Abstract: Embodiments of a secure communication network are disclosed. For secure communication of data packets, a method implemented in a core node, is presented. The method includes receiving a double encapsulated data packet associated with a first layer and a second layer of encapsulation/encryption. The method further includes decapsulating/decrypting a second layer of encapsulation/encryption to access a portion of the data packet and re-encapsulating/re-encrypting at least the accessed portion with another second layer of encapsulation/encryption. The method further includes transmitting the re-encapsulated/re-encrypted data packet to a subsequent node based on the accessed portion.

Abstract: Demand response to reduce energy consumption by individual consumers is provided by aggregating individual consumers, and providing feedback to such consumers regarding their energy consumption relative to other energy consumers in a group. The resulting feedback may result in reduced energy consumption by the individual consumer.

Abstract: Demand response to reduce energy consumption by individual consumers is provided by aggregating individual consumers, and providing feedback to such consumers regarding their energy consumption relative to other energy consumers in a group. The resulting feedback may result in reduced energy consumption by the individual consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple communications sessions is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer implemented method comprises establishing a session at a data link layer between a host and a remote access concentrator, determining a set of network layer information corresponding to the session, and applying the set of network layer information to the host at the data link layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining data packets having different protocol encapsulations within a circuit is described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a number of Internet Protocol (IP) packets over Ethernet on a real circuit. Each IP packet over Ethernet has an Ethernet header and an IP address. The method also includes removing the Ethernet header from the number of IP packets. Moreover, a number IP packets within a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) over Ethernet are received on at least one virtual circuit. Each of the number of IP packets within the PPP over Ethernet includes a PPP header, a PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) header, an Ethernet header and an IP address. Additionally, the at least one virtual circuit runs within the real circuit. The method also includes removing the PPP header and the PPPoE header from the number of IP packets within the PPP over Ethernet and removing the Ethernet header from the number of IP packets within the PPP over Ethernet.

Abstract: A machine readable medium for remote circuit provisioning is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a machine readable medium comprises receiving a packet on a circuit and provisioning the circuit in response to receiving the packet, wherein provisioning the circuit comprises retrieving parameters from a database, creating an empty circuit structure, and populating the empty circuit structure with the parameters.

Abstract: A machine readable medium for remote circuit provisioning is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a machine readable medium comprises receiving a packet on a circuit and provisioning the circuit in response to receiving the packet, wherein provisioning the circuit comprises retrieving parameters from a database, creating an empty circuit structure, and populating the empty circuit structure with the parameters.