Abstract: A system for providing multicast distribution of incrementally enhanced content is disclosed. The system may include encoding content by utilizing an incremental layer encoding algorithm to generate a low resolution base stream for content and one or more incremental streams for the content. The incremental streams may each have higher resolutions than the base stream. The system may provide the base streams and one or more of the incremental streams to a client device based on available bandwidth and based on the capabilities of the client device. Each of the streams of content may be provided to the client device by having the client device connect to one or more multicast sessions. As the streams are accessed by the client device, the client device may combine and decode the base streams, along with any accessed incremental streams, to obtain the content at an available resolution.

Abstract: An end user computer is assigned a multicast content distribution group by a network service intelligence platform. The network service intelligence platform authenticates a token sent by the user and signed by a third part content controller, and provides the user with credentials for joining the group. The credentials include an authorization key as well as identifications of the user and the requested content. The credentials are encrypted and authenticated by the third party content controller. The user includes the encrypted and authenticated credentials in a join request sent to a network resource, such as an edge router. After verifying the credentials, the network resource adds the end user computer to the multicast group.

Abstract: A client system includes a processor configured to obtain multicast information for a content item, the multicast information including information about a multicast session for a base stream and additional multicast sessions for available incremental streams. The processor is also configured to determine an available bandwidth, and to join a set of initial multicast sessions based on the available bandwidth, the set of initial multicast sessions including the multicast session for the base stream and at least one of the additional multicast sessions for the incremental streams. The processor is also configured to monitor a network condition, and to perform an action based on the network condition, the action selected from the group consisting of joining another of the additional multicast sessions, leaving one of the initial multicast sessions, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: An end user computer is assigned a multicast content distribution group by a network service intelligence platform. The network service intelligence platform authenticates a token sent by the user and signed by a third part content controller, and provides the user with credentials for joining the group. The credentials include an authorization key as well as identifications of the user and the requested content. The credentials are encrypted and authenticated by the third party content controller. The user includes the encrypted and authenticated credentials in a join request sent to a network resource, such as an edge router. After verifying the credentials, the network resource adds the end user computer to the multicast group.

Abstract: An automatic registration procedure for IP telephony end-points is presented. A first-stage registration is performed which provides enough service capability to allow the customer or installer to use the end-point to create an account and to subscribe to the specific services and features desired by the customer. Then a second-stage registration is performed which provides the end-point with the full set of features subscribed to by the customer.