Abstract: A direct current (DC) inductive shorted patch antenna includes a direct current inductive (DCL) frequency selective surface (FSS) forming the radiating element, a ground plane, a feed, and a radio frequency (RF) short to the ground plane positioned between the feed and the radiating element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling network activity of network appliances are provided, in which the network activity is transmitted to at least one controlling mobile communications device such as a cellular telephone or wireless telephone-enabled personal digital assistant. Internet access filtering technology is provided wherein Internet access of a monitoring network appliance may be selectively blocked based upon predefined rules, and information regarding Internet access activities, whether blocked or not, may be redirected to multiple controlling mobile communications devices for review based on other predefined rules. The predefined rules may be modified dynamically by sending a command from the controlling mobile communications device to the monitoring network appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based on Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for selectively providing telephone service that is either PSTN-based or Internet-based using a standard analog telephone circuit. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hardware module and associated software for coupling a personal computer or Internet appliance and a standard analog telephone. The apparatus includes a DTMF interface circuit, a subscriber line interface circuit, a ring detection circuit, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the PC or Internet appliance. The apparatus permits the analog telephone to be toggled between an Internet-based telephone mode and a PSTN-network mode by inputting a predetermined sequence of DTMF digits. In alternative embodiments, the apparatus comprises a processor, modem and optionally, analog telephone circuit, to provide a stand-alone or partially-integrated device capable of selectively switching between PSTN-based and Internet-based telephony services.

Abstract: A modem that handles interruptions caused by call waiting signals is described. When the modem detects a call waiting signal, the modem alerts the user to the presence of the call waiting signal, and permits the user to answer the incoming call by taking a local phone that is connected to the modem off-hook. When the local phone is taken off-hook, the modem automatically generates a hook-flash signal to switch to the incoming call. When the user places the local phone back on-hook, the modem generates another hook-flash signal to resume (if possible) the modem connection. Additionally, the modem prevents a “fallback”, in which the modem switches from its current protocol to a lower-speed protocol, during a “retrain” process caused by a call waiting event.

Abstract: Over-voltage protection circuitry for use with a PCMCIA modem card or a mobile modem is disclosed. The protection circuitry detects excessive voltage between the tip and ring lines of a telephone subscriber loop when the modem is “off-hook”, and immediately places the modem “on-hook”, protecting the line interface circuitry, when the over-voltage condition is detected. The over-voltage protection circuitry of the present invention may share common components and signal lines with the modem's ring-detection circuitry, and may be implemented using a minimal number of additional components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically selecting a computer on a local area network to become a server providing shared access to a wide area network, such as the Internet, to all of the computers on the local area network is disclosed. A server may be selected from among any of the computers on the local area network that is currently available (i.e. powered on), and capable of establishing a connection to the wide area network. If the current server shuts down, a new server may be selected and started with only minimal impact on the other computers on the local area network, which are automatically reconfigured to use the new server to route network traffic to the wide area network.

Abstract: Protection circuitry for use with a modem is provided that detects excessive voltage between the tip and ring lines of a telephone subscriber loop when the modem is off-hook. When the over-voltage condition is detected, a switch is active, creating a circuit path that directs current away from the DC-holding circuit of the modem, thereby protecting the modem. The protection circuit of the present invention may be implemented using a minimal number of simple and inexpensive components.