Abstract: A testing system provides automated testing of one or more network infrastructures. The testing system may automatically reconfigure one or more devices within a network infrastructure and then conduct testing on the newly configured network infrastructure. Test results may be used to diagnose network anomalies and to compare performance or other characteristics of various network configurations. In one embodiment, the testing system tests a communication channel between a front-end and back-end mechanism where data traffic is encoded between the front-end and back-end mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for communicating Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) traffic over a network in an accelerated manner. In one embodiment, DIS traffic is accelerated through use of accelerated DIS packets having a reduced size. In this manner, network traffic is reduced. Accelerated DIS packets may be created and communicated through one or more DIS accelerators. A first DIS accelerator may accept a DIS packet and create an accelerated DIS packet therefrom by comparing the DIS packet to a cache and forming an accelerated DIS packet comprising the differences between the DIS packet and the cache. Data in the original DIS packet may be subsequently restored by a second DIS accelerator which combines the information in the accelerated DIS packet and the cache to restore the original DIS packet. Accelerated DIS packets may be communicated over an encoded communication channel in one or more embodiments.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing functionality within a network on behalf of first and second computers communicating with each other through the network. A front-end computer is provided within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the first computer. A back-end computer is also implemented within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the second computer. A communication channel couples the front-end computer and the back-end computer. Data traffic is encoded over the communication channel in a first process in the front-end computer. Data traffic is also encoded over the communication channel in a second process in the back-end computer, wherein the first process and the second process implement compatible semantics.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing functionality within a network on behalf of first and second computers communicating with each other through the network. A front-end computer is provided within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the first computer. A back-end computer is also implemented within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the second computer. A communication channel couples the front-end computer and the back-end computer. Data traffic is encoded over the communication channel in a first process in the front-end computer. Data traffic is also encoded over the communication channel in a second process in the back-end computer, wherein the first process and the second process implement compatible semantics.

Abstract: A method for transmitting packets from a network computer onto a network. At least two data sets are received. A priority value is determined for each of the at least two data sets. A composite data set is composed comprising portions of the at least two data sets such that an amount of data from each of the data sets within the composite data set is based upon relative priorities between each of the at least two data sets. The composite data set is transmitted onto the network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing state information between processes in different domains, and, more particularly, to software, systems and methods for determining and updating state information using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) cookies. A state management server manages priority information based on the priority of content requested by a user agent from a number of different domains. In a preferred embodiment, domain-specific state information is collected by a plurality of front-ends operating in dynamically assigned domains, and reported to the state management server which operates in a statically assigned domain. Preferably, the state management server causes the global priority information to be stored on a client device, such as a computer, in the form of a global cookie.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing functionality within a network on behalf of first and second computers communicating with each other through the network. A front-end computer is provided within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the first computer. A back-end computer is also implemented within the network having an interface for communicating data traffic with the second computer. A communication channel couples the front-end computer and the back-end computer. Data traffic is encoded over the communication channel in a first process in the front-end computer. Data traffic is also encoded over the communication channel in a second process in the back-end computer, wherein the first process and the second process implement compatible semantics.

Abstract: A system and method for prioritizing sets of information transmitted across a network. The priority of a set of information determines the order in which it is transmitted and other characteristics associated with the set of information, such as connection reliability. In one embodiment, the set of information is a packet, and the packet is prioritized upon receipt by an intermediary network computer. The intermediary transmits packets based on the priority associated with each packet. Priority information includes priority parameters, priority values, parameter valuation information, and weighting algorithms. Priority parameter types and values are based on attributes associated with a set of information, such as user identification and requested content. Priority types and values, which are based on priority parameter types and values, determine a component of the priority associated with a set of information. Parameter valuation information associates priority parameters with priority values.

Abstract: A database system operating over a communication network. A plurality of client applications coupled to the network generate database access requests. An intermediary server coupled to the network receives the requests. A data storage mechanism coupled to the network has an interface for communicating with the intermediary servers. The intermediary server is responsive to a received database access request to establishing a channel with the data storage mechanism to obtain data from the data storage mechanism in response to a received client request. The intermediary server is further operable to format the obtained data in a manner suitable for use by one of the client applications that requested the associated database access.

Abstract: A system and method for providing network resources from an origin server to a client. A set of intermediary servers is topologically dispersed throughout a network. An enhanced communication channel is provided between the set of intermediary servers and the origin server. A redirector receives address resolution requests for the origin server, selects one of the intermediary servers in response to the request, and provides a network address of the selected intermediary servers to an entity generating the address resolution request.

Abstract: A system for handling denial of service attacks on behalf of a shared network resource. A request processing component deployed within a network, the request processing component having an interface configured to receive requests on behalf of the shared network resource. A rate control component coupled to the request processing component, the rate control component comprising program and data structures operable to selectively forward received requests to the shared network resource at a rate selected to prevent the shared network resource from crashing or becoming undesirably busy. Preferably, the system includes a denial of service attack detection component coupled to the request processing component and the rate control component and operable to monitor request metrics from the request processing component and provide configuration information to the rate control component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prioritizing data traffic over a shared bandwidth connection. In one embodiment, traffic is prioritized implicitly by governing the rate at which data is launched into the shared bandwidth connection. In another embodiment, mechanisms that couple the Internet to the shared bandwidth connection are explicitly regulated through a control interface. Priority information is coupled through the Internet to front-end computers. The front-end computers couple to the shared bandwidth connection and implement the implicit and/or explicit regulation.

Abstract: An interactive multi-player computer hosted game employs an unstructured telecommunications link, such as the Internet, between a game server and a plurality of game clients. A game server, associated with a game driver, performs a performance monitoring function to determine an optimal bandwidth for each connection to a game client. Each information packet generated by the game driver is prioritized and queued for transmission in order of relevance for the game client. The game server then optimizes the transmission of information packets through the telecommunication network to the game client. Processed user input is received through the telecommunication network from the game client and transmitted to the game driver.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer game that is played over a computer network and is capable of accommodating a large number of players. When the game is play on the Internet, players are able to input moves and be apprised of the state of the game using the basic input/output functions of their Web browser. Consequently, the game can be played with substantially no other game related software, plug-ins or add-ons. Another embodiment of the invention relates to the management of a game data base so as to compensate for the lack of game resources that a newer player has relative to older players that are likely to possess significantly greater game resources. Further, the virtual space of the game is highly expandable and updatable. In another embodiment of the invention a game is provided that couples game playing and advertising via a game currency that an advertiser can provide to a player and which can be used by the player in playing the game.