Abstract: According to certain aspects, embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing diagnostics on a loop in a communications system. According to certain aspects, embodiments of the invention include performing SELT from a customer premises side of the loop. According to certain other aspects, embodiments of the invention address the issue of initiating a CPE side SELT procedure and also collecting the diagnostics data while a CPE is offline.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing diagnostics on a loop in a communications system. According to certain aspects, embodiments of the invention include performing SELT from a customer premises side of the loop. According to certain other aspects, embodiments of the invention address the issue of initiating a CPE side SELT procedure and also collecting the diagnostics data while a CPE is offline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for of communicating loss of connectivity to the end-user without the end-user explicitly asking for that information, as well as communicating potential mechanisms to restore the loss of connectivity. In embodiments, after detecting loss of connectivity within the CPE, user requests are redirected to a local web server on the fly, which is running on the CPE. The local webserver returns informational status web pages describing the situation, potential causes, and possible steps to fix the connectivity issue.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes an input device with five binary switching elements on a housing for the portable terminal and a display screen. The input device accesses telecommunications capabilities of the portable terminal. The display screen displays a graphical representation that can show an indication of the functions corresponding to the input device, a response to input received via the input device, and operation modes of the portable terminal. The operation modes of the portable terminal can be changed in response to receipt of input via the input device.

Abstract: An input device disposed on the rotatable cover of a portable terminal. The input device is a compound switch that has five binary switching elements. The input device includes an outer, ring-shape element and inner, circular-shape element. When a switching element is actuated, the portable terminal responds, wherein the response is a function of the operating mode of the portable terminal. A graphical representation of the input device appears in the display screen of the portable terminal. The graphical representation includes up to five icons, which correspond to the five binary switching elements. The icons are visually suggestive of the function of the associated switching element. The icons change, as a function of operating mode, to reflect the change in function of the switching elements from mode to mode.

Abstract: A system and method for creation, distribution, integration, and maintenance of visual objects across various locations independent of any underlying operating systems, applications, network locations, etc. In various embodiments, information can be easily communicated, distributed, shared, and updated among various containers (e.g., browsers, applications, desktops, mobile devices, etc.) through dynamically configurable objects, regardless of where the containers are located, or what applications are running underlying the containers.