Abstract: Apparatus and methods for downloading selected multimedia content and applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods enable various options or functionalities for programming content over a home network. A web-based user interface on a consumer device controls a set-top box (STB) over a local home network is utilized. An initial process connects the consumer device to an application server for the necessary web software. After discovery of both the consumer device and the STB on the local home network, an initial page of the application is loaded and the application calls the web services on the STB via the home network to retrieve data and control the STB with a compatible web browser on the consumer device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transfer and management of protected content in a network. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises server and renderer devices including, for example, consumer premise equipment (CPE) having a content handler application adapted to run thereon. The content handler directs requests for content, directs searches of a device's storage, and directs transfers of content into the device as well as within the device. The content handler may, in another embodiment, be adapted to include a scheduler entity which maintains a schedule of upcoming content, and is adapted to maintain and manage requests for the upcoming content by reserving tuner resources. The content handler may be further adapted to implement authentication and authorization procedures.

Abstract: A network management application creates one or more maps representing social networks of participants that currently reside, have resided, or plan to reside in a region of wireless coverage provided by a wireless access point. The network management application updates a map to reflect changes in the social network in accordance with movement of the participants in and out of the region of wireless coverage. For example, if a subscriber moves outside the region, the respective subscriber is removed from the social network. If the subscriber moves into the region of wireless coverage, the respective subscriber is added to the social network. Inclusion of a subscriber in the social network can depend on factors such as whether a subscriber is a member of an organization. The wireless base station communicates information to the participants of the social network in accordance with one or more rules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring protection of transferred content. In one embodiment, content is transferred while enabling a network operator (e.g., MSO) to control and change rights and restrictions at any time, and irrespective of subsequent transfers. This is accomplished in one implementation by providing a premises device configured to receive content in a first encryption format and encodes using a first codec, with an ability to transcrypt and/or transcode the content into an encryption format and encoding format compatible with a device which requests the content therefrom (e.g., from PowerKey/MPEG-2 content to DRM/MPEG-4 content). The premises device uses the same content key to encrypt the content as is used by the requesting device to decrypt the content.

Abstract: A network environment includes a message-processing resource that receives a communication originated by a communication device and transmitted from the communication device over a wireless communication link. By way of non-limiting example, the communication can be a request for retrieval of content from server resource disposed in the network environment. The message-processing resource processes the communication transmitted over the wireless communication link to identify a network address assigned to the communication device. The message-processing resource maps the network address to corresponding status information associated with the communication device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extending and enhancing wireless networks. An exemplary wireless network configured according to the disclosure uses in-service Wireless Network Clients (WNCs), such as mobile phones, laptops, etc., to extend and enhance the wireless network coverage via peer-to-peer sub-networks. In one implementation, each WNC is configured to operate as a Service Access Node (SAN) to other wireless client devices in the same network. The SAN provides peer-to-peer communications capabilities (to communicate with wireless clients) and gateway functionality (to aggregate data traffic over its own uplink communications), thereby enabling wireless clients to “piggyback” their data link onto the WNC. Peer Control Manager (PCM) software on each WNC enables, disables, and controls the service functions for that WNC in accordance with an overarching Peer Controller (PC) entity operated by an Access Point Controller/Core Network.

Abstract: A method including collecting, from a cable modem termination system (CMTS), counter data corresponding to usage of a network resource, wherein the counter data includes timestamp data, converting the counter data into timestamp normalized counter data by dividing the counter data among a plurality of buckets according to the timestamp data, and storing the timestamp normalized counter data.

Abstract: A mobile communication device initiates display of a point of interest as being located at particular coordinates on a map. In response to receiving an input command from a user of the mobile communication device indicating that the particular location of the point of interest as specified by the map is incorrect, the mobile communication device forwards a communication (specifying a location of the mobile communication device and an identity of the point of interest) over a network to a map management resource. Based on feedback from the mobile communication device, the map management resource updates map data an actual location of the point of interest as opposed to an incorrect location as specified by the particular coordinates on the map. Subsequent distribution of the updated map information from the map management resource specifies the proper coordinates of the point of interest in the geographical region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing protected content to subscribers of a managed (e.g., MSO) network via a content source accessible via an internetwork such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a user accesses a service provider portal (e.g., website), and requests content. The service provider determines whether the requesting user is permitted to access the content, and what rights or restrictions are associated with the user. This includes authenticating the user as a subscriber of the MSO, and determining the subscriber's subscription level. In another embodiment, a user's account with the MSO and service provider may be federated, thus a given user will have MSO-specific information regarding its identity (such as login information, GUID, etc.) and is able to perform a single sign on to request and receive content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.

Abstract: A wireless access point receives configuration information assigned to a particular service provider. The configuration information includes information indicating a wireless network identifier (such as a network name or SSID value) assigned to the service provider. The wireless network identifier is available for use by communication devices to establish a wireless connection with the wireless access point and perform multiple different functions. For example, the configuration information can include multiple resource links assigned to the particular service provider. Via use of the wireless network identifier, a communication device can establish a wireless communication link with the wireless access point. The communication device communicates a selected one of the multiple links to the wireless access point to indicate which of multiple functions (such as online sign-up or actual use of wireless network services) can is being requested.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing service delivery quality levels and telemetry. In one embodiment, an entity (such as a Session Resource Manager or SRM) receives network layout data from the network. The SRM uses the layout data to generate a mapping of the network. The SRM also receives performance data related to the interconnections of the network. The performance data is then applied to the mapping such that, in one variant, an visual overlay showing network flow and/or performance analytics is created. Based on this mapping showing layout and corresponding performance, the SRM generates rules for delivery of services. The rules may detail preferred routes and service level information. The rules are the distributed to nodes along the delivery route and delivery is executed in compliance with the rules.

Abstract: A method for allowing user selection of interactive video software components in a television STB operatively coupled to a video content network includes the steps of: affording the user a selection of interactive video software components to run on the set-top box; and loading selected interactive video software components onto the set-top box. The selected interactive video software components are delivered from a remote node over the video content network to which the STB is coupled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing content using a spectrum generation device. In one embodiment, digital content is received via a time-multiplexed network transport (such as Gigabit Ethernet), and converted to frequency channels suitable for transmission over a content distribution (e.g., Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC)) network. In one variant, the conversion is performed using digital domain processing performed by a full spectrum generation device. Additionally, methods and apparatus for selectively adding, removing, and/or changing digital content from the full spectrum device are also disclosed. Various aspects of the present invention enable physical (infrastructure) consolidation, and software-implemented remote management of content distribution.

Abstract: A first request, to access a web site associated with a domain name, is obtained at a gateway router interposed between a local area network and an internet service provider's infrastructure, from a host on the local area network. The gateway router has Domain Name Service (DNS) resolver capability. The first request is received while the gateway router has upstream connectivity to the internet service provider's infrastructure via IPv6 but not via IPv4. Further steps include sending, from the gateway router, the first request; obtaining, at the gateway router, an indication that an IPv4 address will imminently be required for the gateway router; and, responsive to obtaining the indication, sending, from the gateway router, into the internet service provider's infrastructure, a second request, for an IPv4 address for the gateway router.

Abstract: A wireless access point provides a subscriber access to use of a core network. Several techniques are implemented to build trust that the subscriber is connected with and using a safe wireless network. Additional techniques can be used to control use of services provided by the wireless access point.

Abstract: A plurality of subscribers are registered to receive, from a publisher component, at client devices, via a broker component, at least one of messages and content pertaining to a first topic. Each of the subscribers is caused to generate one of N random numbers. A different one of the N random numbers is generated by each of the subscribers. Each of the subscribers is instructed to listen only for the messages and content pertaining to the first topic and corresponding to the corresponding one of the N random numbers. The at least one of messages and content pertaining to the first topic are published to those of the subscribers associated with each one of the N random numbers, number by number, until the at least one of messages and content pertaining to the first topic has been published to all of the plurality of subscribers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for provisioning or updating software over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and each particular client device (e.g., set-top box) on the network is identified by an address or other unique descriptor. A version association file stored on a server or downloaded to the device maps particular application versions to one or more addresses corresponding to individual client devices. When the version association file is modified or created, the server transmits an upgrade message over the network (optionally along with the current version association file). Upon receiving an upgrade message, a set-top box accesses the version association file, and compares a designated application version to that of the application currently in use. If the designated version is not present on the set-top, the box will terminate any old version of the application currently running and download and install the designated version.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing control over targeted secondary content based on a zone associated with a user. In one exemplary embodiment, a user request for primary content from a non-legacy device results in the delivery of the same secondary content which would have been provided had the request been generated at a legacy device (so-called “zone preservation”). To accomplish this, the devices are associated with a user's zone at a zone preservation server in communication with the server providing content to the devices. The zone preservation server associates each user with an advertisement zone identifier, and utilizes the identifier to direct the delivery of primary and secondary content. In another embodiment, a prescribed rule set for one or more zones is employed, such as where certain types of advertisements or secondary content are inserted given a particular device or user context.