Abstract: A technique dynamically responds to non-network events at a network device in a computer network. According to the novel technique, one or more sensors automatically detect (sense) one or more non-network events, and notifications of the non-network events are then transmitted over the network. One or more network devices (e.g., data centers, servers, routers, etc.) detect the notifications of the network events, and dynamically respond to the non-network events based on one or more associated policies. For example, one or more network-based policies may be defined that modify one or more network configuration parameters in response to the non-network events. Alternatively or in addition, one or more physical-based policies may be defined that instruct one or more network-attached physical control devices to modify one or more physical parameters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a universal media server (e.g., a set-top box) has zero or more physical audio and/or video (A/V) inputs configured to receive A/V data, and at least one Internet Protocol (IP) input configured to receive IP data. In particular, the universal media server has one or more virtual A/V inputs, each virtual A/V input corresponding to an IP-based A/V source device having a corresponding IP source address and configured to receive IP-based A/V data from the IP-based A/V source device on the at least one IP input. The universal media server also has at least one A/V output configured to selectively output A/V data according to a selected input of the physical and virtual inputs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a universal media server (e.g., a set-top box) has zero or more physical audio and/or video (A/V) inputs configured to receive A/V data, and at least one Internet Protocol (IP) input configured to receive IP data. In particular, the universal media server has one or more virtual A/V inputs, each virtual A/V input corresponding to an IP-based A/V source device having a corresponding IP source address and configured to receive IP-based A/V data from the IP-based A/V source device on the at least one IP input. The universal media server also has at least one A/V output configured to selectively output A/V data according to a selected input of the physical and virtual inputs.

Abstract: A technique dynamically responds to non-network events at a network device in a computer network. According to the novel technique, one or more sensors automatically detect (sense) one or more non-network events, and notifications of the non-network events are then transmitted over the network. One or more network devices (e.g., data centers, servers, routers, etc.) detect the notifications of the network events, and dynamically respond to the non-network events based on one or more associated policies. For example, one or more network-based policies may be defined that modify one or more network configuration parameters in response to the non-network events. Alternatively or in addition, one or more physical-based policies may be defined that instruct one or more network-attached physical control devices to modify one or more physical parameters.