Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring, reporting, and managing operational status and configuration of a smart amplifier which includes a radio frequency amplifier unit and transponder. A smart amplifier includes a radio frequency (RF) amplifier unit, a transponder including a transponder component integrated with a telemetry agent, and a controller. The RF amplifier unit configured to process a signal received via a cable access network. The transponder is configured to collect telemetry data from the received signal and stream the collected telemetry data to a service processing platform. The controller configured to remotely configure the RF amplifier unit based on information received from the service provider processing platform, the information based on the streamed telemetry data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for automatically switching virtual private networks.

Abstract: A content delivery network (CDN) includes UE gateways, a service switch (SS) mesh network, and server gateways. The CDN nodes maintain cache lists of mappings identifying corresponding upstream system nodes for content items available at content servers connected to the server gateways. When a CDN node receives an upstream service instance request for a specific content item by a corresponding UE connected to a UE gateway, upon determining that a mapping for the specific content item is in its cache list, the CDN node forwards the upstream service instance request to the corresponding upstream system node as part of a process of defining a downstream data path for the specific content item from the corresponding content server to the corresponding UE. The CDN enables service-level content delivery at lower levels of latency than conventional DNS-based systems.

Abstract: In a CBRS system, a spectrum access system (SAS) ensures access by incumbents to specified CBRS channels by establishing temporary whisper zones as needed based on information about incumbent locations and channel usage received from an incumbent tracking system. The SAS relies on environmental sensing capability (ESC) sensors located within the whisper zones to detect actual incumbent use of the specified channels. Upon such detection, the SAS controls the allocation of CBRS channels to non-whisper-zone base stations to ensure incumbent access within dynamic protection zones (DPZs). Establishing temporary whisper zone only when needed and ensuring incumbent access within DPZs based on detection of actual incumbent use result in efficient allocation of the CBRS spectrum for commercial use.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus for spatially combining a plurality of 5G new radio (NR) carrier signals or channels for transport via a common frequency channel through a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) or other communications medium link or network. To overcome a loss of receiver ability to discriminate/process individual spatial components, each baseband signal and/or carrier signal including a spatial component has imparted to it a respective channel component Øn configured to modify amplitude, phase shift, and/or time delay of the baseband signal and/or carrier signal such that multiple spatial component bearing signals stacked/combined within a HFC frequency channel or slot include channel characteristics sufficiently distinct so as to enable a receiver to identify, discriminate, and otherwise process desired spatial components.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method of operating a local storage device (“LSD”) in a broadband communication network is disclosed. The LSD is within a local area network of at least one user device. At least one item of digital content is received by the LSD from at least some of a plurality of digital content providers, via the network, during an off peak time period of the network. The item of digital content is selected by a respective content provider for download to a respective user based on the respective user. The received digital content is stored in the local storage device. A selected one of the stored digital content is provided from the LSD to a user device in response to a request from the user device. A system for providing digital content and an LSD, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods, apparatus, systems, architectures, mechanisms and apparatus providing a local, self-organizing, and automatic unlicensed channel(s) exclusion enforcement mechanism wherein a frequency coordination (AFC) function at a network device associated with an access point (AP), such as a home/business gateway including an AP.

Abstract: Methods performed by a processor of a computing device for managing functionality of the computing device to interact with field equipment may include determining by the processor a location of field equipment based on information obtained by the processor proximate to the field equipment, determining by the processor a location of the computing device based on geolocation information, determining whether the location of the field equipment based on information obtained by the processor proximate to the field equipment and the location of the computing device based on geolocation information are within a threshold distance, verifying the location of the field equipment in response to determining that the location of the field equipment based on information obtained by the processor proximate to the field equipment and the location of the computing device based on geolocation information are within the threshold distance, and enabling functionality of the computing device to interact with the field equipment i

Abstract: Premises apparatus and methods for providing aggregated high-bandwidth, low-latency, data service over a content delivery network including existing wireline infrastructure. In one embodiment, a network architecture having service delivery over at least portions of extant hybrid fiber coax (HFC) infrastructure is disclosed, which includes standards-compliant ultra-low latency and high data rate services (e.g., 3GPP and IEEE Std. 802.11 services) via a common service provider. In one variant, an expanded frequency band (e.g., 1.6 GHz in total bandwidth) is used over the coaxial portions of the HFC infrastructure, which is allocated to two or more sub-bands. Premises apparatus are used to support multi-service integration (e.g., aggregation of mobile wireless, premises, and other services), as well as incipient IoT applications and technologies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing communication and performance for a device backhauled by a wireline communication network. In one embodiment, the device comprises a small-cell or other wireless base station that is backhauled by a DOCSIS system within a managed HFC network, and the method and apparatus enable enhanced communication between the small cell/base station and the backhaul network so as to support “rate matching” between the device to mitigate packet overflow or other issues. In one implementation, enhanced cable modem (CM) and base station devices coordinate to inform the base station of the modulation order (and/or other parameters related to transmission of the data destined for the base station on the backhaul) so that the base station can selectively invoke utilization of higher-order modulation and/or coding schemes, as well as spatial multiplexing or beamforming.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing channel diversity in a MIMO system, e.g. a massive MIMO system, are described. Some selected sounding reference signal values are applied to control base station transmission for antennas, e.g., randomly or semi-randomly selected antennas, to which they do not actually correspond. The wireless terminal perceives this change as a change in channel conditions, which is subsequently reported in channel status information (CSI) to the base station. This results in increased channel diversity, which is beneficial to the base station scheduler.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, and apparatus for enabling dynamic configuration of devices using encumbered shared spectrum (e.g., CBSDs using CBRS) so as to operate these devices in accordance with a most preferred operator preference of a plurality of operator preferences currently available in view of current wireless operating conditions, such as impacted by overlapping/proximate incumbent or priority users of the shared spectrum, or other changes in spectrum available conditions. Various embodiments further provide for an efficient return of these devices to a most preferred operator preference or steady-state configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, and apparatus for enabling UE attached to a mobile network via a mid-band CBSD node to continue transmitting upload data to the mid-band CBSD node even in the event of a loss of Physical Downlink Control Channels (PDCCH) coverage of the CBSD node resulting in a failure of the UE to receive uplink grant schedule updates. Various embodiments contemplate that the UE responsively attaches to a low-band node which, based on physical cell ID (PCI) of the CBSD node, retrieves updated uplink grant schedules from the CBSD node via a backhaul network and provides the uplink grant schedules to the UE.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring a main or security processor in a customer premises equipment (CPE) with an encrypted seed for password-of-the-day (PoTD) processing is described. A CPE includes a modem processor, a main processor, and a PoTD component included on the main processor. The main processor receives, via the modem processor from a user device, an access request to the CPE. In response to the access request, the PoTD component accesses an encrypted seed stored on the main processor, generates a PoTD from the encrypted seed, and provides an access response based on comparison of the generated PoTD with a PoTD provided via the user device. A security processor can be used in lieu of the main processor. The PoTD component is then included in the security processor and the encrypted seed is then stored on the security processor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a spectrum access controller (SAC) which protects a protected entity from excessive interference are described. A spectrum access controller (SAC) divides the coverage contour of the entity to be protected into geospatial zones called protection zones. Each protection zone is protected against interference from a neighboring area called an interference neighborhood. Each interference neighborhood is divided into interference zones based on their interference potential or distance from the protection zone. Potential interferers are grouped based on their location in the interference zones or interference potential. The interference quota for the protection zone is divided among the potential interferers in each group/zone. The quota may be divided unequally among groups/zones, e.g., based on their overall interference potential or proximity to the protection zone, or number of interferers.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for the detection and remediation of malicious network traffic. Network traffic is received from a network-based device and analyzed the network traffic to identify the network-based device as an infected network-based device. In response to identifying the network-based device as an infected network-based device, a response message is sent to the infected network-based device, the response message triggering a tarpitting effect on the network-based device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filtering lawfully intercepted encrypted traffic are described. A communications service provider network includes a mediation device and a security device. The mediation device receives a provisioned intercept request including a target IP address and one or more unique identifies corresponding to the target. The security device acquires certificates and private keys corresponding to one or more content distribution networks of interest for which intercepted traffic is to be partially or fully discarded. The mediation device receives filtering requests specifying filtering rules to be applied. Intercepted traffic is processed by the mediation device operating in conjunction with the security device to attempt decryption and identify the corresponding CDN network for the intercepted traffic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling access to coexisting first and second networks within a venue. In one embodiment, the first network is a managed content delivery network that includes one or more wireless access points (APs) in data communication with a backend controller which communicates with a dedicated background scanner. The background scanner scans for coexisting networks within the venue, and reports this to the controller. In one variant, the controller dynamically adjusts transmit characteristics of the AP(s) to manage interference between the coexisting networks. In another variant, the controller causes the energy detect threshold of a client device to be lowered so that the device may detect WLAN signals in a scenario where a coexisting RAT (for example, LTE-U or LTE-LAA) occupies the same channel and/or frequency.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time detection and reporting of trains is described. A system includes two train detection units (TDUs) for each railroad track intersecting a municipality boundary. Each TDU including a proximity sensor to sense a presence of an object on the railroad track, a camera to capture an image of a detected object when the object is within a detection zone, a radar to measure speed when the detected object is classified as a train, and a processor to classify the detected object, generate a timestamp corresponding to when the train entered and exited the detection zone, and determine a train length from the speed and time delta between entrance timestamp and exit timestamp. A train detection controller to receive at least the train length and a TDU identification from one of the two TDUs, and determine estimated time of arrivals for the train at different municipality locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing backhaul communications. An exemplary method embodiment includes the steps of: determining, by a first wireless base station of a first wireless network, whether a first backhaul connection path between the first wireless base station and a core network entity of a first service provider includes a communications link which is part of a second network being operated by a different service provider; determining, by the first wireless base station, data transmission latency between the first wireless base station and the core network entity using the first backhaul connection path; establishing, by the first wireless base station, a second backhaul connection path between the first wireless base station and the core network entity, said second backhaul connection including a wireless connection to a second wireless base station which is part of the first wireless network.