or communications facility and is generated and managed by the collection engine. Subscribers or recipients wishing to view a selected movie or other media product may program a computer, digital video recorder or other viewing or playback device to download the content from the local content store at network edge.

Abstract: A system for determining capacity of a server is provided in accordance with the present invention. The system may include a client for generating a plurality of requests to the server, the client providing a desired rate of requests by calculating an actual rate of requests being generated and adjusting the actual rate to within a predetermined range of the desired rate such that a continual rate of requests are provided to the server in order to facilitate determining server capacity.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating network connection characteristics by alteration of a network packet. In general, the method of the invention includes providing a driver that is capable of accessing all outgoing and incoming network packets and altering a network packet to simulate a connection characteristic of the network. In particular, the method of the invention includes receiving a network packet, assigning a new, simulated network address to the network packet and performing modification of the network packet to simulate certain network connection characteristics (including, for example, transmission delay, limited bandwidth, packet dropping, packet fragmentation, packet duplication and packet reordering). The system of the invention includes a modification module for altering certain characteristics of a packet.