Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for protecting privacy when a mobile device is located in a defined privacy zone are described herein. The available features that a user of a mobile device may use are controlled while the mobile device is located in a define privacy zone. Once a mobile device is detected in the define privacy zone, a database is accessed to determine if the mobile device has the features available that are to be disabled. If the features are available, a disable signal is sent via the communications network to the mobile device and the feature is disabled. Once the mobile device is detected to be outside of the defined privacy zone, the previously disabled mobile device feature is enabled.

Abstract: A system and method for a mobile data access network to make policy control and charging decisions based on domain name queries. A mobile device sends a query about a domain name associated with a service a user of the mobile device wishes to engage. The access network carries the domain name query from a mobile device to a domain name server. The access network detects the domain name query and copies the queried domain name. The access network uses the queried domain name to make an incomplete policy decision. The policy decision is incomplete because one or more service data flow filters in the decision lack addresses for providers of the service. The access network detects a response to the domain name query and copies a service provider address from the response. The access network uses the service provider address to complete the policy decision.

Abstract: Processing defects arising during processing of a semiconductor wafer prior to back-grinding are reduced with systems and methods of sensor placement. One or more holes are bored into a chuck table for receiving semiconductor wafers, or a support table next to the chuck table. One or more sensors are disposed in the holes for monitoring parameters during a pre-back-grinding (PBG) process. A control box converts a set of signals received from the sensors. A computer-implemented process control tool receives the converted set of signals from the control box and determines whether the PBG process will continue.

Abstract: A centralized policy management framework, including a centralized policy repository, is provided that can support both services and network management within a wireless network, and supports both Internet Protocol (IP)-based and non IP-based service traffic. Service level agreement (SLA) management and policy exchange is enabled for converged services across network domains. In one non-limiting embodiment, a 3GPP standards-based architecture is integrated into the overall policy management framework.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: A dynamic mobile service control architecture for policy-based control and charging of a mobile data network is described. Reference point links logically connecting a subscription profile repository and a service gateway allows the service gateway to receive information about a subscription to a service by a subscriber and forward this subscription information to an external application function that is providing the service to the subscriber through the mobile data network. Reference point links logically connecting a policy server with the service gateway allows the service gateway to receive and enforce policy rules on service data flows passing through the service gateway.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure is a method and apparatus for enabling a service-aware mobile core network. In one embodiment, a method for managing integrated services in a communication network includes detecting a first internet protocol flow in the network, mapping the internet protocol flow to an integrated service, and managing the integrated service, including the first internet protocol flow, according to at least one policy defined for the integrated service.

Abstract: System(s), method(s), and device(s) that enable establishment of data session based in part on services are presented. When establishing a data session for a communication device, the desired mobility gateway can be dynamically assigned via a specified policy mechanism or provisioned using a predefined service policy table, where particular services are linked with respective identifiers associated with respective mobility gateways. A communication device can reference the service policy table to locate a service that is to be used for the data session and can identify an identifier(s) linked to the service(s) and associated with a mobility gateway(s). The identifier(s) can be received and used to facilitate selecting one or more respective mobility gateways for the data session(s). The service policy table can be automatically pushed to the communication device or the communication device can initiate a download of the service policy table when the default data connection is established.

Abstract: A system for interconnecting network operators with each other based on class of service is provided, taking real-time performance requirement(s) for each service into consideration. As a result, services can be sent or received in real time, with greater guarantee of network resources. In one non-limiting embodiment, the delivery path for service traffic is based on the real-time performance requirement categories assigned to each service during a pre-processing step. Thus, services having the highest real-time performance demands can be delivered faster using greater network resources, whereas the services without any real-time performance requirements are processed/delivered using fewer network resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement a dynamic and efficient cascading policy management framework architecture for both wired and wireless networks. A plurality of Policy Functions (PFs) are assigned to a plurality of Policy Enforcement Points (PEP). The PFs make decisions regarding local policy control at the specific PEP. The PFs then delegate the policy requests or IP flows to a separate PEP that is more conducive to enforcing that policy request. Thus, policy decisions are made at the point where the most information is available, leading to fewer policy requests traversing back and forth across a network. Additionally, this cascading Policy Management Framework Architecture allows for unified policy management across multiple types of networks, including wired (Internet) and wireless (UMTS).

Abstract: An exemplary content engine includes a content gateway configured to analyze and route content requests to a content server. The content server can be a cache server or a mobile content server. The cache server can be configured to receive and store cacheable web content from a controller that is configured to receive the cacheable web content from at least one cacheable web content provider, such as a web server, and route the content to the cache server. The mobile content server can be configured to receive, from the controller, and store the digital media content. The controller can be further configured to receive the digital media content from at least one external content server and route the content to the mobile content server. The content gateway can be further configured to receive non-cacheable web content from at least one non-cacheable web content provider.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) that employ deep packet inspection (DPI) of data flow relating to a requested service associated with a communication device to facilitate customizing the service or results provided by the service are presented. A service request can be received by a gateway identification of the service is attempted. If the service is identified, a privacy rule(s), which is contained in a user privacy profile of a user associated with the communication device, is analyzed to determine whether the privacy rule(s) applies to the service. If the privacy rule(s) is applicable, a DPI engine performs DPI on the data flow, in accordance with the privacy rule(s), to obtain information that can be used to customize the service or results provided by the service. The user can specify the level of DPI to be applied. A default rule can specify that no DPI is performed on the data flow.

Abstract: A system and methodology that provides a new a deployment model for a seamless migration to LTE (long term evolution)/EPC (Evolved packet core) is disclosed. In addition, an intelligent edge gateway (IEG) that can support future distributed architecture and a converged network for service providers is provided. Specifically, the model supports existing data services (e.g. UMTS) and the delivery of LTE services does not affect the existing data services. Moreover, a distributed architecture is employed, such that, local traffic is optimally routed at the edge and backhaul is minimized. The system can also provide support for enhanced Femto cell 3GPP access to a home network.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to systems and/or methodologies for comprehensive policy based service delivery. A policy plane is provided as a comprehensive way to manage operator policies for most all IP and/or service flows (e.g., IMS and non-IMS) under varying network conditions, while keeping in view user preferences, user subscriptions, service requirements, terminal capabilities (e.g., including converged terminals), network capabilities (e.g., 3gpp and non-3gpp accesses inter-working with 3gpp), session transfer policies, service aware roaming, and so forth. The policy plane can be generated through harmonization of existing components (e.g., discussed infra), and creation of new policy aspects where desired (e.g., policies for identity and charging management in personal area network, etc.). The policy plane works to close gaps between standards, operator requirements, and user requirements.

Abstract: An exemplary content engine includes a content gateway configured to analyze and route content requests to a content server. The content server can be a cache server or a mobile content server. The cache server can be configured to receive and store cacheable web content from a controller that is configured to receive the cacheable web content from at least one cacheable web content provider, such as a web server, and route the content to the cache server. The mobile content server can be configured to receive, from the controller, and store the digital media content. The controller can be further configured to receive the digital media content from at least one external content server and route the content to the mobile content server. The content gateway can be further configured to receive non-cacheable web content from at least one non-cacheable web content provider.

Abstract: A policy-based management mechanism is provided, whereby the mechanism provides for at least the controlling of access to network resources, the integration of different frameworks into a common open standard, and modular components for assembling integrated date and voice services. The mechanism accomplishes this by using an access management component that checks for access credentials, a service management component that identifies which resources are available to a requestor of resources, and a resource management component that manages the requested resources. In one exemplary implementation, a fourth component, the policy management component links the first three components such that a resource request gains access to resources based on policy decisions determined by the fourth component for the first three components.

Abstract: A policy-based management mechanism is provided, whereby the mechanism provides for at least the controlling of access to network resources, the integration of different frameworks into a common open standard, and modular components for assembling integrated date and voice services. The mechanism accomplishes this by using an access management component that checks for access credentials, a service management component that identifies which resources are available to a requester of resources, and a resource management component that manages the requested resources. In one exemplary implementation, a fourth component, the policy management component links the first three components such that a resource request gains access to resources based on policy decisions determined by the fourth component for the first three components.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: A policy application server and methods for use are described. The policy application server is a logical element of a policy-based control and charging system for a mobile data service network. The policy application server is configured to manage policies including creating, revising, formatting, and provisioning of policies. The policy application server is configured to assemble policy rules from policies and context data. Context data includes subscriber and service information needed to make a particular policy rule. The policy application server gathers context data from one or more network databases. The policy application server is configured to send policy rules to select ones of a plurality of policy decision engines. The policy application server manages the storing of policies, policy rules and formatted context data in select ones of a plurality of policy repositories.