Abstract: A technique for implementing a tunable add/drop collector having at least two bursting ports for supporting dedicated and shared timeslotting in a point to consecutive point environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized by method for implementing a tunable add/drop collector for supporting dedicated and shared timeslotting in a network having a plurality of nodes comprising the steps of computing an add/drop burst schedule for scheduling timeslots wherein the timeslots comprise a plurality of dedicated timeslots and a plurality of shared timeslots; receiving timeslot control information at one or more nodes and transmitting data flows from the one or more nodes via at least two timeslotted ports in accordance with at least the timeslot control information and the add/drop burst schedule.

Abstract: For a media on demand (MoD) session where content is streaming from a first content server to a media agent, a server manager operates to minimize or eliminate the impact of a failure affecting the streamed content. The server manager will monitor at least the first content server, and when a failure is detected, initiate the transition from the first content server to a second content server. In particular, the server manager will directly or indirectly ensure that the media agent has sufficient information to establish another streaming session for the MoD session with the second content server. The transition is preferably facilitated in real time and within a short enough time period to eliminate or at least minimize the effect of the media ultimate presentation to the subscriber.

Abstract: Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) treatment of traffic within a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel is provided by attaching a QoS marker to data traffic at an ingress end of the VPN tunnel. The QoS marker is obtained by querying a policy database. The policy database returns QoS information, from which the QoS marker is derived. The policy data base can be queried by a VPN Gateway at an ingress end of the tunnel during tunnel setup, and/or at any time following tunnel setup to obtain updated QoS information. This updated QoS information is then propagated through the VPN tunnel to a VPN gateway at the opposite end of the VPN Tunnel, so that it can be used for egress processing of the tunnel. traffic without renegotiating the Security Association. Consequently, re-establishment of the tunnel is not required in order to change the QoS treatment of tunnel traffic.

Abstract: A network device such as a combination ONU-DSLAM deployed outside the central office includes a wireless transceiver to enable a technician to interface with the network device over a wireless control channel. This allows the technician to monitor, interrogate, and control the network device to ascertain performance of the network or the network device and cause the network device to perform particular desired operations. Additionally, providing a wireless interface enables the network technician to fix specific perceived problems in the network device, such as by uploading new software to the network device, to enable the network device to have increased functionality or more reliable performance. Infra-red, wireless, powerline, or another technology may be used to interface with the network device. The wireless access port may also enable subscribers to access the network, for example by causing the network device to act as an 802.11 hot spot.