Abstract: VM-to-VM switching is an enhancement to Ethernet card technology that enables virtual machines on the same hardware server platform to switch Ethernet Frames (or IP Packets) directly without exiting the server or using a slower and bandwidth limited software process in the hypervisor. The method does not require new network switch hardware. The invention creates a unique switching ability that allows users to modify parameters applied to Ethernet Frames passing between Virtual Machines, such as quality of service or firewall rules without adding considerable latency to the switching process. The hardware switching method enriches the functionality of the Ethernet Card and permits more advanced switching architectures in servers and thus increases density of VMs and reduces complexity of planning the location of virtual machines in a virtualized infrastructure.

Abstract: VM-to-VM switching is an enhancement to Ethernet card technology that enables virtual machines on the same hardware server platform to switch Ethernet Frames (or IP Packets) directly without exiting the server or using a slower and bandwidth limited software process in the hypervisor. The method does not require new network switch hardware. The invention creates a unique switching ability that allows users to modify parameters applied to Ethernet Frames passing between Virtual Machines, such as quality of service or firewall rules without adding considerable latency to the switching process. The hardware switching method enriches the functionality of the Ethernet Card and permits more advanced switching architectures in servers and thus increases density of VMs and reduces complexity of planning the location of virtual machines in a virtualized infrastructure.

Abstract: A network security device and associated methods which protects a user's computer from the direct effects of software sent from a server by converting the data to a non-volatile information stream using two or more firewall isolation stages. The multistage functionality completely decouples the information communicated from the bulk of data sent from the server by converting the data into non-volatile information and eliminates risk from the even most aggressive adaptive malware by using an intermediate protocol translation between two of the stages contained in the decoupling firewall.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to establish a network address field for each wireless meter reading node based upon a length field and a value field of a respective address, and communicate within the wireless mesh network using the network address fields.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to define a given downstream route, from the access point to a given node via successive intermediate nodes, based upon addresses of the successive intermediate nodes and the given node. The respective address at each successive intermediate node is stripped while routing data along the given downstream route from the access point to the given node.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having already-registered nodes already registered for communication with an access point, and not-yet-registered nodes not yet registered for communication with the access point. To register a new node with meter reading wireless mesh network, the new node transmits a request to register message. Neighboring already-registered nodes receiving the request to register message transmit responses back to the new node, whereas neighboring not-yet-registered nodes receiving the request to register message do not transmit responses back to the new node and do not transmit responses to neighboring already-registered nodes. The new node selects an already-registered node based on evaluation of the responses, and communicates to the access point via the selected already-registered node to thereby be added to network.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to define a given downstream route, from the access point to a given node via successive intermediate nodes, based upon addresses of the successive intermediate nodes and the given node. The respective address at each successive intermediate node is stripped while routing data along the given downstream route from the access point to the given node.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to establish a network address field for each wireless meter reading node based upon a length field and a value field of a respective address, and communicate within the wireless mesh network using the network address fields.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having already-registered nodes already registered for communication with an access point, and not-yet-registered nodes not yet registered for communication with the access point. To register a new node with meter reading wireless mesh network, the new node transmits a request to register message. Neighboring already-registered nodes receiving the request to register message transmit responses back to the new node, whereas neighboring not-yet-registered nodes receiving the request to register message do not transmit responses back to the new node and do not transmit responses to neighboring already-registered nodes. The new node selects an already-registered node based on evaluation of the responses, and communicates to the access point via the selected already-registered node to thereby be added to network.