Abstract: In a cable network, embodiments detect and remediate a non-responsive customer premise equipment (CPE) device in a customer's premise with minimal or no interaction with a customer. Embodiments may detect and remediate a non-responsive CPE device without rebooting the non-responsive CPE device or the associated cable modem. Embodiments include troubleshooting a data link layer (e.g., Open System Interconnection (OSI) layer 2, or media access control (MAC) layer) and a network layer (e.g., OSI layer 3, or Internet layer) between a service operator network and the non-responsive CPE device. Embodiments include a guided integration and a proactive integration method, computer program product, and system to reduce and/or eliminate the need for a customer service representative to reboot a cable modem, and/or for a customer to reboot a non-responsive CPE device resulting in a fast and less disruptive service experience for the customer.

Abstract: A duration of time a communications device is connected to a first network is monitored. A signal of a second network is detected. Next, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed such that the communications device makes efficient use of the first network, and in response to a determination that the predetermined amount of time has elapsed, a connection of the communications device to the second network is initiated.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for integrated diagnosis and debugging of content distribution systems. A system includes a networking module that receives, from a central server, instructions for running network diagnostics on a cable headend. A diagnostics environment module is configured to perform diagnostic operations based on the received instructions. The networking module transmits results of the diagnostic operations to the central server.

Abstract: A wireless access point (WAP) supports one or more physical layer (PHY) operational parameters which can be restricted from use to lessen congestion within a wireless network (WN). The WAP periodically transmits a management frame to enable one or more communication devices to establish and/or maintain communication with the WAP. The wireless network can restrict one or more of the one or more PHY operational parameters, such as PHY data rates to provide an example, that are supported by the WAP from being utilized for communicating the management frame. This restriction of the one or more PHY operational parameters allows the WAP to periodically transmit the management frame at an increased PHY data rate thereby decreasing time needed for communicating the management frame which can lessen the congestion within the WN.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adaptive control of scanning by a communications device, such as a mobile handset, for an available communication network based on a status of the communications device, user behavior, and signal status. A new time interval used for scanning for communications networks and access points is calculated responsive to a detected change in condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products to communicate using a synthetic Media Access Control (synMAC) addresses are provided. The method includes receiving a first message assigning a first synMAC address and a second synMAC address to the device and storing the first synMAC address and the second synMAC address in a memory. The method further includes receiving a second message and processing the second message when the second message includes the first synMAC address or the second synMAC address.

Abstract: Firmware is installed in a cable modem, enabling detection of the presence or absence of a cable trap in the feed of a customer location. Such a cable modem includes a trap-detection module and a trap-detection object. The trap-detection module is configured to determine whether a signal is present at a cable-television frequency. The trap-detection object is configured to store data as to whether the signal is present and support polling by providing the stored data in response to a received polling command.

Abstract: In a video delivery context, collection and analysis of viewing data can provide insight into viewer interaction with video and the Internet. The viewing data can be transmitted in a controlled manner to a data repository. The system can selectively target specific viewers/households to obtain viewing data, which can be combined with demographics, anonymized, and encrypted. Embodiments enable precision selection of media opportunities, by determining detailed characteristics associated with broadcasts including movement of audiences and specific viewer behavior, such as visits to websites on the Internet. The effective yield of broadcasts, including promotional spots and advertisements, can be determined and predicted based on concrete data at a level of detail down to individual viewers. Accordingly, embodiments enable improvement of the effectiveness and return on investment for programming, promotional spots, and advertisements.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system, method, and a computer program product for identifying a cause of return system degradation. Embodiments include monitoring a network to identify a distressed node impacted by return system degradation, polling a plurality of cable modem devices serviced by the distressed node for transmission parameter values, scoring the transmission parameter values for each of the plurality of cable modem devices, identifying a cable modem device from among the plurality of cable modem devices causing the return system degradation based on the scores of each of the plurality of cable modem devices, and initiating a work order to repair the cable modem device from among the plurality of cable modem devices causing the return system degradation.

Abstract: A system and method for polling a plurality of client devices of different types are provided. A reboot and polling tool pre-polls client devices, where the pre-poll is specific to a type of client device and identifies a state of the client devices. The reboot and polling tool then executes a script on the client devices that changes the state of the plurality of client devices. After the script is executed, the reboot and polling tool post-polls the client devices where the post-poll is specific to the type of client device and the post-poll provides information that identifies changes in the state of the client devices caused by the script.

Abstract: A method for dynamic routing is provided. Status information of a multichannel video and data distribution service (MVDDS) channel from customer premises equipment (CPE) is received. The status information is evaluated to determine if data destined for the CPE over the MVDDS channel should be routed over a secondary channel. Data destined for the CPE is route over the secondary channel when the data is determined to be routed over the secondary channel.

Abstract: Advertisements are presented to users via one or more delivery methods, such as a cable-television network and the Internet. An interactive product information screen allows the user to review information about a product to be purchased and, if desired, save purchase information associated with the user and the product at a central server. Subsequently, the user requests to review the saved purchase information either via the cable-television network or the Internet and can complete the transaction using either avenue.

Abstract: Centralized storage and playback of user-recorded television programming eliminates the need for expensive DVR devices to be deployed in the field. Further, the methods used to initiate storage and provide playback of stored media respect copyright principles.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method and a computer-readable medium for accessing content on a plurality of computing devices from a plurality of independent frameworks. The system includes a virtual backend service (VBS) platform. A plurality of independent frameworks hosted on the VBS platform, where each independent framework is configured to provide access to an independent set of applications that provide a service over a network. The system also includes a configuration module for configuring each computing device in the plurality of computing devices to access the set of applications particular to the independent framework, wherein the configuring dynamically switches access of each computing device between the independent frameworks, and access the service from each framework by the configured computing device.

Abstract: A distributed stochastic learning agent analyzes viewing and/or interactive service behavior patterns of users of a managed services system. The agent may operate on embedded and/or distributed devices such as set-top boxes, portable video devices, and interactive consumer electronic devices. Content may be provided with services such as video and/or interactive applications at a future time with maximum likelihood that a subscriber will be viewing a video or utilizing an interactive service at that future time. For example, user impressions can be maximized for content such as advertisements, and content may be scheduled in real-time to maximize viewership from across all video and/or interactive services.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adaptive control of scanning by a communications device, such as a mobile handset, for an available communication network based on a status of the communications device, user behavior, and signal status. A new time interval used for scanning for communications networks and access points is calculated responsive to a detected change in condition.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for detecting hacked modems in a cable network system. A cable Internet service provider can provide the disclosed heuristic to determine whether a particular cable modem has likely been hacked by obtaining a score corresponding to this likelihood. This score, as well as information regarding failure and success of various tests, can be used to generate a report identifying the likelihood that various modems have been hacked.

Abstract: A flexible video-on-demand viewing period is varied depending on whether the customer has completed viewing the entire program, allowing the viewing period to be extended if the customer has not completed viewing the entire program. The approach better assures the customer that they will have the opportunity to complete viewing the entire program, compared to a fixed rental period, while assuring program copyright owners that the utility of the rental is limited, fundamentally as intended, preserving the future value of the asset. The approach also enables viewers to retain bookmarks as needed for content that is not naturally tied to a rental period, such as subscription video-on-demand, without unnecessarily enlarging their list of active rentals.

Abstract: A cable assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and a cable is disclosed that routes power, and/or information between devices. The cable includes a first group of one or more conductors that are mechanically connected to the first connector and the second connector to route power and/or one or more wired information communications between the devices. The cable also includes a second group of one or more that is mechanically connected to the first connector to provide one or more wireless information communications between the first device and the second device or a third device which is not mechanically connected to the cable assembly.