Abstract: A method and system for implementing secure network communications between a first device and a second device, at least one of the devices communicating with the other device via a firewall device, are provided. The method and system may include obtaining an encryption parameter that is shared by the first device, second device and firewall device. A data packet sent by the first device may then be copied within the firewall device, so that decryption of the copy of the data packet within a portion of the firewall device may take place. In particular, the portion of the firewall device in which decryption takes place is defined such that contents of the portion are inaccessible to an operator of the firewall device. Thus, scanning of the decrypted copy of the data packet for compliance with a predetermined criterion may take place within the firewall device, without an operator of the firewall device having access to the contents of the data packet to be transmitted.

Abstract: An enhanced network element and method for configuring and deploying computer network elements is disclosed. A customer orders a network element from an equipment provider. Upon receipt of the unconfigured network element, a Trusted Configuration Device (TCD) is shipped from a network provider to the customer. The TCD transmits information to the NE that enables it to download a configuration file from a Provisioning Server (PS) via a secure channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a facility management platform to monitor and view the status of a plurality of individually addressable downstream devices including, but not limited to, addressable terminals, IRG's, settops, cable modems, taps, nodes, and/or hubs at a network control center. The FMP may display problems at these downstream devices, for example, power loss, and/or may automatically notify the appropriate companies and/or personnel to correct the problem.

Abstract: A communication system includes a plurality of devices, such as cable modems, in communication with a station, such as a cable modem termination system, that provides efficient upstream bandwidth sharing.

Abstract: A method for structuring SONET rings in a network is disclosed, along with a method for redirecting traffic among SONET rings when a fault causing traffic outage on a single SONET ring is detected. First, SONET rings are structured into “families” sharing common offices, with each family containing an additional “protection ring”. When a service-affecting alarm is detected in a SONET ring, it is determined whether there are any service alarms on a protection ring in the SONET ring family. It is also determined whether or not the protection ring is already in use. If the protection ring is not in use and no alarms are detected in the protection ring, the protection ring is marked as being in use. Traffic from the ring in which the service alarm is detected is then re-routed onto the protection ring. A method is also given for directing traffic back to the original SONET ring after the failure is repaired.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus comprising a first arm defining a pair of opposing ends, each of said opposing ends attached to a restrainer; a second arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; a third arm defining a translatable end to which a restrainer is attached and an opposing end attached to said first arm; and a first restorer attached between said second arm and said third arm, said first restorer resisting relative motion between said second arm and said third arm.

Abstract: An in-band signaling method that enables secure updates of a care-of-IP address for a mobile host that roams between access networks. In the illustrative embodiment described herein, a mobile host includes an intelligent interface that handles IP networking functions and tunnels IP packets between the mobile host and the mobile host's home agent/remote access server (HA/RAS) transparently, as if the mobile host established a connection to a communicating or destination host (DST) from the home network (where the HA/RAS resides). In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an in-band signaling method that employs encrypted three-way handshake signaling messages that are embedded in encapsulated IP packets to enable care-of IP address updates. This method can effectively protect mobile hosts from denial-of-service attacks and is transparent to NAT/NAPT firewalls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring communications in a network. The network includes a plurality of nodes, with each pair of nodes connected by a link, and with each link having information channels and restoration channels. An idle signal is sent on each restoration channel for each link. The failure of a link is detected, with the failed link connecting an originating node with a terminating node. In addition, the failed link includes at least one information channel carrying information signals. An alternate path through the network is determined for the information signals using restoration and idle signals sent over the restoration channels. The information signals are then routed from the originating node to the terminating node in accordance with the alternate path.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising a cast collimator derived from a metallic foil stack lamination mold, said collimaxor defining a feature adapted to contain a plurality of radiation detection elements. In certain embodiments, the collimator can define a feature adapted to contain a plurality of radiation detection elements, such as scintillators. Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising a cast component derived from a metallic foil stack lamination mold. In various exemplary embodiments, the cast components can be a mechanical, electrical, electronic, optical, fluidic, biomedical, and/or biotechnological component.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising receiving, from a user-operated telecommunications device, a user-initiated communication to a non-911 communications address. The method can comprise automatically providing a user with a current location of a user-associated telecommunications device. The method can comprise requesting, from the user, verification of the current location of the user-associated telecommunications device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing a parking lot. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving parking lot data. The embodiment of the disclosed method also includes transforming the parking lot data into parking lot information, the parking lot information including information about a moving parking lot object. Further, the embodiment of the disclosed method includes transmitting a map of the parking lot to a mobile interaction device, and transmitting the parking lot information to the mobile interaction device.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising sensing an intruder within a predetermined vicinity of a Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) system; and reducing an emitted power of the FSOC system. Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system comprising a Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) subsystem; a sensor adapted to detect an intruder within a predetermined vicinity of the FSOC subsystem; and a switch adapted to reduce an emitted power of the FSOC subsystem, said switch coupled to said sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a network interface device and a communication network incorporating the network interface device. The network interface device may receive incoming calls placed from a copper loop network, a cable network or wireless network, determine CallerID information of the call and the IP address of at least one end device and multicast the CallerID information to at least one end device such as a television, stereo or computer, for example.

Abstract: A network interworking facility (24) advantageously interworks Ethernet and ATM networks (22, 26) having different protocols to permit the data from in one network to pass to the other and vice versa without the need for the source in to account for the protocol of the destination. Upon receipt of an information frame from the source, the interworking facility forms a second frame of a format compatible with the destination network and including the information payload from the first frame. The interworking facility also maps the destination address incorporated in the origin frame to a corresponding destination address of a format compatible with the destination network to facilitate forwarding of the second frame to the destination.

Abstract: In an IP network, tabulating the number of data packets received from and/or sent to a particular IP address over time can provide a mechanism by which it is possible to determine or predict overloading of a node or nodes in an IP data network. By selectively deleting data packets received from a suspect source address or inhibiting the transmission of data packets to a suspect destination address, network management and control can be readily accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for transferring calls among communicating devices connected through a public network. The service is offered by a public network to permit a party in a ongoing conversation to transfer a call to another communicating device that may be more convenient to use, such as from a mobile telephone experiencing static to a land-based telephone, or from a home telephone to a mobile phone as a party leaves the home. In a method according to the invention, the network first establishes a connection between two communicating parties. The network then receives from one of the parties a request to transfer the call to another communications device. The network then transfers the call. The invention may be entirely network-based, in which case there may be a database of transferee devices stored on the network.

Abstract: A novel method of and system for providing common value-added services for two-way point-to-point, multi-point-to-multi-point, point-to-multi-point, and/or multi-point-to-point real-time communications using various communication protocols. The present invention provides common value-added service protocols for receiving a request from a first of a multiple of communication protocol sources for a first value-added service using the first common value-added service protocol, and providing the requested first value-added service to the first communication protocol source using the first common value-added service protocol. The present invention further includes receiving a request from a second of the multiple communication protocol sources for the first value-added service using the first common value-added service protocol, and providing the requested first value-added service to the second communication protocol source using the first common value-added service protocol.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a garment comprising a compartment that can comprise a volume substantially sufficient to contain a medical apparatus. A compartment can be comprised of an inner and an outer layer of material, with the outer layer comprised of two or more releasably attaching outer panels. The inner layer of a compartment can comprise a releasably attachable vertical joint that can allow access to a wearer's body for insertion and manipulation of a medical apparatus.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method, comprising automatically obtaining real-time measurement data for a telephone network between a transit carrier and a predetermined terminating carrier; and automatically providing the real-time measurement data via the Internet to an originating carrier associated with the transit carrier. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a configuration of a dial platform. The operating system for the cards can be loaded and the modem chassis can be configured. The process of loading different code to different cards is automated, and the chassis is configured based on information collected from the chassis prior to loading the code. The user interface allows a technician to log into and choose a chassis, and select the type of work to be performed. The choices made by the technicians are tracked. The work is preferably performed during a maintenance window to minimize the impact to the network.