Abstract: A method for performing alternate and therefore least cost routing in distributed H.323 Voice over IP (VoIP) networks is provided. With this method, the VoIP network consists of a hierarchy of gatekeeper (GK) functions to provide alternate routing, network element redundancy, and scalability. The alternate routing function is performed by a directory gatekeeper with route selection advancing from a first route to a second route by either of two conditions: (1) there are no resources available to terminate the call in the first zone; and (2) a lack of response to the directory GK request for such resources.

Abstract: In a wide area network arrangement composed of some number of secure local networks and an Internet service provider (ISP) back-bone, LAN hosts are able to indirectly access network routers, through an ISP quality of service (QoS) module, to request that information transmitted during certain specified sessions be given priority treatment by the network.

Abstract: A mechanism to measure voice call quality in a Voice over IP (VOIP) network using a single voice call quality test probe is described. VOIP communications devices, such as gateways, that are deployed at various points along the border of the VOIP network each are configured to play an embedded reference voice file in response to test calls placed by the test probe to those devices. The test probe measures voice call quality by recording the played voice file and comparing it to the test probe's own copy of the reference voice file. The comparison uses a standard voice call quality analysis algorithm, such as Perceptual Analysis Measurement System (PAMS) or Perceptual Speech Quality Measurement (PSQM).

Abstract: A variety of techniques for both (1) viewing multimedia-based information in accordance with user controls for speed and direction of the multimedia presentation and in accordance with a user selection device being in a particular location and (2) presenting multimedia data items. When a user device is within the defined area, the speed and direction control are on, and when it leaves the defined area, the speed and direction are off. Also described is a system using a browser tool for displaying multimedia data in accordance with these viewing techniques which are indices into multimedia presentations. A user selection is made by viewing the multimedia data items and control is transferred accordingly to an appropriate application to present a multimedia presentation corresponding to a selected multimedia data item. An index database of the multimedia data items is used as indices into the multimedia presentations.

Abstract: A method for delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment. At least a first resource associated with a first content provider and maintained on an origin server references a second resource. The second resource is associated with a network formed by a plurality of repeater servers operable to serve the second resource to clients on behalf of the first content provider, the origin server being distinct from the plurality of repeater servers. Responsive to a request that causes the first resource to be served to a client from the origin server, at least one of the plurality of repeater servers is selected to serve the second resource to the client. If a copy of the second resource is available on the selected repeater server, the copy of the second resource is served to the client from the selected repeater server; otherwise, if a copy of the second resource is not available on the selected repeater server, the second resource is replicated on the selected repeater server.

Abstract: A method of processing requests for resources in a system in which a plurality of content providers provide multiple resources. Content providers offload the serving of some of their resources to a shared content delivery network (CDN) formed by a plurality of servers. The CDN is shared among the content providers. Some of a content provider's content may be served from an origin server associated with that content provider, while requests for other content from that content provider are served from the shared CDN. Requests for content are directed to servers in the CDN based on load conditions on the CDN servers and network conditions.

Abstract: A method of generating a web page modifies uniform resource locators (URLs) of embedded resources in a web page. The modified URLs include data prepended to information from the original URLs. The prepended data may be a hostname or an network address that is resolvable to a shared network of servers.

Abstract: A method of processing requests for resources in a system in which a plurality of content providers provide multiple resources. Content providers offload the serving of some of their resources to a shared content delivery network (CDN) formed by a plurality of servers. The CDN is shared among the content providers. Some of a content provider's content may be served from an origin server associated with that content provider, while requests for other content from that content provider are served from the shared CDN.

Abstract: A plurality of data items are distributed across a plurality of computers, some of which may form a peer-to-peer network. A first computer receives a request for a data item from a requesting computer. The request includes a True Name of the data item. The first computer causes the requesting computer to obtain the data item from a second computer, distinct from the first computer. The first computer may not have a copy of the requested data item. The first computer may know the location of the data item. The first computer may forward the request for the data item to at least one other computer.

Abstract: A communication line is installed in a network by automating a design phase and a configuration phase for the service and by automating failure recovery in either of the phases. In the design phase, an optimal route for the communication line is found, and the network components are provisioned and assigned. If the assigned network components are not available or can not be validated, the components causing the failure are marked, and the design phase is retried without the marked components. After the design phase, the configuration phase begins. The circuit design is tested against actual network components. If the test is passed, the actual network is configured according to the circuit design and the circuit is activated. If there is a network component failure during the configuration phase, the good route elements in the design are released while the failed network components are marked. The design phase is retried.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managed object replication and delivery redirects, directly or indirectly, a client's request for an object that is not available at a best or optimal handling edge server of a network to a parent server that has the requested object. So, where the requested object is not available at the handling edge server, the client's request is redirected directly to the parent server that can provide the requested object to the client or indirectly via one or more parent servers to a parent server that can provide the requested object to the client. The method, system and computer program product further intelligently replicates the object to the edge server if the object is popular enough. Likewise, an object is removed from an edge server when it is no longer popular. All redirection and replication operations are preferably transparent to the end-user and do not degrade the quality of service.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for the production and distribution of random bits is disclosed. The system uses a truly random source (102) to generate random data. The random data is sent to an input interface (104), which converts the random data to a random bit stream. The random bit stream is coupled from the input interface (104) to a processor (106) via bus (109). The processor (106) executes instructions received from memory (110) and converts the random bit stream into a machine-readable format. The machine-readable random bit stream is sent to network connection (108) and made available to network (112). A remote user (114) requests a random bit stream from system (100) over network (112). System (100) sends the requested number of random bits to the remote user (114).

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for performing alternate routing of communications in a network. The system initiates a communication from an origination endpoint in a packet-switched network, such as a VoIP network, to a destination endpoint, and determining, according to selection criteria, whether to route the communication to the destination endpoint using at least a second circuit-switched network, such as the PSTN.

Abstract: A network (100) includes multiple gateways (135, 140) and a router (105) connected to at least one of the multiple gateways (135, 140). The router (105) is configured to receive packets that include multiple first virtual circuit identifiers associated with the multiple gateways in the network (100), assign second virtual circuit identifiers to the at least one connected gateway, and initiate transmission of a message to the at least one connected gateway informing the gateway of the first virtual circuit identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that provides for call completion of VoIP telephone calls. The method of the present invention comprises receiving a telephony advertisement packet comprising addressing information and storing the telephony advertisement packet. The stored telephony advertisement packet is used to complete a call.

Abstract: A method and computer program product are presented for selecting and arranging an appropriate combination of network components, or elements, in a communications network. The selection of network components is done in a manner that maximizes the net present value of cash flow resulting from the provision of communications services between nodes of the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving information that constrains network design and price establishment, and then using the constraint information to select a combination of network components for each link in the communications network. According to the invention, the selection of network components is performed for each of several successive time periods, effectively planning the evolution of the network. The selections are made so that the network components satisfy demand over time while maximizing the net present value of the cash flow that results from the provision of communications services.