Abstract: A terminal adapter for guaranteeing the quality of service of both voice and data packets is disclosed. Such quality is ensured by inserting gaps between successive data packets in a stream of multiplexed data and/or voice packets. A gap after a particular data packet is proportional to the size of that particular data packet. In this way, bandwidth is preserved for any voice packets that may have arrived during the transfer of the data packet as well as for any voice packets that arrive during the gap. The unconstrained upstream data bandwidth and the bandwidth used by voice calls may each be estimated by taking a plurality of instantaneous measurements of the available bandwidth and/or taking individual direct measurements. The size of data packets may be limited to a maximum size in order to ensure that time-sensitive voice packets experience only an acceptable delay in queue for transmission.

Abstract: This invention provides for intelligent alerting systems that receive a notification, such as an incoming message or the like or indication thereof, or an indication of an abnormal condition, such as a device malfunction, a burglary attempt, or the like and alert end-users via one or more devices, including one or more enhanced performance reproduction devices such as an enhanced television or an enhanced radio. The systems include an intelligent processor that determines whether the one or more enhanced performance reproduction devices are reproducing a performance, and transmits an alert when a performance is being reproduced. The systems may also transmit an alert to other devices, such as pagers, telephones, personal computers, etc. When the notification indicates an abnormal condition, the systems may perform countermeasures, such as turning off a malfunctioning device, calling the police or the like.