Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic proxy insertion in network traffic path is described. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a request and/or response message may be modified to include one or more thru-proxy tags to identify a network (or traffic) node (e.g., a proxy, server, or intermediary). For example, a request directed to a server or a response directed to a client may be altered to insert a plurality of intermediate or final destination designations. In so doing, a path of a request or response may be altered dynamically. A thru-proxy tag in a response may be inserted in a related request to identify a destination or node such that the request is sent to the destination in the thru-proxy tag before being sent to an origin server. Thru-proxy tags may be used to identify multiple and/or alternate destinations.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention include providing a connection between a first computer and a second computer by receiving, at a third computer, information regarding one of the first and second computers to facilitate establishment of a secure connection between the first computer and the second computer, creating a first end-to-end security link between the first computer and third computer, and creating a second end-to-end security link between the second computer and the third computer to establish the secure connection. The first and second computers could be a client and a server on the Internet, and these methods and systems can, for example, increase the possible number of new secure connections to the server. The third computer also permits processing of information transmitted between the client and server in the third computer. For example, the information could be reformatted or used in testing a process of one of the first and second computers.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic proxy insertion in network traffic path is described. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a request and/or response message may be modified to include one or more thru-proxy tags to identify a network (or traffic) node (e.g., a proxy, server, or intermediary). For example, a request directed to a server or a response directed to a client may be altered to insert a plurality of intermediate or final destination designations. In so doing, a path of a request or response may be altered dynamically. A thru-proxy tag in a response may be inserted in a related request to identify a destination or node such that the request is sent to the destination in the thru-proxy tag before being sent to an origin server. Thru-proxy tags may be used to identify multiple and/or alternate destinations.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a method and apparatus for dynamic proxy insertion in network traffic path is described. According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a request and/or response message may be modified to include one or more thru-proxy tags to identify a network (or traffic) node (e.g., a proxy, server, or intermediary). For example, a request directed to a server or a response directed to a client may be altered to insert a plurality of intermediate or final destination designations. In so doing, a path of a request or response may be altered dynamically. A thru-proxy tag in a response may be inserted in a related request to identify a destination or node such that the request is sent to the destination in the thru-proxy tag before being sent to an origin server. Thru-proxy tags may be used to identify multiple and/or alternate destinations.

Abstract: A client is given control over the pre-fetching of resources. The client may be, for example, resident on an electronic device such as a computer system that caches resources. The resources may be, for instance, web pages. Identifying property values that are intrinsically tied to the contents of the resources are used to determine whether resources are already resident within the cache prior to pre-fetching the resources. In addition, the client may request information regarding a resource to assist the client in determining whether to pre-fetch the resource. Such information may include the size of the resource and other information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for local advertising. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or proxies owned by an ISP insert advertisements transmitted from a web host to a client. The advertisement may be stored in the proxy's cache or may be retrieved from a web server for an advertiser. By providing the ISP with the ability to insert the advertisement, advertisements appear on small web sites that do not normally attract advertisers. Additionally, due to the number of advertisements placed by an ISP, small advertisers may have their advertisement appear in connection with frequently used web sites. One or more embodiments of the invention provide for an ISP to collect and store demographic information such as the user's age, residence, credit history, etc. Additionally, stored information may include web sites the user has accessed, time spent on each web site, and any searches performed by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for device location sensitive data routing. In one embodiment of the present invention, a signal from a portable, electronic device identifies a user. In this embodiment, a sensor detects the signal and relays the identification information along with information about electronic communications devices available at the location to a routing device. The routing device reroutes electronic communications to the physical location of the user. In one embodiment, the signal is a radio emanation. In another embodiment, the signal is an infrared emanation. In yet another embodiment, the signal is transmitted over a connection line which couples the portable, electronic device to the sensor. In one embodiment, phone calls are rerouted to a phone located near the portable, electronic device. In another embodiment, e-mail messages are rerouted to a general purpose computer located near the portable, electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing user information. Information collection is increasingly utilized by advertisers and others that desire to customize a user's display for the user's individual preferences. According to one ore more embodiments of the invention, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or proxies owned by an ISP collect and store information regarding particular users in a user profile. The information may include demographic information such as the user's age, residence, credit history, etc. Additionally, the information may include the web sites that the user has accessed, the time spent on each web site, and any internet searches performed by the user. The profile information may be utilized by the proxy to conduct targeted advertising, the information may be provided to a web host so that the web host may conduct targeted advertising, or the information may be utilized to customize a user's display, for example.

Abstract: A communication appliance with a desktop unit and a secondary unit. The desktop unit includes an outer casing, bottom feet, openings in the outer casing for control elements, a plurality of heat-producing electronic components and at least one speaker. The bottom feet extend from a bottom of the outer casing and support the outer casing on a surface such that the bottom of the outer casing is spaced from the surface. The control elements are used for operating the communication appliance. The outer casing includes a plurality of cooling slots for cooling electronic components found in the interior of the communication appliance so that a fan or other external device is not needed.

Abstract: A central site such as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) monitors information requests incoming from devices on a network such as the Internet. If the incoming information indicates that the services of a remote, off-line computer is required, the ISP signals the off-line computer via an out-of-band signal. In response to the signal, the off-line computer connects to the Internet through the ISP in its normal manner, and subsequently responds to the devices.

Abstract: A telephone answering system for receiving calls from a caller and forwarding caller information to an owner's telephone. An automatic message center which provides instructions to a caller via the owner's outgoing message, receives and stores the caller's telephone number and information on the substance of the call, and then provides a second outgoing message on a telephone line to the owner via a pager or a handset providing the owner with the telephone number of the caller and a coded substance message.