Abstract: A system and method for managing peer to peer traffic. The method includes: identifying a peer to peer request and in response providing at least one address of a peer to peer server within a cluster that is adapted to service peer to peer requests. The system includes a cluster of peer to peer servers; and a first device adapted to identify a peer to peer request and to provide at least one address of a peer to peer server within the cluster.

Abstract: Infrastructure for interactive broadcasting is provided using a wide area network for bi-directional transmission between a plurality of user nodes and a central source node, at least some of the user nodes comprising rooftop video broadcast receiving installations modified with a terrestrial bi-directional antenna and network transmission support electronics.

Abstract: A TV broadcasting system comprises: an outward broadcast link to reach each of a plurality of user receiver installations via satellite or via a terrestrial channel, and a return link from each of said plurality of users, said return channel being a terrestrial channel via a wide area network, typically a WAN, of which WAN said user receiver installations form a node. The WAN may also support an uplink. A satellite or terrestrial receiver installation is modified with an extra terrestrial antenna for the WAN and a splitter combiner allows the already installed cable link to the TV receiver to be retained. A residential gateway allows a household LAN and communication enabled devices to be supported via the TV/WAN infrastructure.

Abstract: A head end installation for multi-channel video feed broadcasting to a plurality of user TV receiver installations, comprises: a transmitter for transmitting said multi-channel video feed to said user installations, and a router for receiving a return link from a core IP network and regional terrestrial networks, said user TV receiver installations forming nodes of said terrestrial networks, said return link allowing user interactions to be received by said installation and thereby supported.

Abstract: A user installation interfaces a television or like device with a video broadcast multi-channel feed signal. The installation comprises: a connector for connection to a video broadcast multi-channel feed receiver installation, a splitter unit attached to said connector for splitting incoming signals from said connector into a video feed signal and a signal received from a terrestrial network, and for directing outgoing signals for said terrestrial network to said connector, said terrestrial network signal providing a return link to support user interaction from said interfaced device.

Abstract: a TV receiver installation for supporting a return channel comprises: a satellite or terrestrial TV receiver for receiving a broadcast multi-channel feed, and a terrestrial antenna, associated with the TV receiver, for handling a return link over a terrestrial network.