Abstract: A novel and useful media access control (MAC) protocol that is intended for use over noisy shared media channels. The MAC protocol provides layer 2 functionality over a network using a shared medium including a backoff mechanism for CSMA/CA channel access, link addressing that reduces the overhead of long MAC addresses, a flooding scheme having controlled exposure for broadcast transmissions, multicast transmissions using selective ACKs, implementation of traffic prioritization using an adaptive backoff scheme, a second layer repeater establishment process and multi-packet transport for short packets and fragmentation for long packet transport.

Abstract: An on-line forum for auctioning non-performing assets includes offering for auction sale of non-performing assets in a lot of as few as a single asset or a plurality of assets following completion of a third-level registration. Access to a limited amount of information on the on-line forum is permitted without registration. Additional information is accessed following completion of a first level registration. Direct communication is facilitated between one or more registered potential bidders and a registered seller in an on-line discussion forum. Assets offered in the on-line forum auction are bidded upon following completion of second level registration by each potential bidder. Collection assistance may be provided to the on-line forum bidders.

Abstract: A novel and useful media access control (MAC) protocol that is intended for use over noisy shared media channels. The MAC protocol provides layer 2 functionality over a network using a shared medium including a backoff mechanism for CSMA/CA channel access, link addressing that reduces the overhead of long MAC addresses, a flooding scheme having controlled exposure for broadcast transmissions, multicast transmissions using selective ACKs, implementation of traffic prioritization using an adaptive backoff scheme, a second layer repeater establishment process and multi-packet transport for short packets and fragmentation for long packet transport.