Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing information related to goods available for purchase in a building. The method includes establishing a plurality of boundary zones within a Wi-Fi network and storing product information related to the goods available for purchase that are located within each of the plurality of boundary zones. In a particular embodiment, a first set of product information is provided to a Wi-Fi device. The first set of product information can be specific to goods that are located in the same boundary zone as the Wi-Fi device. The location of the Wi-Fi device is monitored and movement of the Wi-Fi device between a first boundary zone and a second boundary zone is detected. A second set of product information can be provided to the Wi-Fi device after detecting the Wi-Fi device moving to the second boundary zones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide power over an Ethernet-based network to a wide area network access device are described. In some example systems, a local area network (LAN) access point is configured to provide power to a gateway device, such as an optical network termination (ONT), via a wired Ethernet connection. The example LAN access points provide power via a wide area network (WAN) Ethernet port, through which the LAN access points receive WAN access from a gateway. The example gateway provides WAN access to a LAN access point, and receives power sufficient to operate the gateway via an Ethernet port. The example gateway also includes a WAN port, such as a fiber connection, through which the gateway connects to a service provider. The example systems allow a gateway to be powered without a traditional dedicated power connection.

Abstract: A network management system includes a processor and a memory that is accessible by the processor. A computer program is embedded within the memory. The computer program includes instructions to detect the receipt of one or more modified management messages. Each of the one or more modified management messages includes one or more modified data packets having a unique identifier. The computer program further includes instructions to determine an originating device associated with each of the unique identifiers. In a particular embodiment, the unique identifier is a predetermined device management password. Further, the predetermined device management password is a community string for a simple network management protocol data packet.

Abstract: In accordance with a disclosed example method, a first coaxial port is connected to a connector casing. The first coaxial port is connectable to a first section of coaxial cable and the first port to receive digital packet-based data from a first device. A second coaxial port is connected to the connector casing. The second coaxial port is connectable to a second section of coaxial cable. A first impedance is electrically connected to the first coaxial port. The first impedance located in the connector casing. A second impedance is electrically connected to the second coaxial port. The second impedance is located in the connector casing and is different from the first impedance to create an impedance imbalance between the second port and the second section of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for distributing video conference data over an internet protocol television (IPTV) system are disclosed including structures and methods for allocating an IPTV video conference channel to groups of video conference participants' set top boxes (STBs), accessing STB data at the server indicating a group of video conference participants' STBs in the groups of video conference participants' STBs, the group of STBs being associated with one video conference data, mapping at the server, the video conference channel to the group of video conference participants' STBs and to one IP address for the one of the video conferences data, and delivering from the server over the video conference channel from a first one of the of IP addresses, the first one of the video conferences data to the first group of video conference participants' STBs.

Abstract: An impedance imbalance connector is provided. The connector comprises a first port connectable to a first section of coaxial cable, the first port having a first impedance and the first port further to receive digital packet-based data from a first device. The connector further comprises a second port connectable to a second section of coaxial cable, the second port having a second impedance which differs from the first impedance so as operationally to create an impedance imbalance between the second port and the second section of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A method and system for processing data packets is described within. The method executed by the system includes the steps of receiving a first data packet, determining if the first data packet is a first expected data packet, determining if the first data packet is a next expected date packet, storing the first data patent if the first data packet is the next expected data packet and waiting a period of time for a second data packet.

Abstract: A method and system for processing data packets is described within. The method executed by the system includes the steps of receiving a first data packet, determining if the first data packet is a first expected data packet, determining if the first data packet is a next expected date packet, storing the first data patent if the first data packet is the next expected data packet and waiting a period of time for a second data packet.

Abstract: Methods and tools to mount a cable connector to a coaxial cable are disclosed. An illustrated example tool includes an opening to enable viewing into a cable connector mounted on the tool to determine the position of an inner dielectric insulator of the coaxial cable relative to the connector without removing the connector from the tool.

Abstract: A disclosed set top box (STB) suitable for use in presenting multimedia content is operable to receive multimedia content from a provider content source that is remotely connected to the STB via a provider network. The STB is also operable to receive multimedia content from a personal content source. The personal content source is locally connected to the STB or connected to the STB via a public network. The STB is operable to identify a channel indicated by a remote control signal and determine whether the indicated channel is a provider content channel or a personal content channel. The STB streams multimedia content from the first source when the indicated channel is a provider content channel and from the personal source when the indicated channel is a personal channel. The content from the provider content source and the personal content may be received through different STB interfaces. The personal content may be received from a locally connected source.

Abstract: A method of searching video content includes searching the video content according to criteria defined by a user, and sending a notice to an electronic calendar with at least one entry that meets the criteria. A graphical user interface performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content mapping are described. Information regarding available content may be received from a plurality of content sources. A plurality of available content selections may be provided for presentation. The plurality of available content selections may be in accordance with the received information. A selection of content may be received from a user. The selection may be from the plurality of available content selections. The content may be associated with a selected content source from the plurality of content sources. The selected content source may be of a source type. A channel may be mapped to the content in accordance with the source type to create a mapped channel. The mapped channel may be added to an electronic program guide.

Abstract: A laser transmitter, includes a transmitter case defining an opening therein, and a laser generating unit extending from said opening in said transmitter case. The laser generating unit has a non-rotatable portion and a rotatable laser head. The rotatable laser head is rotatable around a rotation axis. A flexible bellows seal surrounds the laser generating unit in said opening. The flexible bellows seal extending from the edge of the opening to the non-rotatable portion of the laser generating unit and defines a plurality of annular pleats. The pleats are spaced generally in the direction of the rotation axis of said rotatable laser head. This transmitter seals out dirt and water and eliminates the opportunity for dirt and water to collect on the seal.

Abstract: A system for managing a scope of communications of a communication device is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, communication device having a controller element to receive one or more entries in a contact book of a second communication device, and limit a scope of communications with other communication devices according to the one or more contact book entries received. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for provisioning media content in a multi-user environment is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Set-Top Box having a controller element to: receive multimedia content from a communication system; configure individual access to the multimedia content among a group of users in accordance with individual user profiles, wherein each of the individual user profiles has a separate service package provided by one or more broadband providers; and provision a delivery of the multimedia content to a media device in accordance with access settings defined at least in part in the individual user profiles. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a method, a system and a machine-readable medium for video terminal device messaging. In one embodiment, a method includes querying a user associated with a mobile device whether to receive one or more mobile messages destined for the mobile device at a video terminal device; and selectively receiving the one or more mobile messages at the video terminal device based on a response to the querying.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile vehicle content management. Content may be received wireless from a plurality of access technologies within a mobile vehicle. The content may be balanced from the plurality of access technologies to select the content from at least one access technology for decryption. The selected content may be provided to a receiver device for presentation.

Abstract: A broadband internet system comprises a speed test tool, a database, and an internet portal. The speed test tool determines available bandwidth for a communication link. The database stores the available bandwidth for the communication link from the speed test tool. The internet portal offers a service to the customer based on the available bandwidth of the communication link stored in the database, therefore allowing the customer the most efficient usage of the bandwidth of the communication link.

Abstract: A portable communication device is provided and includes a display. At least one remote control soft button is presented at the display and an electronic device control command is associated with each remote control soft button. Further, the electronic device control command is enabled in response to a code received at the portable communication device from a service provider. The portable communication device also includes a keypad that can be used to select the remote control soft button. Further, the electronic device control command is selected from the group consisting of: play, stop, pause, volume up, volume down, record, channel up, channel down, fast forward, and rewind. Additionally, the portable communication device includes a text input field and a send button that are presented at the display. The portable communication device selectively can control a selected remote electronic device using the at least one electronic device control command.

Abstract: A system and method for authentication of a communication device is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an authentication system can have a controller element that receives from a communication device by way of a packet-switched network an authentication request comprising a first identification (ID) of a gateway and a second ID of the communication device. The gateway and at least one network element of the packet-switched network can be provisioned to have a physical association with each other such that other network elements of the packet-switched network deny services to the gateway when the gateway attempts to operate outside of said physical association. From said physical association and the aforementioned IDs the controller element can authenticate the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.