Abstract: A method, system and computer program product is provided which automatically detects multiprotocol encapsulation in a protocol data unit (PDU) to determine whether a Frame Relay/ATM service interworking function should operate in translation or transparent mode. A multiprotocol encapsulation detection module first reads a control field value in a received PDU. The control field value is then compared to a predetermined value representative of the presence of multiprotocol encapsulation in the PDU. An indication of the detected presence of multiprotocol encapsulation in the PDU is then provided when the control field value equals the predetermined value. An FR/ATM service interworking function module is then operated in translation mode when multiprotocol encapsulation has been detected and indicated. Otherwise, the FR/ATM service interworking function module is operated in transparent mode when multiprotocol encapsulation has not been detected.

Abstract: An improved method and system for integrating a client computer into a computer network is described. At the server, information is taken from a user's account, user input, and the server registry and a series of application configuration files is generated for use by an installation program. A client set-up program automatically configures the client computer for communication with the server. An installation manager installs application programs from the server to the client computer, configuring them according to the application configuration files.

Abstract: A method for rendering information, such as, available through the Internet on a computer includes storing a content structure file, a data file and a script file. The data file includes data indicative of the information and the script file includes script information indicative of a desired form in which the data is to be rendered. The content structure file, data file and script file are independently receivable by the computer. The content structure file is read to ascertain which script in the script file is associated with data to be rendered. The data from the data file is retrieved and the associated script file is executed to render the data. Instructions can be provided on a computer readable medium to implement the method.

Abstract: Monitoring site access via an intervening control layer within a client is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a computerized system includes a plurality of sites, a monitoring server, and a client. Each site has content referenced be addresses. The monitoring server maintains a database of permissible content on at least one of the plurality of sites, where the permissible content is also referenced by addresses. The client has an intervening control layer within an otherwise standard mechanism by which programs running on the client access the content on the plurality of sites. The intervening control layer polls the monitoring server to determine whether a program attempting to access content on one of the sites as referenced by an address should be permitted to do so.

Abstract: Controlling the flow of information between senders and receivers across links being used as channels. In one example, a self-timed interface link is adapted to be used as a channel. Such an interface is referred to as an integrated cluster bus. The flow control for the integrated cluster bus includes, for instance, a Data Request packet that indicates to the transmitter of data that it can now send the data; a continue indicator that specifies that more data is to follow; and a sequence indicator that is used to determine if a particular message is in proper sequence order. The integrated cluster bus does not require large data buffers and offers low latency messaging.

Abstract: The protocol for controlling a network is encapsulated within the token circulated through the token ring network. Each computer in the network that receives the token examines the token and implements the network protocol specified in the token. In this manner, the protocol of the network can be easily changed, and automatically promulgated throughout the network.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and systems for securely delivering electronic mail to electronic mail servers having dynamic IP addresses. Before requesting mail delivery, a receiving mail server having a dynamic IP address registers its dynamic IP address along with a receiving mail server code in memory accessible by a dynamic name server. The receiving mail server code is preferably also stored with the domain name for which the receiving mail server receives mail in memory accessible by a private name server. In response to a request for mail delivery, a delivering mail server utilizes the receiving mail server code stored in memory accessible by the private name server and the dynamic name server to determine the dynamic IP address.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources. A request is mapped to a location in mathematical mapping space. Each of the plurality of resources is mapped to a respective location or locations in the mathematical mapping space. The request is allocated to one of the resources based on a mathematical relationship between the request location and the resource location in the mathematical mapping space. An apparatus for distributing a request to one of a plurality of resources includes the plurality of resources and an input receiving a resource request. A mapper in communication with the input maps the request to a request location in a mathematical mapping space and maps each of the plurality of resources to at least one resource locations in the mathematical mapping space.

Abstract: A system and method for the selection and retrieval of various types of video data from distributed delivery sites calls for the deployment of “Smart Mirror” sites throughout a network, each of which maintains a copy of certain data managed by the system. Each “Smart Mirror” site maintains copies of the data in several alternative file formats. Every user is assigned to a specific delivery site based on an analysis of network performance with respect to each of the available delivery sites. Generalized network performance data is collected and stored to facilitate the selection of additional delivery sites and to ensure the preservation of improved performance in comparison to traditional networks. The appropriate file format is automatically selected based on the capabilities of a user terminal making a request for data.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide a completion object comprised of various states of completion of a client request. The completion object may be manipulated to transition from one state to another by both the client and server. The following states of completion may be provided: idle, ready, active, completing, completed, and acknowledged. In the idle state, the completion object is obtained by the client (by constructing a new object or retrieving an existing object that has been recycled). In the ready state, the request has been initialized but not yet issued to the server or I/O device. In the active state, the server processes the I/O request. In the completing state, the server has completed the I/O operations requested but has not yet stored the results. In the completed state, the server stores the results to be returned to the client and notifies the client.

Abstract: A proximity-oriented redirection system for service-to-client attachment in a virtual overlay distribution network. The virtual overlay distribution network includes addressable routers for routing packet traffic, wherein a packet of data is routed from a source node to a destination node based on address fields of the packet. The invention includes a redirector coupled to at least one of the addressable routers and includes: logic for accepting a service request from a client; logic for determining a selected server for handling the service request, the selected server being one of a plurality of servers that can handle the service request; and logic for generating a redirection message directed to the client for redirecting the service request to the selected server.

Abstract: A conversation monitoring system includes a communication network, two or more parties coupled to the communication network, each party having a computer application, and a conversation monitor located at at least one of the parties and adapted to provide an interaction history of long running conversations accessible to each computer application.

Abstract: In a system for economically and continuously transmitting data files from one location to a remote location there is provided a high speed mainframe computer adapted to read a data file and to determine if the process to be performed on the data requires a large amount of mainframe processor cycle time. If so the data file is down loaded to a memory accessible by a much less expensive single chip type dedicated computer that is particularly well suited to perform the process that would require high mainframe processor time cost. The output of the dedicated computer in coupled to a communication network for transmittal to the remote location. In the preferred embodiment-of the present invention first-in-first-out (FIFO) data queues are employed to maintain optimum utilization of the dedicated computer and transfer of the data files.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the critical needs of publishers seeking to create and publish hypermedia content in electronic form across the wide area networks (“WAN's”) such as the World Wide Web. Toward the end, a client-server development platform is provided for handling the important functions of document authoring, content-based indexing and retrieval of documents, management and control of proprietary assets, and a support for developing form-driven interactive services, all in a manner that is uniquely and seemlessly WAN-integrated.

Abstract: An architecture is disclosed for a computer system that runs applications serving multiple users. The computer system includes multiple processors, some of which run quick applications, i.e., requiring real time response, while others run applications with less stringent requirements. Each real time processor can be dedicated to running just one instance of an application. The processors can be of disparate types running disparate operating systems and optimized for disparate applications. The system is centrally controlled with the processors communicating among themselves over a shared LAN or via a communications switch. The system may also facilitate simultaneous voice and data communications among users. Users communicate with the system using any of a number of standard techniques: including dial-up telephone lines, ISDN, packet access services, ADSL, cable TV and the like.

Abstract: A system and method of making a hypermedium page interactive. In one embodiment the system includes a hyperlink on the hypermedium page displayed on a client node; a hyperlink configuration file (corresponding to the hyperlink on the client node) located on a network server node; and a client agent located on the client node. In response to a user selecting the hyperlink on the hypermedium page, the client agent establishes a communications link from the client agent to an application execution server agent on an application server using the information located in the configuration file obtained from the network server node. In response to the creation of the communications link between the application execution server agent and the client agent, the application executes on the application execution server and the user is capable of interactively using the application running on the application execution node from the client node.

Abstract: One or more client devices are coupled to a system server through a network link, with the network adapted to support TCP/IP packet-based data transmission protocols. The system server provides initial set-up parameters and continuing operating instructions to each client device over the network link. Subsequently, client devices carry out normal monitoring functions locally, over their local communication link. Intervention by the system server is no longer required unless and until a client device determines that one of its supported pieces of infrastructure equipment is functioning outside of its normal operating parameters. The System server gives the appropriate control information to the client which communicates the control code to the out-of-parameter device in its native language protocol.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for integrating a managed network with a network management system is described. The network management system is used to manage, maintain, and display information about one or more managed networks and network devices in them. Devices in the managed network are upgraded by connecting a browser to the network management system, describing devices in the managed network, and selecting appropriate upgrades. The mechanism and method verify that the upgrades can be successfully downloaded to the devices of the managed network. Intelligence about the managed network is automatically gathered, so that the user is presented with a display of only those upgrades that are pertinent to the user's managed network. In another aspect, the mechanism and method facilitate creation and submission to the network management system of problem reports that describe problems with devices in the managed network.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein enables a collection of computers and associated communications infrastructure to offer a new communications process which allows information providers to broadcast information to a population of information consumers. The information may be targeted to those consumers who have a precisely formulated need for the information. This targeting may be based on information which is inaccessible to other communications protocols. The targeting also includes a time element. Information can be brought to the attention of the consumer precisely when it has become applicable, which may occur immediately upon receipt of the message, but may also occur long after the message arrives. The communications process may operate without intruding on consumers who do not exhibit the precisely-specified need for the information, and it may operate without compromising the security or privacy of the consumers who participate.

Abstract: A terminal (A) sends a call request message to a terminal (b). This message contains a request for a TCP/IP service. A call control section in a switching node passes the message to an agent, which, in turn, examines whether or not an IP address and a TCP port number set in the received call request message have been entered into a firewall table. If they are found, the request for access to the terminal (b) is granted. As a result, an ATM connection is set up between the terminal (A) and the terminal (b) and a TCP/IP connection is set up on the ATM connection. If they are not found, access to the terminal (b) is refused and no ATM connection is set up between the terminal (A) and the terminal (b).