Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may include executing a first test case using a user record provisioned on a network, the first test case comprising transmitting at least a first portion of the data to a network element being tested and receiving a response from the network element being tested in the first test case based at least in part on the configuration data for the first test case contained in the transmitted first portion of the data, executing a second test case using the user record provisioned on the network, the second test case comprising transmitting at least a second portion of the data to a network element being tested and receiving a response from the network element being tested in the second test case based at least in part on configuration data for the second test case contained in the transmitted second portion of the data.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may provide a user interface enabling automated testing of a network device. The automated testing may include specifying a network device to be tested, specifying a network technology for testing the network device, specifying a client of the network device, configuring network connectivity for the network device, and enabling execution by the client of a network device of a test action. Configuring network connectivity may include dynamically configuring a network to include the specified network technology and the specified network device.

Abstract: An approach is provided for forecasting usage of network links. The method includes determining traffic data values for traffic over a network link that is used to provide one or more services to one or more customers, where the traffic data values are taken at intervals for a predetermined range of time. A historical data set of peak traffic data values is compiled from the traffic data values. A mathematical confidence factor is applied to the peak traffic data values to achieve modified data values, and a time-based weighting factor is applied to the modified data values to achieve further modified data values. And, a forecast trend curve of traffic over the network is calculated using the further modified data values.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may include designing two or more test cases for a network, creating one or more test records comprising data and configuration data for the two or more test cases, provisioning a user record on the network, running a first test case using the user record provisioned on the network, the first test case comprising, transmitting at least a first portion of the data to a network element being tested, and receiving a response from the network element based at least in part on the configuration data for the first test case contained in the data transmitted, running a second test case using the user record provisioned on the network, the second test case comprising, transmitting at least a second portion of the data to a network element being tested, and receiving a response from a network element based at least in part on configuration data for the second test case contained in the data transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a long-tail content comprising a set-top box configured to couple an external signal to a user device. The long-tail content server also comprises a long-tail content server configured to provide the external signal to the set-top box from a central server. The long-tail content server further comprises a long-tail content asset manager configured to control a communication between at least one of the central server, the long-tail content server and the set-top box and at least one of the central server, the long-tail content server and the set-top box.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may include receiving an image of printed material from a device associated with a user, receiving a request from the user to generate a training aid utilizing the printed material, generating the training aid utilizing the printed material; and providing access to the training aid to the user, wherein providing access includes one of transmitting the training aid to a device associated with the user or providing notification regarding access to the training aid to a device associated with the user.

Abstract: A device may receive selection of a channel provided by a video network, determine equipment, of the video network, associated with the selected channel, determine status information of the associated equipment, determine port level details of the associated equipment, combine the associated equipment, the status information, and the port level details into a path for the selected channel, and provide the selected channel path to a user.

Abstract: A device may provide for display equipment associated with a channel path of a video network, receive selection of one of the equipment, provide for display the selected equipment, receive selection of a port of the selected equipment, and provide for display other equipment of the video network connected to the selected port.

Abstract: A system receives a data unit from a sending node and identifies if the data unit indicates that it is a test data unit. The system determines a delta time that includes a difference between a time at which a response data unit is going to be sent to the sending node and a time at which the data unit was received. The system inserts the delta time, if the identification indicates that the data unit is a test data unit, in the response data unit and sends the response data unit to the sending node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus detecting attempts to obtain IP addresses by faking a MAC address in a data portion of an IP address request message are described. In accordance with the present invention, rather than use standard address allocation protocols, e.g., ARP, the DNS DCHP contacts the requesting edge router via a private secure network. The MAC address received in the address request is compared to the MAC addresses stored in the edge routers port/MAC address resolution table. If the MAC address received in the request message cannot be found in the edge router's table which was created from the MAC address included in the message's header, a fraudulent attempt to obtain a MAC address is declared. The fraudulent attempt to obtain an IP address can be reported and steps taken to identify the perpetrator of the fraud.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus incorporates a robust database supporting both autodialing and autoattendant functions. Incoming calls not directed to a specific telephone extension and any call to a dedicated autodialer function are answered and the caller prompted to speak the name of the desired person or department. A speech recognition platform analyzes the spoken name to provide one or more searchable text strings representing the various spellings associated with the spoken name. The database is searched to retrieve corresponding terminal address instructions such as the telephone number or extension of the named party and call routing to the address is initiated. Alternatively, in an autoattendant mode, a subscriber calls a telephone number associated with a specified service such as a hotline and is asked to identify himself by name. The speech recognition platform again provides a corresponding searchable text string used to retrieve subscriber-specific information for handling the call.