Abstract: A media backend server deployed within an IPTV system and operated by a hosting operator enables tiered reselling of IPTV services to a hosted operator. The media backend server receives a web service call for a plurality of media content from a branch server operated by the hosted operator. The media backend server proxies the web service call to a head end server to retrieve media metadata for at least a portion of the media content. In addition, the media backend server provides filtered media metadata corresponding to media content purchased by the hosted operator from the hosting operator to the branch server.

Abstract: A manner of enhancing QoS when facilitating remote access to a home network. An HA in the home network is provided with QoS parameters, for example when registering with an SG (signaling gateway), which parameters include a bandwidth allocation for communications via a network. These parameters may be dictated, for example, but an OSS/BSS associated with the network. The HA then determines the bandwidth requirement for each application request it receives, and compares it with the bandwidth allocation of the QoS parameters. Execution of applications that do not exceed the bandwidth allocation is permitted, while execution of others are rejected, at least until agreement to proceed at a lower bandwidth is obtained or currently executing applications are re-prioritized. The bandwidth allocation may be adjusted while applications are executing so that available bandwidth may be used to determine how to respond to future application requests.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a remote TMA service. A TMA in the TMA service acquires and stores a UID (unique identifier) and a MS-UID (monitoring service UID), than registers with an SG (signaling gateway) and is then redirected to an MA-SG (monitoring application SG). The MA-SG may be dedicated to the TMA service or may host communications for more than one service. When an HA that subscribes to the monitoring service registers, it is also redirected to the MA-SG, and a secure tunnel is established between the TMA and the HA and maintained by heartbeat messages. The secure tunnel may be redirected to an MA-PS (monitoring application proxy server) depending on the bandwidth consumed in the monitoring process and traffic conditions.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a mobile device. An FA (foreign agent) in the mobile device registers with an HA (home agent) in the home network, preferable exchanging static UIDs (unique identifiers) and certificates. The HA creates an address for the FA and maintains a registration table listing all registered FAs. The FA registration is in most cases performed while the FA is operating non-remotely and directly connected to a component of the home network. The HA registers with an SG (signaling gateway) in a secure manner and awaits a request for access to the home network. After registration with the SG, the HA initiates a heartbeat message that is acknowledged by the SG. When an FA access request is received from the SG, the HA determines whether the FA is registered with the HA and any applicable access limitations prior to granting or rejecting access.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a mobile device. A proxy server receives a request from a signaling gateway to transfer a communication session established between a home agent and a foreign agent. This may be done, for example, to accommodate an anticipated high-bandwidth transaction. If the proxy server has adequate resources available, it can accept the session. The agents provided with the address of the proxy server and independently send connection requests. The proxy server ensures that both agents are authenticated, and establishes secure communication tunnels. Traffic is then forwarded between the tunnels, in some cases after manipulation within the proxy server. Status messages may be multicast to inform signaling gateways or other entities of the resources available at the proxy server for this purpose.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a mobile device. An SG (signaling gateway) is provided to receive register an HA (home agent) and an FA (foreign agent) and form a secure tunnel to each to form a communication channel. A heartbeat may be exchanged with the HA to keep open the NAT boundary for the communication channel. If a high bandwidth application request is received from the HA, the SG determines if there is a PS (proxy server) able to handle the session and, if so, transfers the channel.

Abstract: A shared (or “hosted”) IPTV system including intermediate IPTV facilities controlled by a host operator and accessible to one or more hosted operators pursuant to a shared service arrangement includes a gateway adapter for intercepting and manipulating operator transactions with the intermediate IPTV facilities. The gateway adapter is operable to modify operator calls directed to the intermediate IPTV facilities to include indicia of data uniquely available to the operator initiating the calls, the data having been logically partitioned into respective subscriber groups; and to forward the adapted calls to the intermediate IPTV facilities to invoke the operator transactions. Advantageously, execution of the adapted call provides the sourcing operator access to account information of its corresponding subscriber group while restricting access to account information of other subscriber groups.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a remote TMA service. A TMA in the TMA service acquires and stores a UID (unique identifier) and a MS-UID (monitoring service UID), than registers with an SG (signaling gateway) and is then redirected to an MA-SG (monitoring application SG). The MA-SG may be dedicated to the TMA service or may host communications for more than one service. When an HA that subscribes to the monitoring service registers, it is also redirected to the MA-SG, and a secure tunnel is established between the TMA and the HA and maintained by heartbeat messages. The secure tunnel may be redirected to an MA-PS (monitoring application proxy server) depending on the bandwidth consumed in the monitoring process and traffic conditions.

Abstract: A manner of facilitating access to a home network having an HA by a remote mobile device, such as a smartphone, having an FA that is or may be registered with the HA. A secure tunnel or similar communication path is established between the FA and an HA of a home network, and an SSR (specialized service request) is transmitted to the mobile network though which the mobile device is communicating, providing advance notification that a bandwidth intensive operation is anticipated so that the mobile network may take preparatory action. The SSR is preferably sent by the FA after a tunnel to the HA has been established, but prior to the user selecting a particular bandwidth intensive application for execution. The user may be queried in advance to determine which operation might be anticipated.

Abstract: A manner of extending a home network to a mobile device. An FA (foreign agent) in the mobile device registers with an HA (home agent) in the home network, preferable exchanging static UIDs (unique identifiers) and certificates. The HA creates an address for the FA and maintains a registration table listing all registered FAs. The FA registration is in most cases performed while the FA is operating non-remotely and directly connected to a component of the home network. The HA registers with an SG (signaling gateway) in a secure manner and awaits a request for access to the home network. After registration with the SG, the HA initiates a heartbeat message that is acknowledged by the SG. When an FA access request is received from the SG, the HA determines whether the FA is registered with the HA and any applicable access limitations prior to granting or rejecting access.

Abstract: A media backend server deployed within an IPTV system and operated by a hosting operator enables tiered reselling of IPTV services to a hosted operator. The media backend server receives a web service call for a plurality of media content from a branch server operated by the hosted operator. The media backend server proxies the web service call to a head end server to retrieve media metadata for at least a portion of the media content. In addition, the media backend server provides filtered media metadata corresponding to media content purchased by the hosted operator from the hosting operator to the branch server.

Abstract: A shared (or “hosted”) IPTV system including intermediate IPTV facilities controlled by a host operator and accessible to one or more hosted operators pursuant to a shared service arrangement includes a gateway adapter for intercepting and manipulating operator transactions with the intermediate IPTV facilities. The gateway adapter is operable to modify operator calls directed to the intermediate IPTV facilities to include indicia of data uniquely available to the operator initiating the calls, the data having been logically partitioned into respective subscriber groups; and to forward the adapted calls to the intermediate IPTV facilities to invoke the operator transactions. Advantageously, execution of the adapted call provides the sourcing operator access to account information of its corresponding subscriber group while restricting access to account information of other subscriber groups.