Abstract: A control circuit (such as a smartphone processor) having access to a wireless two-way transceiver (such as a short-range transceiver) determines a need to offload execution of a task to a server and then determines present unavailability of that server. This control circuit then transmits a first message to the server to prompt the server to awaken. The control circuit then transmits a second message to the server to establish a wireless connection that the control circuit employs to offload execution of the task to the server. By one approach, the aforementioned first message can include a unique identifier for the server. If desired, this unique identifier can have been provided earlier by the server via a general broadcast.

Abstract: An infotainment system for delivering media content to passengers of a multi-passenger vehicle, preferably a train, includes a plurality of personal computing devices having sufficient memory to accommodate a desired media volume. Media content files are stored on multiple supply servers and downloaded and stored directly on the personal computing devices via an at least one server located on board the vehicle. By storing the content on the personal computing devices themselves, vehicle passengers may view individually-selected media files according to the passenger's own preferences and timetable, without need for streaming from a central server. External servers located in close proximity to the vehicle, and in communication with the at least one on board server aid in facilitating and turnover of media files on the passenger devices and enhancing the overall efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A control circuit (such as a smartphone processor) having access to a wireless two-way transceiver (such as a short-range transceiver) determines a need to offload execution of a task to a server and then determines present unavailability of that server. This control circuit then transmits a first message to the server to prompt the server to awaken. The control circuit then transmits a second message to the server to establish a wireless connection that the control circuit employs to offload execution of the task to the server. By one approach, the aforementioned first message can include a unique identifier for the server. If desired, this unique identifier can have been provided earlier by the server via a general broadcast.