Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes identifying a bit rate associated with an adaptive streaming client that is engaged in a media session, where the bit rate is used to maintain a particular video quality for a media stream. The method also includes using a network virtual player to lock the bit rate for a particular time interval for the adaptive streaming client; and supporting the bit rate from a network for the adaptive streaming client during the media session. In more particular embodiments, the method can include detecting a plurality of congestion points flow instrumentation; and reducing a committed service rate for the virtual player based, at least in part, on the flow instrumentation.

Abstract: A system for multicast streaming of programs over a packet network includes a node having a processor that conditions a video bitstream such that packets containing an I-frame are located near program specific information (PSI) packets, the processor marking a random join point (RJP) in the video bitstream immediately preceding the I-frame and PSI packets, the node outputting the conditioned and marked video bitstream across the packet network. An edge device of the network includes a buffer that caches packets of the conditioned and marked video bitstream video starting at the RJP, and sends the cached packets to a client receiver.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to determine a route between a starting location and a destination location. The method also includes determining a first route between the starting location and the destination location using predictive traffic data for at least one location between the starting location and the destination location. The method further includes providing the first route.

Abstract: A method includes determining a coverage area for each of a plurality of base stations. The method also includes receiving a first location parameter indicative of a mobile unit's location. The method further includes transitioning a first connection between the mobile unit and a first base station of the plurality of base stations to a second connection between the mobile unit and a second base station of the plurality of base stations. The transition is based on the coverage areas of the first base station and the second base station and the first location parameter.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first flow characteristic of a flow, the flow comprising at least one targeted user. The method also includes generating for display a first message based on the first flow characteristic of the flow.

Abstract: A system for multicast streaming of programs over a packet network includes a node having a processor that conditions a video bitstream such that packets containing an I-frame are located near program specific information (PSI) packets, the processor marking a random join point (RJP) in the video bitstream immediately preceding the I-frame and PSI packets, the node outputting the conditioned and marked video bitstream across the packet network. An edge device of the network includes a buffer that caches packets of the conditioned and marked video bitstream video starting at the RJP, and sends the cached packets to a client receiver.

Abstract: A system for multicast streaming of programs over a packet network includes a node having a processor that conditions a video bitstream such that packets containing an I-frame are located near program specific information (PSI) packets, the processor marking a random join point (RJP) in the video bitstream immediately preceding the I-frame and PSI packets, the node outputting the conditioned and marked video bitstream across the packet network. An edge device of the network includes a buffer that caches packets of the conditioned and marked video bitstream video starting at the RJP, and sends the cached packets to a client receiver.

Abstract: Devices, software, and methods quantify a burstiness quality of the packet loss in the node of a path. The quantified burstiness becomes a metric for determining the Quality of Service (QoS) offered by a node in retransmitting data through a network. Network routing and rerouting decisions are made according to the improved QoS. The burstiness statistic is determined by counting lengths of episodes of sequentially discarded packets at the node. The burstiness statistic is incorporated as a metric with the other metrics of the QoS of the node.

Abstract: A method for handing off a call between networks includes monitoring a quality of a first link between a mobile station and a wireless local area network (WLAN) when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on a call and monitoring a quality of a second link between the mobile station and a cellular network when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on the call. The method also includes handing off the call from the WLAN to the cellular network when the quality of the first link is less than a handoff trigger threshold for a drop count duration and when the quality of the second link is greater than a minimum cellular link quality threshold.

Abstract: A method includes determining a coverage area for each of a plurality of base stations. The method also includes receiving a first location parameter indicative of a mobile unit's location. The method further includes transitioning a first connection between the mobile unit and a first base station of the plurality of base stations to a second connection between the mobile unit and a second base station of the plurality of base stations. The transition is based on the coverage areas of the first base station and the second base station and the first location parameter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request to determine a route between a starting location and a destination location. The method also includes determining a first route between the starting location and the destination location using predictive traffic data for at least one location between the starting location and the destination location. The method further includes providing the first route.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first flow characteristic of a flow, the flow comprising at least one targeted user. The method also includes generating for display a first message based on the first flow characteristic of the flow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprises a first mobile media player and a second mobile media player. The first mobile media player stores first media files, and the second mobile media player stores second media files. The first mobile media player and second mobile media player communicate with one another in a peer-to-peer network to generate a playlist and to play media files from the playlist.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes one or more client devices and a server. The client devices store media files and communicate selection information to the server. The server receives the selection information from the one or more client devices, selects media files for a playlist using the selection information, and generates a playlist of the selected media files.

Abstract: A mobile device supports concurrent registrations of different wireless personalities with one or more service provider networks. Potentially using a single wireless interface, the mobile device can register and maintain multiple personalities and monitor for notifications targeted to any one of these personalities.

Abstract: A method for handing off a call between networks includes monitoring a quality of a first link between a mobile station and a wireless local area network (WLAN) when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on a call and monitoring a quality of a second link between the mobile station and a cellular network when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on the call. The method also includes handing off the call from the WLAN to the cellular network when the quality of the first link is less than a handoff trigger threshold for a drop count duration and when the quality of the second link is greater than a minimum cellular link quality threshold.

Abstract: A method for handing off a call between networks includes monitoring a quality of a first link between a mobile station and a wireless local area network (WLAN) when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on a call and monitoring a quality of a second link between the mobile station and a cellular network when the mobile station is actively connected with the WLAN on the call. The method also includes handing off the call from the WLAN to the cellular network when the quality of the first link is less than a handoff trigger threshold for a drop count duration and when the quality of the second link is greater than a minimum cellular link quality threshold.

Abstract: A method for communicating navigation information includes receiving destination information from a user. The destination information comprises a desired destination of the user. The method includes determining a first route to the destination and communicating the first route to the user. The method includes monitoring position information of a plurality of vehicles and identifying an area causing traffic delay using the position information of the plurality of vehicles. The method also includes determining a second route to the destination to avoid the area and communicating the second route to the user.

Abstract: A mobile device supports concurrent registrations of different wireless personalities with one or more service provider networks. Potentially using a single wireless interface, the mobile device can register and maintain multiple personalities and monitor for notifications targeted to any one of these personalities.

Abstract: Devices, software, and methods quantify a burstiness quality of the packet loss in the node of a path. The quantified burstiness becomes a metric for determining the Quality of Service (QoS) offered by a node in retransmitting data through a network. Network routing and rerouting decisions are made according to the improved QoS. The burstiness statistic is determined by counting lengths of episodes of sequentially discarded packets at the node. The burstiness statistic is incorporated as a metric with the other metrics of the QoS of the node.