Abstract: A method of providing network access across a shared communications medium between competing users (86) includes the step of allocating network access for each user for a future time interval (102). Features include forecasting network access (1100) of the users in a future time interval, and prioritizing the users for allocating network access to the users. The network access allocations represent network access allowances available to the users during the future time interval, and further may represent network access usage. Classes of users can be allocated network access first (1114), and then each user allocated network access from the class allocation.

Abstract: A method of providing network access across a shared communications medium between competing users (86) includes the step of allocating network access for each user for a future time interval (102). Features include forecasting network access (1100) of the users in a future time interval, and prioritizing the users for allocating network access to the users. The network access allocations represent network access allowances available to the users during the future time interval, and further may represent network access usage. Classes of users can be allocated network access first (1114), and then each user allocated network access from the class allocation.

Abstract: A method of incorporating allocations of network access in a DOCSIS 1.0 compliant cable network, wherein users compete for bandwidth, includes limiting bandwidth consumed by a cable modem of a user to a value representative of that user's bandwidth allocation for a time interval. Preferably, the method includes the steps of: (a) generating cable modem configuration files, each of which limits bandwidth consumption by a cable modem of a user to a bandwidth allowance of that user equaling to the respective bandwidth allocation; (b) sending the configuration files to a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) Server of the DOC Network; and (c) sending a command either to each user's cable modem, or to a cable modem termination system to which each user's cable modem is connected, to cause the cable modem to implement the respective new configuration file.

Abstract: A novel ground water heat transfer system is provided for low cost and high efficiency heat pumps and includes a deep well filled with water. An insulating sleeve which is smaller than the diameter of the deep well is placed in the center of the deep well so as to separate the well water into two portions. A water pump is suspended preferably below the water level and pumps the water from inside the insulating sleeve to the space between the insulating sleeve and the wall of the deep well in a manner which eliminates the dynamic lifting head. In an open loop system the water from the pump is first pumped to an heat exchanger and returned to the space between the insulating sleeve and the wall of the deep well.