Abstract: A method (10, 20) and apparatus (30) enables a customer (47) to distinguish between a dead or broken Internet Protocol telephone line and an out-of-service Internet Protocol telephone line. The method detects (11) a hook status of a device (46) coupled to the IP network (33) during an out-of-service status of the line. Upon detection of a change in state from an on-hook state to an off-hook state, a message is sent (13) to the device (46) indicating that the IP telephone line is currently out-of-service and not dead or broken. This message can be a voice or text message. Moreover, the message can provide status information for all of the interfaces of the device coupled to the IP telephone line. In addition, the message can include information as to how to obtain service, such as a telephone number to call.

Abstract: A broadband terminal interface unit for use in an HFC communication network includes a phase-locked loop for providing a smooth transition between a CMTS-provided “national” clock and a local clock when the CMTS clock is lost (or before it is required). By controlling the tracking range of the PLL, the sensitivity of the circuit is controlled so that some drift in the national clock can be accommodated without unnecessarily reducing the performance of the components within the broadband terminal interface unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in providing real-time, packet-switched service to an end-user over a cable data network. The method begins by transmitting over the cable data network a scheduled grant to an end-user gateway in accordance with an unsolicited grant service protocol. The grant authorizes the end-user gateway to transmit a data packet to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) located in the cable data network. Next, an adjustment is made to the time at which subsequent grants are transmitted. The adjustment, which is based on a response of the end-user gateway, is performed to reduce delay between a time when a subsequent data packet is generated and receipt of the subsequent grant.

Abstract: A broadband terminal interface unit for use in an HFC communication network includes a phase-locked loop for providing a smooth transition between a CMTS-provided “national” clock and a local clock when the CMTS clock is lost (or before it is required). By controlling the tracking range of the PLL, the sensitivity of the circuit is controlled so that some drift in the national clock can be accommodated without unnecessarily reducing the performance of the components within the broadband terminal interface unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in providing real-time, packet-switched service to an end-user over a cable data network. The method begins by transmitting over the cable data network a scheduled grant to an end-user gateway in accordance with an unsolicited grant service protocol. The grant authorizes the end-user gateway to transmit a data packet to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) located in the cable data network. Next, an adjustment is made to the time at which subsequent grants are transmitted. The adjustment, which is based on a response of the end-user gateway, is performed to reduce delay between a time when a subsequent data packet is generated and receipt of the subsequent grant.

Abstract: A television electronic program guide intelligent memory management system and method automatically deletes the least valuable stored program information at that moment as free memory space is needed by the system. In advance of a program schedule update, the system executes a two-level memory "housekeeping" operation in which the system first scans the memory to identify obsolete schedule information. If, after this sweep, there is insufficient memory available for the next update, the system performs a second-level memory "triage" operation wherein schedule information is automatically prioritized in accordance with pre-defined rules for assessing the current value of the information to each viewer based on program air time, channel and other variables relating to program utility. The system then deletes schedule information in ascending order of value, starting with the least valuable information, and continues until enough space is available in memory to store the schedule update.