Abstract: An authentication framework subsystem enables a computer system to authenticate a user with a selected one of a plurality of authentication processes. Each of the authentication processes has a distinct sequence of steps and a unique input/output (I/O) interface for exchanging authentication information with the computer system. The invention includes an authentication framework in the computer system. An application program interface in the authentication framework provides an interface to an I/O component, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), of the computer system. A plurality of authentication modules interface with the framework. Each module has a conversation function driver defining a programmed sequence of steps to authenticate a user with a distinct authentication process.

Abstract: A 32 bit digital “amended electronic serial number” (AESN) is generated from a 56 bit “extended electronic serial number” (EESN). The AESN distinguishes each subscriber unit within a wireless system from each other subscriber unit. Two distinct methods are disclosed. In the first method, a manufacturers code field (“MFR”) is tested to determine whether the subscriber unit has been assigned an EESN. If so, then the least significant 8 bits of the manufacturer's code field (“EMFR”) are appended to the “serial number” field (“SN”). In the second method, each manufacturer generates serial numbers by applying a pseudo-random sequence. The “seed” for the pseudo-random sequence is based on the manufacturer's EMFR. This serial number is then combined with the 8 bit MFR.

Abstract: Apparatus for interdicting television channels of a cable television system comprises a plurality of oscillators dedicated to jamming the audio portion of television channels to be interdicted, and a further plurality of different oscillators dedicated to jamming the video portion of television channels to be interdicted. The number of jamming oscillators for jamming the audio is less than or equal to the number of jamming oscillators for jamming the video. The hopping rate for video jamming is greatly in excess of the hopping rate for audio jamming. On the other hand, the dwell time for audio jamming is greatly in excess of the dwell time for video jamming. At least two levels of jamming effectiveness of both audio and video portions can be addressably controlled from the headend of a system including such interdiction apparatus.