Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (104) detects at least one signature sequence in a radio frequency (RF) signal associated with a WLAN (104). The present invention indicates the presence of a WLAN (104) in response to the detection of the at least one signature sequence in the RF signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (104) determines a position of a mobile device (110) using a position location system (114), receives a position of a WLAN (104) from a location database(112), and determines whether the mobile device (110) is within a service area (108) of the WLAN (104) in response to the position of the mobile device (110) and the position of the WLAN (104).

Abstract: A user 121, 122) can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) (20) on a fee basis without the risk of having to transmit an un-encrypted PIN at upon initial access. The user initially sends a request to the LAN identifying a Billing Agent (26) that maintains an account associated with the user for payment of LAN access charges. In practice, the account can take the form of a pre-paid account identified only by a PIN known to the user. After the user has identified the Billing Agent, the LAN queries the Billing Agent for its digital certificate, which the LAN forwards to the user. The user utilizes the certificate to encrypt a PIN for transmission via the LAN to the Billing Agent for authentication. Upon successful authentication, the Billing Agent authorizes the LAN to grant access to the user, thus allowing the user to obtain a connection via the LAN to a private network (14) or a public network (16).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing the audio-visual synchronization problems (e.g.—“lip sync” problems) in corresponding audio and video streams by adapting a statistical distribution of temporal errors to create a new statistical distribution of temporal errors. The new statistical distribution of temporal errors being substantially within an acceptable synchronization tolerance window which is less offensive to a viewer/listener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (104) detects at least one energy fluctuation in a radio frequency (RF) signal propagating in a WLAN frequency band and indicates the presence of a WLAN (104) in response to the detection of the at least one energy fluctuation.

Abstract: A terminal is coupled to a video distribution network headend, and transmits upstream packets to the headend. Each upstream packet has a transmission power. The terminal receives a downstream packet from the headend, indicating a change in power. The terminal calculates an adjusted transmission power, based on the change in power specified in the downstream packet, and sets the transmission power of the upstream packets to the adjusted transmission power. The headend can be coupled to one or more terminals. The headend receives upstream packets from the terminal. The headend senses a received transmission power of each packet, and calculates a weighted average transmission power based on the received transmission powers. The headend calculates a change in transmission power based on the weighted average and a predetermined set point. The headend transmits a downstream packet to the terminal, indicating the change in power.