Abstract: In a multi-core platform in which secondary processing cores do not have direct WAN connectivity, methods and apparatus are described that enable the secondary processing cores to provide DNS resolution services to their network applications and/or client devices attached thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, a primary processing core having direct WAN connectivity and a DHCP client includes a DNS proxy service module which acts as a DNS server to the platform's secondary processing cores. Each secondary processing core sends DNS queries to the primary core DNS proxy service module. A primary core DNS resolver regenerates DNS queries based on the DNS queries from the secondary cores and forwards them for resolution to WAN-side DNS servers whose IP addresses were provided to the DHCP client in response to an IP lease request.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for implementing a wide area network sensing internet group management protocol proxy are provided. A message indicating an activation of an alternate wide area network interface, activated as a result of a failed primary wide area network interface, is received. A communication path to the failed wide area network interface is closed and a communication path to the alternate wide area network interface is created using information received in the message. Subsequently a join request is communicated to at least one client using the communication path created to communicate with the alternate wide area network interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide load balanced signal distribution to client devices in a network, such as a digital home network. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the methods includes the steps of receiving a request from a client device for downloading video from one of a plurality of video sources, receiving respective load indicators from first and second video receiving devices capable of receiving the plurality of video sources, selecting one of the first and second video receiving devices according to the load indicators, and instructing the selected video receiving device to transmit the video from the one of the plurality of video sources using an address known by the client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described including setting a default virtual local area network identification number of a switch to 0, receiving a data packet from a local area network interface, applying a virtual local area network header with identification number 0, if the data packet is untagged, determining if a virtual local area network identification number in a header of the data packet is a first predefined value, translating the virtual local area network identification number to a second predefined value in the header of the data packet if the virtual local area network identification number is equal to the first predefined value and forwarding the data packet to a local area network protocol stack network interface.

Abstract: A gateway device communicates with a client device on a local area network. The gateway device receives a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) request from the client device; wherein the DHCP request includes information indicating whether, or not, the client device supports quality of service (QoS) treatment; and if the client device supports QoS treatment, the gateway device sends packets destined for the client device with QoS priority tagging information; and if the client device does not support QoS treatment, the gateway device sends packets destined for the client device without QoS priority tagging information.

Abstract: In a multi-core platform in which secondary processing cores do not have direct WAN connectivity, methods and apparatus are described that enable the secondary processing cores to provide DNS resolution services to their network applications and/or client devices attached thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, a primary processing core having direct WAN connectivity and a DHCP client includes a DNS proxy service module which acts as a DNS server to the platform's secondary processing cores. Each secondary processing core sends DNS queries to the primary core DNS proxy service module. A primary core DNS resolver regenerates DNS queries based on the DNS queries from the secondary cores and forwards them for resolution to WAN-side DNS servers whose IP addresses were provided to the DHCP client in response to an IP lease request.

Abstract: In a multi-core platform in which secondary processor cores do not have direct WAN connectivity, methods and apparatus are described that enable the secondary cores to provide DNS resolution services to their network applications or to attached client devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a primary processor core having direct WAN connectivity includes a DNS forwarder which shares with the platform's secondary processing cores DNS server IP address information acquired from a WAN-side DHCP server. Each secondary core implements a compatible DNS forwarder client to request DNS information from the primary core DNS forwarder, receive the information, and make it available to its operating system's DNS resolver module. Additionally, or alternatively, the primary core DNS forwarder may push updated DNS server information to each secondary core following a primary core DHCP client lease renewal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide load balanced signal distribution to client devices in a network, such as a digital home network. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the methods includes the steps of receiving a request from a client device for downloading video from one of a plurality of video sources, receiving respective load indicators from first and second video receiving devices capable of receiving the plurality of video sources, selecting one of the first and second video receiving devices according to the load indicators, and instructing the selected video receiving device to transmit the video from the one of the plurality of video sources using an address known by the client device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus, which generates and plays diagnostic messages indicative of a media terminal adaptor provisioning status. The media terminal adaptor detects errors in its provisioning status or an out-of-service state. Thus, when the telephone connected to the media terminal adaptor is taken off-hook and the media terminal adaptor that is not provisioned, improperly provisioned, or placed in an out-of-service state by the service provider, the media terminal adaptor will generate an appropriate diagnostic audio voice message or tone sequence to the telephone instructing the listener on how to proceed in order to resolve the problem.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for supporting multiple diagnostic sessions include receiving multiple diagnostic session requests, verifying identification information for each requester, establishing a communications channel for each verified requester, and communicating the requested information to all of the verified requesters via the established communications channels.

Abstract: A system enables a bi-directional communication device such as a modem to facilitate local communication between the modem and an attached PC as well as to enable the PC to conduct concurrent Internet and local communication. A bi-directional communication system employs a method for seamlessly communicating packetized data between different networks using hierarchical layers of communication protocols (e.g. including Internet Protocol (IP) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers). The method involves comparing a received IP packet destination address in a first protocol layer with a predetermined IP address to determine if there is an address match. Upon such an address match, a payload of the received IP packet is redirected from an Internet network to a local network (e.g. an Ethernet, HPNA or USB network) by substituting a second protocol layer address for a received second protocol layer address (e.g. a MAC address). In another feature, a second Application (e.g.