Abstract: A custom Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) that simultaneously processes data packets and multimedia packets, including Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) packets, that are transmitted by a plurality of clients connected to a central server over a network, such as the Internet, and that are also transmitted by the central server to the plurality of servers. The custom ASIC may be configured to restrict the receipt of both the multimedia and the data packets to selected, predetermined clients connected to the central server and prevent the receipt of such packets by non-authorized clients. A method of processing data packets and multimedia packets, including VoIP packets, and a system utilizing the custom ASIC are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a consumer electronics product (CEP) for communicating information with a CEP service provider. The method comprises providing a request by a CEP device to a CEP local communication device for a local area connection; detecting a local-area-enabled communication device by the CEP local communication device in response to the request; establishing a local area connection with the local-area-enabled communication device after the detecting; causing the local-area-enabled communication device to establish a wide area connection with the CEP service provider; providing the information to the CEP service provider via the local area connection and the wide area connection. In one aspect, the CEP may be a set top box. Further, the local area connection may be based on one of a bluetooth connection or an 802.11 connection.

Abstract: A communication system includes a link module having a first serial interface for interfacing to a serial link. The link module also including a second serial interface. The system also includes a Media Access Control (MAC) module including a parallel interface. The system also includes a converter module, coupled between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, configured to convert symbols, transferred between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, between a parallel format at the parallel interface and a serial format at the serial interface.

Abstract: A custom Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) that simultaneously processes data packets and multimedia packets, including Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) packets, that are transmitted by a plurality of clients connected to a central server over a network, such as the Internet, and that are also transmitted by the central server to the plurality of servers. The custom ASIC may be configured to restrict the receipt of both the multimedia and the data packets to selected, predetermined clients connected to the central server and prevent the receipt of such packets by non-authorized clients. A method of processing data packets and multimedia packets, including VoIP packets, and a system utilizing the custom ASIC are also provided.

Abstract: A connector device (for example, a jack) is provided with a sensing mechanism that detects mating of another connector to the connector device, and differentiates between matching and non-matching connectors. The sensing mechanism generates a signal to indicate that a non-matching connector has been mated with the connector device.

Abstract: A system for detecting connector compatibility with a time domain reflectometry (TDR) circuit on a peripheral device. A cable connects the peripheral device and a second peripheral device. A first connector is for mating to a second connector on the second peripheral device. The time domain reflectometry can be used to detect electrical compatibility of the first and second connectors. The first connector can be an RJ11 connector. The second connector can be an RJ45 connector. The first connector can be a plug, and the second connector can be a socket. The number of pins of the first and second connectors can be different. The first connector can be a telco connector, and the second connector can be an Ethernet connector. The TDR circuit can be part of the peripheral device diagnostics.

Abstract: A communication system includes a link module having a first serial interface for interfacing to a serial link. The link module also including a second serial interface. The system also includes a Media Access Control (MAC) module including a parallel interface. The system also includes a converter module, coupled between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, configured to convert symbols, transferred between the parallel interface and the second serial interface, between a parallel format at the parallel interface and a serial format at the serial interface.