Abstract: A multi-port status message maintains network connections between virtual ports of two network elements. The network elements negotiate the network connections between first virtual ports on a first network element and corresponding second virtual ports on a second network element. The second network element receives a single multi-port status message listing the first virtual ports that are actively connected to the corresponding second virtual ports. The second network element updates the status of the corresponding second virtual ports to maintain the network connections.

Abstract: A multi-port status message maintains network connections between virtual ports of two network elements. The network elements negotiate the network connections between first virtual ports on a first network element and corresponding second virtual ports on a second network element. The second network element receives a single multi-port status message listing the first virtual ports that are actively connected to the corresponding second virtual ports. The second network element updates the status of the corresponding second virtual ports to maintain the network connections.

Abstract: A multi-port status message maintains network connections between virtual ports of two network elements. The network elements negotiate the network connections between first virtual ports on a first network element and corresponding second virtual ports on a second network element. The first network element generates a multi-port status message listing the first virtual ports that are actively connected to the corresponding second virtual ports. The first network element sends the multi-port status message to the second network element to maintain the network connections.

Abstract: A multi-port status message maintains network connections between virtual ports of two network elements. The network elements negotiate the network connections between first virtual ports on a first network element and corresponding second virtual ports on a second network element. The first network element generates a multi-port status message listing the first virtual ports that are actively connected to the corresponding second virtual ports. The first network element sends the multi-port status message to the second network element to maintain the network connections.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a system including: a stored value token having an associated token value; a token validation server; and a computing device in communication with the token validation server; wherein the computing device is configured to: read token data comprising a token identifier and a token status from the stored value token; validate the stored value token, comprising transmitting the token identifier to the token validation server; in response to receiving a pay-out instruction, instruct the stored value token to change the token status to active, and deducting the associated token value from a predetermined account; and in response to receiving a pay-in instruction, instruct the stored value token to change the token status to inactive, and add the associated token value to the predetermined account.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of operating a loyalty program using a computer system is provided. The method includes transmitting to communication devices associated with a corresponding plurality of consumers, who are members of the loyalty program, information describing at least one merchant, wherein the at least one merchant is a merchant that does not currently offer products in return for loyalty points of the loyalty program. The method further includes receiving, from the communication devices, selection data characterizing selections from among the at least one merchant. The method further includes collating the selection data to identify the at least one merchant, wherein the at least one merchant was selected by a number of the consumers that meets a criterion, the criterion indicating that the at least one merchant has been selected by a large number of the consumers.

Abstract: A consumer who is a member of a computer-implemented loyalty program and who is associated with a first currency, is permitted to redeem loyalty points in exchange for a payment in a second currency which is different from the first currency. The payment may be made in the form of pre-paid physical or virtual payment card, or by a credit to an account held by a mobile wallet server. The consumer is sent information about products which the consumer can purchase using the second currency.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and computer system are proposed for assisting a consumer associated with a plurality of loyalty programs, and who wishes to obtain a reward using loyalty points. The consumer interacts with a computer system with access to a database containing information about the loyalty programs with which the consumer is associated and the number of points the consumer has accumulated in each program, and at least one reward database storing information relating to rewards on offer using the loyalty programs. The consumer specifies one or more parameters of the desired reward, and the computer system uses the databases to make at least one recommendation of which of the loyalty programs to use to obtain a reward with the specified parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically (re)configuring a retransmission timeout (RTO) parameter for a transport protocol in a network element. In one embodiment, in an interval of data transmission, a determination is made for setting an RTO threshold for a next interval based on a plurality of transmission acknowledgement times returned from a receiver in the current interval. Thereafter, RTO thresholds for subsequent intervals are successively (re)adjusted based on a previous interval's measurements of transmission acknowledgement times until the data transmission is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing spurious retransmissions in a transmission control protocol (TCP) environment. An interval is established. A retransmission timeout (RTO) is set to remain constant during the interval. A maximum of all round trip time (RTT) measurements is used during the interval to set a new RTO for a next interval. An interval boundary is determined. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing spurious retransmissions in a transmission control protocol (TCP) environment. The apparatus can include a processor. The processor can be configured to: establish an interval; set a retransmission timeout (RTO) to remain constant during the interval; use a maximum of all round trip time (RTT) measurements during the interval to set a new RTO for a next interval; and determine an interval boundary.