Abstract: A communication protocol specification is divided into subsets of parameters based on patterns established by equipment vendors. A combination of subsets is selected based on parameters and features supported by particular network devices installed in a network. A user interface facilitates convenient creation or modification of a configuration file, which instructs a network device how to format a communication message and what information is to be contained therein. After the configuration file is loaded into a device, it controls software switches in the device such that features and parameters corresponding to the parameters selected with the user interface and controlled by the switches are either enabled or disable based on the parameters selected. Supported parameter combinations for popular equipment may be prestored so that selection with the interface of a particular piece of equipment automatically edits the configuration file according to the features and parameters supported by said equipment.

Abstract: A communication protocol specification is divided into subsets of parameters based on patterns established by equipment vendors. A combination of subsets is selected based on parameters and features supported by particular network devices installed in a network. A user interface facilitates convenient creation or modification of a configuration file, which instructs a network device how to format a communication message and what information is to be contained therein. After the configuration file is loaded into a device, it controls software switches in the device such that features and parameters corresponding to the parameters selected with the user interface and controlled by the switches are either enabled or disable based on the parameters selected. Supported parameter combinations for popular equipment may be prestored so that selection with the interface of a particular piece of equipment automatically edits the configuration file according to the features and parameters supported by said equipment.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus includes: a transaction handler to process transactions; a data warehouse to store transaction data recording the transactions processed at the transaction handler; a profile generator to generate, based on the transaction data, a profile including a plurality of values representing aggregated spending in various spending areas to summarize transactions in a geographical area; and a portal to receive advertisement data from an advertiser and to create an advertisement campaign based on the profile to deliver advertisements to users in the geographical area on behalf of the advertiser using one or more media channels.

Abstract: A communication protocol specification is divided into subsets of parameters based on patterns established by equipment vendors. A combination of subsets is selected based on parameters and features supported by particular network devices installed in a network. A user interface facilitates convenient creation or modification of a configuration file, which instructs a network device how to format a communication message and what information is to be contained therein. After the configuration file is loaded into a device, it controls software switches in the device such that features and parameters corresponding to the parameters selected with the user interface and controlled by the switches are either enabled or disable based on the parameters selected. Supported parameter combinations for popular equipment may be prestored so that selection with the interface of a particular piece of equipment automatically edits the configuration file according to the features and parameters supported by said equipment.

Abstract: Automatically detecting a network interface unit in a broadband communications network and sending an electronic serial number associated with the NIU to a central host digital terminal for automatically provisioning desired services. Upon receipt of the ESN, the host digital terminal issues a special call reference number that corresponds to a soft dial tone channel established between the HDT and the NIU. A field technician enters a work order number from the NIU over the soft dial tone channel, the work order work order number corresponding to the desired services. The HDT automatically associates the desired services with the NIU, because the work order number was received from the soft dial tone channel that corresponds to the special call reference number, which in turn corresponds to the NIU. The special call reference value is replaced with a permanent call reference value, thus provisioning the NIU.