Abstract: A method implemented in a time-bounded resource management system for managing a resource is described. The time-bounded resource management system includes a processor communicatively coupled to a database. The method includes storing each resource consumption event of the resource as a balanced pair of entries in the database, wherein the balanced pair of entries comprise 1) a first entry comprising a start time for the resource consumption event and a positive resource consumption amount and 2) a second entry comprising an end time for the resource consumption event and a negative resource consumption amount with the same magnitude as the positive resource consumption amount; receiving a query related to the resource; performing computations on entries in the database related to the query; and providing a result based on the computations as a response to the query.

Abstract: A method for securely configuring a customer premise equipment in a network. The network including a configuration server, a DHCP server, and the customer premise equipment. The method includes receiving a request from the customer premise equipment for leasing an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the customer premise equipment. The method further includes embedding at least a portion of a Media Access Control (MAC) address of the customer premise equipment into the IP address leased to the customer premise equipment. The method includes leasing the IP address to the customer premise equipment. Further, the method enables authentication of customer premise equipment, before providing configuration to the customer premise equipment. The method includes use of characteristic attributes of the customer premise equipment to generate cryptographic keys for secure connection.

Abstract: A method implemented in a time-bounded resource management system for managing a resource is described. The time-bounded resource management system includes a processor communicatively coupled to a database. The method includes storing each resource consumption event of the resource as a balanced pair of entries in the database, wherein the balanced pair of entries comprise 1) a first entry comprising a start time for the resource consumption event and a positive resource consumption amount and 2) a second entry comprising an end time for the resource consumption event and a negative resource consumption amount with the same magnitude as the positive resource consumption amount; receiving a query related to the resource; performing computations on entries in the database related to the query; and providing a result based on the computations as a response to the query.

Abstract: A method for securely configuring a customer premise equipment in a network. The network including a configuration server, a DHCP server, and the customer premise equipment. The method includes receiving a request from the customer premise equipment for leasing an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the customer premise equipment. The method further includes embedding at least a portion of a Media Access Control (MAC) address of the customer premise equipment into the IP address leased to the customer premise equipment. The method includes leasing the IP address to the customer premise equipment. Further, the method enables authentication of customer premise equipment, before providing configuration to the customer premise equipment. The method includes use of characteristic attributes of the customer premise equipment to generate cryptographic keys for secure connection.