Abstract: A method for improving perception of electronic content from a computer network such as the Internet or an intranet. Network latencies and the type of electronic content such as text, graphical images, animation, voice, video and other electronic content interact to influence user perception of the quality of information provided. As network latency increases and becomes more variable, users typically become less satisfied. The method dynamically adjusts the amount of electronic content presented to user based on a determined network latency. The amount of electronic content is also adjusted progressively and underlying transport protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol (“TCP”) and User Datagram Protocol (“UDP”) are adaptively adjusted based on the type of electronic content requested (e.g., TCP for text, UDP for graphical images, etc.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a real time media input over a network. The apparatus encodes the input into data packets having a number of frames ordered according to a first variable. A receiving device unpacks and buffers the unpacked data packets for playout according to a second variable. The receiving device generates utility parameters for evaluating a dynamic characteristic of the network that transports the data packets. The receiving device selects a preferred utility parameter and adjusts the first and second variable according to the selected utility parameter. The method includes encoding an analog input into data packets that are transported to a receiving device. The method also includes unpacking the data packets, buffering the unpacked data packets according to a second variable, and generating at least two utility parameters that represent a dynamic characteristic of a network.

Abstract: Methods and system for locating network services with distributed network address translation. Digital certificates are created that allow an external network device on an external network, such as the Internet, to request a service from an internal network device on an internal distributed network address translation network, such as a stub local area network. The digital certificates include information obtained with a Port Allocation Protocol used for distributed network address translation. The digital certificates are published on the internal network so they are accessible to external network devices. An external network device retrieves a digital certificate, extracts appropriate information, and sends a service request packet to an internal network device on an internal distributed network address translation network. The external network device is able to locate and request a service from an internal network device.