Abstract: A system and method for communicating network performance information of a node segment of a packet network may include generating network performance information indicative of transmission characteristics of a node segment on a packet network. The network performance information may be included in a data packet and communicated using in-band signaling to a network communications device.

Abstract: An animal exercise wheel is illuminated by LEDs connected to a battery via a reed switch. A magnet actuates the reed switch when an animal begins to rotate the wheel. The LEDs flash with the frequency of rotation of the animal wheel or continuously. As long as the wheel rotates, the magnet continues to actuate the reed switch, which resets a counter. When the wheel stops and the reed switch is no longer actuated, the counter counts a predetermined time, and terminates the illumination of the LEDs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an optical fiber preform, including injecting a plasma gas source into the first end of a tubular member; generating a ring plasma flame with the plasma gas source flowing through a plasma gas feeder nozzle, the plasma gas feeder nozzle including: an inner tube, an outer tube, wherein the plasma gas source is injected between the inner tube and the outer tube to produce the ring plasma flame, such that at least a portion of the ring plasma flame is directed radially toward the inner surface of the tubular member; traversing the tubular member along the longitudinal axis relative to the plasma flame; depositing at least one soot layer on the interior surface of the tubular member by introducing reagent chemicals into the plasma flame; and fusing all of the soot layers into a glass material on the interior surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the connection of a first end-user device to a network includes determining the amount of bandwidth present, tracking the amount of bandwidth in use by different classes of traffic, and tracking performance of the connection to detect when a threshold crossing has been reached. The threshold associated with a decline in quality of a connection between the first end-user device and the network. The method further includes generating data in response to the determined reaching of the threshold and communicating the data to a session controller or a second end-user device that is in a communications session with the first end-user device. The method further includes changing the communications session in response to additional data received from the second end-user device.

Abstract: A network communications device may include an input/output (I/O) unit configured to communicate first data packets with at least two network communications devices over respective node segments on a packet network. A processing unit may be configured to receive second data packets from the network communications devices. The second data packets may include network performance information generated by the network communications devices in response to receiving the first data packets. A memory may be in communication with the processing unit and be configured to store a table containing network performance information associated with the node segments over which the second data packets are communicated. The processing unit may be further configured to process the second data packets to store the network performance information in the table. The network performance information may be utilized to alter communications of data packets over the node segments.

Abstract: A system and method for interconnecting networks. In one embodiment, a message is received from a first network to be communicated to a target device of a second network. Data within the message is identified. A determination is made whether the data is allowable based on a policy. The message is communicated to the target device of the second network in response to determining the data is allowed.

Abstract: The VoIP Management System is capable of identifying voice-based wireless devices and denying wireless communication services to these devices. The VoIP Management System also identifies VoIP packet data traffic, and this communication connection can be denied. The VoIP Management System can also identify encrypted VoIP packet data traffic (for a unique Source -Destination IP pair) based upon VoIP packet data traffic characteristics: packet timing, packet rate, and packet size, since VoIP services have a distinct packet data traffic pattern. When a VoIP call is detected, the VoIP Management System disrupts the identified VoIP packet data traffic, without modifying the packet data content, such as by adding sufficient latency to the Packet Data Unit of the packet data traffic to make the VoIP services unusable.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting communications routing. Network performance information is gathered from a communications network using performance information packet data packets. A network connection offering the best quality of service is selected between the communications network and an outside network based on the network performance information. The network connection is established between the communications network and the outside network for routing communications.

Abstract: A method of directing a call includes receiving a call connection request, the call connection request including an identifier associated with a called party. The method also includes determining a network category associated with the called party in response to receiving the call connection request and generating an instruction operable to direct the call connection request to a selected one of at least two networks accessible for communication by the called party. The network is selected by the instruction in response to the determined network category associated with the called party.

Abstract: A method for selecting a service provider includes receiving a selection of a provider of telecommunications services, the selection being associated with a buyer. The method further includes determining that the buyer does not meet credit requirements of the provider and selecting at least one of a plurality of alternative providers of telecommunications services in response to determining that the buyer does not meet the credit requirements of the provider.

Abstract: A system and method for providing call forwarding. Telephone information of one or more telephones assigned to a user may be stored, where the telephone information may include location coordinates (e.g., GPS coordinates). Telephone information, including location coordinates, of one or more telephones assigned to an organization of which the user is associated may be stored. The organization may be an employer of the user, for example. If call forwarding is enabled by the user, then a call to a wireless device of the user may cause a determination as to whether the wireless device is within a predetermined range of a telephone assigned to either the user or organization may be made. A distinctive ring may be generated to notify the user that a call forwarding call is being received.