Abstract: A central server stores a database of global IP addresses for establishing TCP/IP sessions with other users of computer networks. One user system transfers a data call request to the central server system over a public data network. The central server system identifies the global IP addresses of the calling and called users and determines which ones of the calling and called users is connected to the public data network via a firewall. Depending upon the presence of firewalls, the central server configures the data call to enable direct, point-to-point packet transmission of network packets between the calling and called users without relaying them through the central server.

Abstract: A network apparatus includes a plurality of service-option resources, each resource having a respective numerical network address. An address server stores the numerical network addresses together with a respective logical name corresponding to each numerical network address. The address server responds to queries by providing a numerical network address corresponding to a logical name contained in a respective query. A plurality of service selection gateways are coupled to the service-option resources and the address server. Each service selection gateway 1) receives user traffic from a respective user directed to a nominal destination, 2) determines if the nominal destination should be redirected to a respective logical name corresponding to one of the service-option resources in response to a respective user profile, and 3) queries the address server for a respective numerical network address to redirect according to the respective logical name.

Abstract: A centralized gateway connects to a broadband digital network for receiving various types of video feeds. The gateway provides output television signals directly to conventional inputs of standard television receivers. Port extenders connected to the gateway via a local-area network allow users to select a video feed sent by the gateway to a television associated with each port extender. The port extenders each provide a convenient and low cost termination point for keyboards, mice, joysticks, digital cameras, and other peripheral devices to interact with computer-based network services via the centralized gateway. The capabilities of the port extenders and the gateway provide a substitute for a personal computer in basic Internet access activities as well as a lower cost system for providing network based video programming to multiple televisions.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, any types of data, information, or computer resources are shared between the two computers, regardless of protocol or data format, by creating a virtual server on one user's computer for serving the shared information simultaneously to both users as clients of the virtual server.

Abstract: A convenient and low cost computer security system deploys a menu of security tools within a local network that can be selected by a user connected to the network. A network architecture of the invention is structured to provide highly effective and flexible security features while greatly simplifying the user experience. Separate security service pathways provide different combinations of security service features and traffic from each user is directed to a pathway providing the desired features.

Abstract: User connection sessions with a gateway in a computer network are preserved even after a temporary failure of the gateway. User status information is stored in a status table in a RADIUS server during times that an authenticated user session is established with the gateway. A failure of the gateway is detected wherein user data stored in the gateway is lost. The gateway sends a request to the RADIUS server to provide the user status information and user data corresponding to each user in the status table. The gateway routes the user traffic to continue the authenticated user session in response to the user data and the user status information without requiring re-authentication following the failure.

Abstract: A user system uses a called number to establish a telephone call over a public telephone network to a called party. In response to the telephone call, the user system transfers a data call request to a server system over a public data network. The server system uses the called telephone number to check a database to determine if the called party is ready to receive data calls. If the called party is ready and accepts the data call, the server system exchanges computer data between the caller and called parties over the public data network.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server and call clients in the two computers. Once the data call is in place, a video telephony conversation is initiated. In addition, still images such as a slideshow of personal photographs are shared between the two computers while the video telephony call fully continues. Image viewer subclients utilize the same network session as is used by the call clients. Either user can pause, navigate through, or change the display a parameters of the slideshow as it is being viewed by both users.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, any types of data, information, or computer resources are shared between the two computers, regardless of protocol or data format, by creating a virtual server on one user's computer for serving the shared information simultaneously to both users as clients of the virtual server.

Abstract: Reproduction of voice signals and video signals in a video telephony call are synchronized at the receiving end. Voice signals are transmitted from a first telephone device of a first party to a second telephone device of a second party via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) connection. The video signals are transmitted from a first computer of the first party to a second computer of the second party via packets in a computer data network. The video signals comprise successive video frames. A video latency time is determined for transmission of the video signals over the computer data network. If the video latency time is in a first predetermined range then transmission of the voice signals is delayed from the first telephone device to the second telephone device by a selected delay in response to the video latency time. The selected delay is no greater than a predetermined maximum voice delay.

Abstract: Computerized video telephony enhances the interaction between a calling party and a called user wherein the called user is an enterprise employing a computerized, automated telephone response system together with a pool of live human operators or agents. The present invention coordinates the handling of the network data call(s) so that video image content may be provided to the calling user while connected to the automated system and then after the telephone call is transferred to the live operator.

Abstract: A combined telephonic/computerized on-demand ordering system for goods or services employs a computer network communication session that is established automatically in response to a telephone call made from a requestor to a provider. The computer network data call can provide video images synchronized to menu selections presented by an automated telephone response system.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a direct communication session between separate users that are engaged in active sessions in an Internet chat or instant messaging environment. Within these active sessions, a video telephony call is initiated for sending video over a public data network simultaneously with sending voice within a telephone call placed over a public telephone network.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server and call clients in the two computers. Once the data call is in place, a video telephony conversation is initiated. In addition, still images such as a slideshow of personal photographs are shared between the two computers while the video telephony call fully continues. Image viewer subclients utilize the same network session as is used by the call clients. Either user can pause, navigate through, or change the display a parameters of the slideshow as it is being viewed by both users.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a direct communication session between separate users that are engaged in active sessions in an Internet chat or instant messaging environment. Within these active sessions, a video telephony call is initiated for sending video over a public data network simultaneously with sending voice within a telephone call placed over a public telephone network.