Abstract: A system and method for delivering video content over a network comprises providing a network server and a database, receiving a request for video content at the network server, querying the database to determine subscribers likely interested in the video content, and delivering the video content to network devices associated with subscribers likely interested in the video content. The database stores data associated with the viewing habits of network subscribers. The querying step results in the identification of a subset of subscribers likely interested in the video content.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for authoritative validation of mobile service permissions. The system and method may include receiving a preemption request from a first responder to preempt non-emergency communications. Determining whether the first responder is authorized to preempt communications. Prioritizing communications from the first responder, if the first responder is authorized to preempt communications. Alternatively the first responder may be notified if the first responder is not authorized to preempt communications.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communications permissions for an in progress communication. The system and method may include receiving location information, at a service provider, from a wireless communications device. The location information may be communicated to a database that is able to determine communications permissions based upon some predetermined criteria, such as time, date, and location. Based upon the received location information and a related database record, permissions for the wireless communications device may be determined. The determined permissions may be communicated to the service provider. The wireless communications device may be notified about restrictions on its communications, in response to receiving the permissions. The permissions determination may be repeated, as necessary, in response to receiving updated location information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user of communications services with free market based pricing may include providing for communications over one of multiple network paths serviced by multiple respective communications service providers via at least one communications network. One of the network paths over which to communicate based on current pricing from the multiple communications service providers may be selected and communications may be performed over the selected network path.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method may be provided for validating communication for a wireless communications device. The system and method may include receiving a geographic location of a wireless communications device. A database comprising records correlating the geographic location with permissions may be accessed in order to determine, based upon the received geographic location information and the accessed database record, if there are restriction on communication associated with the wireless communications device. An indicator may be communicated in response to the determined restriction, effectively providing the information needed to inform the wireless communications device of any current restrictions.

Abstract: A method for link layer address proxying includes receiving a first data packet from a first client device. The first data packet has a first source data link layer address field and a first source network layer address field. The method further includes determining a first data link layer address value associated with the first client device from the first source data link layer address field. The method further includes determining a first network layer address value associated with the first client device from the first source network layer address field, and translating the first data link layer address value into a proxy data link layer address value assigned to the first client device. The method still further includes replacing the first data link layer address value within the first source data link layer address field with the proxy data link layer address value to produce a first proxied data packet, and forwarding the first proxied data packet to a destination device.

Abstract: A method for expanding a data connection. A first user selection of a first profile is received from a plurality of profiles. The first profile selected by the user is implemented. A determination of a current time is made. Bandwidth available to the user is increased through a data connection in response to determining that the first profile allows for the bandwidth increase at the current time. A second user selection of a second profile is selected from the plurality of profiles. The second profile being implemented to adjust the bandwidth available to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for processing weather alerts through a cell phone. One or more channels of a radio network of a weather service are received through the cell phone. One or more weather alerts are received through the one or more channels. A determination is made whether the one or more weather alerts are applicable to a user of the cell phone. The one or more weather alerts are communicated to a user through the cell phone in response to determining the one or more weather alerts are applicable to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a price for communicating over a communications network may include initiating a bandwidth occupancy query message to at least one network node along a traffic path to which a user is communicating. A highest bandwidth occupancy of the network nodes along the traffic path may be determined. A current price may be computed for a user communicating over the traffic path based on the highest bandwidth occupancy. The user may be notified of the current price for communicating over the traffic path, thereby enabling the user to adjust network usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, system, and apparatus for inserting caller identifying information into a video signal includes receiving a digital video stream and receiving caller identifier information from an incoming call associated with a calling device. The method further includes converting the caller identifier information into caller identifying textual information, and inserting the caller identifying textual information into the digital video stream using a visual timecode video insertion format. The method further includes transmitting the digital video stream with the inserted caller identifying textual information.

Abstract: A method for expanding a data connection. A first user selection of a first profile is received from a plurality of profiles. The first profile selected by the user is implemented. A determination of a current time is made. Bandwidth available to the user is increased through a data connection in response to determining that the first profile allows for the bandwidth increase at the current time. A second user selection of a second profile is selected from the plurality of profiles. The second profile being implemented to adjust the bandwidth available to the user.

Abstract: A vehicular multimode cellular/PCS phone including a chipset located in the vehicle for communicating with at least one of a plurality of wireless service provider networks; an multimode antenna in communication with the chipset for communicating with a wireless base antenna of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks; at least one medium port for receiving a removable medium, the removable medium containing at least one of access numbers, access codes, and access authentication numbers of at least one of the plurality of wireless service provider networks.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for receiving power over Ethernet in a redundant transceiver are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A determination is made in a redundant transceiver if electrical power is available over Ethernet. If power over Ethernet is available, power is received over Ethernet in the redundant transceiver, otherwise the redundant transceiver receives power from an attached power supply. For receiving power over Ethernet, the redundant transceiver remains in communication with the source of power over Ethernet using a wired section of the Ethernet, and the redundant transceiver receives electrical power to operate using the wired section of the Ethernet. The redundant transceiver receives power over Ethernet using a wire that is simultaneously carrying a data signal.

Abstract: A cable set-top box with voice over internet protocol includes a housing; a coaxial cable input for accepting a coaxial cable containing a video content signal and a data content signal from a provider, the data content signal for providing the voice over internet protocol to a telecommunication's device; a demultiplexer for splitting the video content signal and the data content signal; a video output for accepting a video line for transmitting the video content signal to a video device; and a data output for accepting an audio line for transmitting the data content signal to a telecommunications device.

Abstract: An integrated Set-Top Box DSL VOIP WIFI device including a housing; a telecommunications line input for accepting a telecommunications line containing a video content signal and a data content signal from a provider, the data content signal for providing the voice over internet protocol to a telecommunication's device; a virtual local area network for splitting the video content signal and the data content signal; a video output for accepting a video line for transmitting the video content signal to a video device; a data output for accepting an audio line for transmitting the data content signal to at least one of a telecommunications device and a digital computing device; an antenna for transmitting the data content signal to a wireless communications device; and a passive pass-through filter for connection for providing transmission of E911 service voice signals.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for providing power over Ethernet are provided in the illustrative embodiments. The apparatus and method for providing power over Ethernet includes a first device that receives power from a computer. A second device may be in communication with the first device using a wired section of the Ethernet. The first device provides electrical power to operate the second device using the wired section of the Ethernet. One method for providing power over a data network may include determining availability of a power injector. A determination may be made whether a connected device is capable of receiving power over Ethernet. If the connected device is capable of receiving power over the Ethernet, electrical power may be provided from the power injector to the connected device.