Abstract: A small edge node in an internet broadcasting system that receives satellite delivered content, redelivers the content to a last mile internet service provider, and performs other edge node functions from a single computer. The edge node handles multiple content formats, such as live and non-live, simultaneously and is particularly useful for serving 500 or fewer users.

Abstract: A scalable edge node for servicing different video content simultaneously using two or more servers and for load balancing between the servers. Additional servers may be added or removed as the client demand serviced by the edge node changes. The node further includes a storage device that is shared between the servers, avoiding the need for multiple storage devices. The invention avoids prior architectures designed with a fixed number of servers and/or various other edge node elements, which are either too many or too few, and therefore become uneconomical or overwhelmed over a range of client demands.

Abstract: A method for testing upgrades and modifications to a first transmission network by providing a second internet transmission network including components that duplicate or simulate one or more of the components of the first network. The second network duplicates the functionality and configuration of the first network thereby permitting modifications to be installed and tested on the second network prior to installing them on the first transmission network. This in turn allows “bugs” to be found and eliminated before modifications are used on the first network. The invention also allows error signals to be injected to enable operators to compensate for and to avoid these errors before they appear on the first network.

Abstract: A data file is regarded as a digital package. A convenient interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communication links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivering and billing based on bits.

Abstract: A data file is regarded as a digital package. A conventional interface is provided for scheduling pickup and delivery of the data file via one or more satellite communications links. The data file may represent various types of information, such as text, images, audio or video. A centralized system receives the scheduling order and arranges for the data file to be automatically picked up from one or more locations and delivered to one or more destinations. The delivery service may include buffering the data file for a predetermined time period to comply with the scheduled delivery time. The centralized system provides a scheduling confirmation notice for the scheduled pickup and delivery, and also provides notice that the data file was actually delivered. The centralized system maintains an activity log useful for status inquiry and billing. In short, the centralized system functions as a “dispatcher” for bits, within an infrastructure for receiving, tracking, delivery and billing based on bits.

Abstract: An edge node that receives both live and not live content from a network operation center (“NOC”) and makes it available to end users via a last mile service provider. The NOC additionally includes storage for received content, a private VLAN, and a public VLAN. The edge node can simultaneously serve live and not live content. By including in the edge node an appropriate number of media servers, a large user population may be served.