Abstract: A scheme for retrieving digital multimedia content from a network node. An RTSP SET_PARAMETER message is provided to the network node by a client application executing on a digital multimedia device, wherein the message contains at least one of a playlist identifier, a media clip index and an indication of an activation time. Responsive to the message, content from a particular content source identified by the playlist identifier, the media clip index, or both, is streamed to the digital multimedia device at a time determined responsive to the activation time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for creating an IP packet containing MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) packets therein and having a header including a value computed using a respective bit value of each one of the MPEG packets. Thereafter, an operation is performed for analyzing the computed value to determine an importance of the MPED packets relative to decoded video quality of a video stream including the MPEG packets.

Abstract: An access node comprises an access port configured for operating in a semi-transparent mode. The semi-transparent mode provides for 1:1 between a logical circuit on a network interface of the access node and a logical circuit on an access loop between the access port and customer premise equipment (CPE). The 1:1 mapping enables manipulation of subscriber traffic at the access port on a per-subscriber basis while maintaining logical separation of per-subscriber traffic.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention comprises identifying a M-bit multicast address and deriving a N-bit PON port identifier from the M-bit multicast address. Identifying the M-bit multicast address and deriving the N-bit PON port identifier are performed at an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) of a Passive Optical Network (PON). The N-bit PON port identifier has fewer bits than the M-bit multicast address. Deriving the N-bit PON port identifier includes mapping N?1 Least Significant Bits (LSB) of the M-bit multicast address to N?1 LSB of the N-bit PON port identifier and setting a 1 Most Significant Bit (MSB) of the N-bit PON port identifier to a bit setting that designates the N-bit PON port identifier as being a multicast port identifier.

Abstract: The present invention features embodiments of alleviating the impact to a system of stack switches, as well as to neighboring nodes communicating with such a system, when a primary master switch to secondary master switch failover occurs. The features of the present invention, generally enables a system of stack switches to retain, for a fixed or indefinite period of time, its stack address even when multiple primary master to secondary master failovers occur. This way recalculation of certain protocols—e.g., spanning trees and link aggregations—and updating of certain tables—e.g., address resolution protocol (ARP) and routing tables—are minimized.

Abstract: A network system (10). The system comprises a first network node (MNx), and that node comprises an input (30IN) for receiving a packet, and the node also comprises a buffer (30LC), coupled to the input and for storing the packet. The first network node also comprises circuitry (50) for detecting when a number of packets stored in the buffer exceeds a buffer storage threshold and circuitry, responsive to a detection by the circuitry for detecting that the number of packets stored in the buffer exceeds the buffer storage threshold, for issuing a pause message (60) along an output to at least a second network node. The pause message indicates a message ingress address (602) and a message egress address (602), where that message ingress address and the message egress address correspond to a network ingress address and a network egress address in a congestion-causing packet received by the first network node.

Abstract: An aerodynamic coasting bicycle and method of use are disclosed. In one form, an aerodynamic cycling apparatus includes a main frame including a rear wheel mount and a front wheel mount. The main frame includes a light-weight material and a front wheel is coupled to the front wheel mount. A front wheel cover substantially covers an interior portion of the front wheel. A gearless rear wheel is coupled to the rear wheel mount and includes a rear wheel cover substantially covering an interior portion of the rear wheel.

Abstract: A hole center marking system comprises a punch device and an alignment member. The punch device includes a body assembly and a punch movably disposed within the body assembly. The body assembly has a circular cross-sectional exterior shape at a first end portion thereof. An indenting tip portion of the punch is forcibly biased to a position within the body assembly adjacent the first end portion of the body assembly. The alignment member has a central bore configured for having the first end portion of the body assembly engaged therein. The central bore of the alignment member is size to provide a close-tolerance fit between the central bore and the first end portion of the body assembly.