Abstract: A method, software, and computer system for defending against virus attacks is described. Assume that a computer system receives an instruction to run an executable file. Before the computer system runs the executable file, the computer system determines if the executable file is certified to run on the computer system. If the executable file is not certified, then the computer system prevents the executable file from running. If the executable file is certified, then the computer system determines if the executable file has been modified since being certified. If the executable file has been modified, then the computer system prevents the executable file from running. If the executable file has been certified and has not been modified, then the computer system runs the executable file. Because many viruses are included in executable files, virus attacks may be prevented by requiring executable files to be certified before they can run.

Abstract: Techniques are described for remotely identifying software and software that has been updated due to service patches using maintained audit tables. A system management tool (SMT) identifies software installed on each network node by comparing at a the name and size of installed files to a software audit table. The file name and file size are used as identification markers, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value for a software file, translation key, and version number are used as refined identification markers. A system management tool (SMT) performs an inventory scan of the software on each network node and obtains a list of each file and the corresponding file size. The software audit file provides identifying information, such as the file name and corresponding size, for each known file. Known files can be quickly identified using a match criteria based, for example, on the file name and size.

Abstract: A centralized network managed distributed computing system includes a number of network nodes, such as workstations, a network connection medium, such as the Internet, and a server for managing the network of nodes. Unique identifiers are assigned to each network node during a first scanning operation to uniquely identify each network node and each node's installed software and hardware configurations. If a new machine is prepared for operation in the network by installing a software configuration that is a duplicate of an already scanned machine, a duplicate of a supposedly unique identifier can be introduced into the distributed computing system. Techniques of resolving duplicate network node identification in a centralized server managed distributed computing system are also described. Network nodes are scanned to obtain a network node information record including a unique identification (UID) from each network node.

Abstract: A splitter of a system is locatable at a central office that comprises a plurality of lines. The splitter is configured to be connectable with a subset of the plurality of lines on a one-to-one basis between the splitter and the subset of the plurality of lines.

Abstract: A geographic location identification system and method for a packet data network is disclosed wherein geographic location information is provisioned or derived at nodes that comprise the network. Upon a request from a requesting node, the geographic location information of one or more target nodes is provided to the requesting node. The target nodes may be user access nodes and/or network routing nodes.

Abstract: A method and communication device for media access control feedback over a packet channel divided in channel time slots is provided. The channel time slots are divided into sub-channel time slots. A packet channel feedback field associated with each sub-channel time slot is defined. Acknowledgments are indicated using the packet channel feedback field. An active mobile identity associated with an active mobile station may be assigned which would then be included in the packet channel feedback field. A plurality of active mobile identities may be assigned and some of the active mobile identities may be reserved for special functions. The assigned active mobile identity is used, among other things, to identify an active mobile station to receive packet data signals. The active mobility identity is invalidated after one transaction of packet data signals or invalidated after a short number of such transactions.

Abstract: In the UMTS, semi-static uplink and downlink connection parameters relating to the frequently-used services of voice, fax and web browsing are intermittently broadcast to mobile user equipment (20) which stores the parameters. When a mobile requests (30) one of those services, the relevant dynamic parameters are sent (32) over the radio interface and the mobile is asked whether it has in its store the relevant parameters for the requested service; if so (34), the call is set up; if not (36), the semi-static parameters relevant to the requested service are sent (38) to the user equipment. Considerable saving of radio resource results.

Abstract: An optical switch has an array of fibers, an optional lens, and a mirror with two-dimensional tilt adjustment. Light from the array passes through the lens, is reflected by the mirror, and passes again through the lens back towards the array. The input/output fibers are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern designed to avoid undesirable crosstalk between fibers. The pattern may include a plurality of fibers positioned around a central fiber in a circular arrangement. For a 1×8 or 8×1 switch, nine fibers are preferably positioned in a circle around the central fiber, thereby providing geometry that substantially avoids undesirable crosstalk between fibers in the array. In another implementation, the fiber array is implemented using a tapered ferrule housing a central fiber, surrounded by an intermediate layer of six fibers, surrounded by an outer layer of twelve fibers.

Abstract: A personal Web view is created that includes a plurality of Web clippings. Each Web clipping contains information from a user-selected Web page, which can be essentially any Web page that is accessible on any Web server. In creating the page, the user loads a personalization applet into his browser and retrieves each Web page of interest. The applet then generates an access script for automatically accessing that Web page and the user specifies the attributes of the Web clipping derived from that Web page. A specification of the Web view is then stored in a file. When the Web view specification is later replayed, the Web page for each Web clipping is retrieved and the specified information is extracted. The plural Web clippings are then displayed in a browser in accordance with the specified layout.

Abstract: An apparatus in communication with a network having a tool for tracking connect time to the network. The apparatus may be communications device, a wireless handset, a personal digital assistant, a computer laptop, a portable communications device, a wired communications terminal, and/or a calling card. The tool for tracking connect time includes a periodic alarm having an onset and a duration time. Moreover, the tool for tracking connect time also includes means for varying the onset and the duration time of at least one period of the alarm with a variable arbitration offset.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for providing, to a service provider, telemetry access to customer equipment. The telemetry access is provided using wireless access means to avoid having to provide special residential wiring to connect to meters and control devices at customer premises. Each customer device is provided with a cellular station having its own mobile identity, either an international mobile switching identifier (IMSI) or a mobile identity number (MIN). Each IMSI or MIN need not be associated with a different telephone number. For example, a single telephone number can be assigned to a service provider to access all devices telemetered by that service provided. Advantageously, this arrangement provides for an inexpensive method and apparatus for accessing customer devices.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for embedding control information in a data signal to be transmitted over a data link by a network node includes the generation of control information to be transmitted over a data link by a network node. Additionally, a transmission signal is generated by combining the control information with data to be transmitted. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data is transmitted within a prescribed frequency bandwidth such that a frequency gap is defined within the frequency bandwidth. Control information is, as such, transmitted within the defined frequency gap.

Abstract: A system and method for providing controlled broadband access bandwidth allocation adjustment service are disclosed. A broadband bandwidth allocation service manager is established which is accessible via the broadband network. When a broadband bandwidth allocation adjustment request is received from a requestor, a broadband bandwidth allocation adjustment will be made if the requested bandwidth is available and the requester is willing to accept the pricing associated with the adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising: a first compound semiconductor composition layer doped to have a first charge carrier polarity; a second compound semiconductor composition layer doped to have a second charge carrier polarity and located on the first layer; a third compound semiconductor composition layer doped to have the first charge carrier polarity and located on the second layer; a base electrode on the second layer; and a spacer ring interposed between and defining a charge carrier access path distance between the base electrode and the third layer, the path distance being within a range of between about 200 ? and about 1000 ?. Techniques for making apparatus. Apparatus is useful as a heterobipolar transistor, particularly for high frequency applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deinterlacing video images is described. In one exemplary implementation, the apparatus receives a video stream in an interlaced format. The apparatus includes a processing system configured to determine whether or not the video stream originated from a progressive format. Based, on that determination, the processing system selects one of two modes of operation to deinterlace the video stream: an interpolation mode of operation or a non-interpolation mode of operation.

Abstract: A scripting engine for network communication software is described. The scripting engine includes a sequencer table and plurality of secondary tables. The sequencer table and plurality of secondary tables provide a table-based command-processing engine to control the functionality of the network communication software. The sequencer table includes commands that are read in a sequential order. The commands are grouped into command types that each defines a specific set of related functionality. Each of the plurality of secondary tables is mapped to a particular one of the command types. Each of the secondary tables includes one or more records containing one or more specific instructions to enable the network communication software application to perform a particular operation indicated by the command, when the network communication software application instructs the scripting engine to process the sequencer table.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deinterlacing video images with improved slope detection is described. In one exemplary implementation, the apparatus includes an input buffer, a processor, and an output buffer. The input buffer is configured to receive a video stream in an interlaced format. The processor is configured to convert the video stream from the interlaced format to a progressive format. This conversion process includes calculating the slope for a diagonal line of an image at a pixel to-be-interpolated (i.e., at a missing pixel) using a slope protection operation to increase the accuracy of the slope calculation. The output buffer is then configured to transmit the video stream in the progressive format.

Abstract: A bi-directional optical transmission system according to the present invention provides transport of x optical channels over n nodes. The system supports two-way transport of the x channels over a single fiber connecting each of the nodes in sequence. The system is advantageous in that only two optical transmission bands are utilized in order to achieve minimal loss in the separation of bands. The use of only two bands permits the utilization of low-loss wide band thin film optical filters to combine and separate the signals at each node. A reflection port of this filter is used to carry oppositely directed signals of the second band from the bi-directional fiber to an optical amplifier for the second band. An alternate arrangement of the optical filters in the two separate bands is chosen to maximize the optical performance of the overall system and significantly reduce insertion losses.

Abstract: An optical fiber trough includes a base member having a plurality of latches adapted to secure the optical fiber trough to an optical fiber closure. A retention member extends from the base member. The retention member includes a proximate edge supported by the base member and a distal edge. At least a portion of the distal edge is angled with respect to a plane of the base member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a channel estimator comprising a plurality of distinct filters each of which has a set of different coefficients and each of which is selectively coupled to the input and output of the channel estimator. The channel estimator further comprises a switching circuit that receives an error signal and switches to one of the plurality of filters based on the value of the error signal relative to an established threshold. The error signal is from a decoder coupled to a communication channel whose response is being estimated by the apparatus and method of the present invention.