Abstract: A network node for a network having dynamic link states includes a processing unit and computer-readable memory for causing the processing unit to monitor a link state of the network; perform QoS provisioning and make appropriate updates to the QoS provisioning based on changes in the link state and QoS provisioning demands of QoS-aware applications; and provide notification to the QoS-aware applications to allow those applications to dynamically adapt to the link state changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subsystem of a plurality of subsystems capable of being assembled to form an integrated system may include an integration stand for testing the subsystem without actual physical assembly of the plurality of subsystems which form the integrated system. The integration stand may include an interface to connect the subsystem to the integration stand for testing. The integration stand may also include a network device for connecting the integration stand to a communications network for communications between the subsystem and any other subsystems of the plurality of subsystems available via the network. In this way, the subsystem and the other subsystems may be virtually assembled and integrated to virtually form the integrated system for interoperability of the subsystems and testing without actual physical assembly of the plurality of subsystems.

Abstract: A method for generating an electronic quality record of a manufacturing operation that may involve generating inputs from a plurality of information sources located within a manufacturing environment. The plurality of information sources may provide information pertaining to at least a tool being used, an individual using the tool, and an operation that the tool is being used by the individual to perform. A locating system may be used that is in communication with the plurality of information sources to monitor a location and an operation of the tool. A processor may be in communication with the locating system to receive the generated inputs and to generate an electronic record upon completion of the operation that the tool is being used by the individual to perform. The electronic record may identify that the operation has been performed by the individual using the tool in accordance with a predefined standard.

Abstract: A network node for a network having dynamic link states includes a processing unit and computer-readable memory for causing the processing unit to monitor a link state of the network; perform QoS provisioning and make appropriate updates to the QoS provisioning based on changes in the link state and QoS provisioning demands of QoS-aware applications; and provide notification to the QoS-aware applications to allow those applications to dynamically adapt to the link state changes.

Abstract: A network node for a network having dynamic link states includes a processing unit and computer-readable memory for causing the processing unit to monitor a link state of the network; perform QoS provisioning and make appropriate updates to the QoS provisioning based on changes in the link state and QoS provisioning demands of QoS-aware applications; and provide notification to the QoS-aware applications to allow those applications to dynamically adapt to the link state changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subsystem of a plurality of subsystems capable of being assembled to form an integrated system may include an integration stand for testing the subsystem without actual physical assembly of the plurality of subsystems which form the integrated system. The integration stand may include an interface to connect the subsystem to the integration stand for testing. The integration stand may also include a network device for connecting the integration stand to a communications network for communications between the subsystem and any other subsystems of the plurality of subsystems available via the network. In this way, the subsystem and the other subsystems may be virtually assembled and integrated to virtually form the integrated system for interoperability of the subsystems and testing without actual physical assembly of the plurality of subsystems.

Abstract: A network node for a network having dynamic link states includes a processing unit and computer-readable memory for causing the processing unit to monitor a link state of the network; perform QoS provisioning and make appropriate updates to the QoS provisioning based on changes in the link state and QoS provisioning demands of QoS-aware applications; and provide notification to the QoS-aware applications to allow those applications to dynamically adapt to the link state changes.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a real time electronic quality record of an assembly, test, and repair or maintenance operation. The method involves generating inputs from a plurality of information sources located within a manufacturing environment, the information sources providing information pertaining to at least a tool being used, an individual using the tool, and an operation that the tool is being used by the individual to perform. A locating system is in communication with the information sources to monitor a location and an operation of the tool. A processor is in communication with the locating system to receive the generated inputs, and to generate a real time electronic record upon completion of the operation that the tool is being used to perform. The electronic record shows that the operation has been performed by a given individual using the tool in accordance with a predefined standard.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving network centric quality of service using active network technology are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes controlling how a packet is passed over at least one of the interfaces using a differentiated services portion of a network management architecture, monitoring a request for a Quality of Service (QoS) level from at least one QoS-aware application, and adjusting at least one service rate of packet travel controlled by the differentiated services portion based on at least one of the requested QoS level and an available bandwidth. In an alternate embodiment, the controlling of how a packet is passed over at least one of the interfaces includes using at least one of a queuing discipline, a class, and a filter.

Abstract: A security system for sea cargo containers wherein each container is provided with a container security device comprising a processor, a radio, a memory, a battery and one or more sensors. When the containers are within range of each other, the container security devices communicate to form an ad hoc wireless sensor network. That network communicates with a communications infrastructure, such as satellites or GSM communications means, via a gateway that aggregates data originating from the various container security devices.

Abstract: Dynamically reconfigurable middleware is embedded in hardware form in communication network platforms to implement network security policies, exploit data and increase data throughput, especially in mobile ad hoc environments. The hardware includes a quality of service manager for receiving data from the network and prioritizing the data according to predetermined classes of data service. An embedded security manager authenticates data received from the network based on a predetermined security policy and allows only that data to reach applications running on the platform that has been authenticated. A data exploitation manager detects receipt at the platform of predetermined types of data of interest to the platform. Routing tables are provided for determining the routing of the data to a destination, and a protocol engine is employed to specify the protocol to be used in routing the data.