Abstract: According to one configuration, a network environment includes multiple communication devices and a data flow manager (such as associated with a communication gateway). During operation, the data flow manager receives multiple data flows from the multiple communication devices, each of which conveys data associated with a respective communication device in a network environment. The data flow manager controls conveyance of the multiple data flows through the communication gateway. In response to detecting occurrence of an alarm event in the network environment, the data flow manager modifies an original priority of conveying the classified data flows through the communication gateway. The modified priority provides increased bandwidth accommodating conveyance of a corresponding data flow associated with the alarm event through the communication gateway.

Abstract: A premises control unit in communication with at least one battery operated sensor of a premises security system is provided. The premises control unit includes processing circuitry configured to configure at least one parameter for the at least one battery operated sensor where the configuration of the at least one parameter is based at least on data collected by the premises security system, and the at least one parameter includes at least sleep cycles for the at least one battery operated sensor.

Abstract: A method, node, wireless device and installation device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a node configured to operate a security virtual local area network (VLAN) and a customer VLAN independent from the security VLAN is provided. The security VLAN is configured to operate using a first network partition different from a second network partition used by the customer VLAN. The node includes processing circuitry configured to receive information from a first device requesting access to the node, determine whether to add a first device to the security VLAN based at least on the received information from the first device meeting a predefined criterion, and configure the first device to access one of the security VLAN and customer VLAN based at least on the determination.

Abstract: A system and method for modification of a passcode for accessing the system are provided. The system includes a premises control unit. The premises control unit including control processing circuitry configured to: receive an expected code message, the expected code message instructing an initiation to monitor for an input from a user, receive a input code that is input by the user, determine whether the input code matches a predefined verification code, and if the input code matches the predefined verification code, cause transmission of a verification message to a monitoring server, the verification message indicating the input code matched the predefined verification code and triggering the monitoring server to allow a passcode for accessing the system to be modified.

Abstract: A system and method for modification of a passcode for accessing the system are provided. The system includes a premises control unit. The premises control unit including control processing circuitry configured to: receive an expected code message, the expected code message instructing an initiation to monitor for an input from a user, receive a input code that is input by the user, determine whether the input code matches a predefined verification code, and if the input code matches the predefined verification code, cause transmission of a verification message to a monitoring server, the verification message indicating the input code matched the predefined verification code and triggering the monitoring server to allow a passcode for accessing the system to be modified.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely storing, using and/or updating credential information, e.g., passwords and user IDs for a user who subscribes to one or more services, e.g., video stream services or other services available through a communications network such as the Internet, are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions are described. In various embodiments a customer provides location and customer premises layout information as well as an indication of what is to be monitored. A rules database is accessed and a plan that is compliant with local rules is automatically generated. A user is walked through deployment of components, e.g., on his cell phone or other handheld communications device, in an easy to follow manner with monitoring device position, wireless communications ability, and function being checked automatically as part of the process as each sensor is deployed. If wireless connectivity is a problem suggestions are presented to the user for moving a sensor, e.g., camera. At the end of the process the system is activated and monitoring of the premises initiated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely storing, using and/or updating credential information, e.g., passwords and user IDs for a user who subscribes to one or more services, e.g., video stream services or other services available through a communications network such as the Internet, are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions are described. In various embodiments a customer provides location and customer premises layout information as well as an indication of what is to be monitored. A rules database is accessed and a plan that is compliant with local rules is automatically generated. A user is walked through deployment of components, e.g., on his cell phone or other handheld communications device, in an easy to follow manner with monitoring device position, wireless communications ability, and function being checked automatically as part of the process as each sensor is deployed. If wireless connectivity is a problem suggestions are presented to the user for moving a sensor, e.g., camera. At the end of the process the system is activated and monitoring of the premises initiated.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a network environment includes multiple communication devices and a data flow manager (such as associated with a communication gateway). During operation, the data flow manager receives multiple data flows from the multiple communication devices, each of which conveys data associated with a respective communication device in a network environment. The data flow manager controls conveyance of the multiple data flows through the communication gateway. In response to detecting occurrence of an alarm event in the network environment, the data flow manager modifies an original priority of conveying the classified data flows through the communication gateway. The modified priority provides increased bandwidth accommodating conveyance of a corresponding data flow associated with the alarm event through the communication gateway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing and controlling a firewall in a router, e.g., a home router, are described. Network traffic through a router is monitored and analyzed the network to identify devices and the type of one or more of the identified devices. In some embodiments, the device type identification is performed using a neural network. The router stores a set of firewall templates. At different times a different templates are applied, e.g. based on mode of operation, user selection, and/or time information. Rules in a firewall template, applicable at a given time to traffic corresponding to identified devices, that are attempting to send or receive via the router, are applied. Different rules may, and sometimes do, apply to different device type classifications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting secure anonymous communications are described. A first communications device, e.g., a virtual desktop device, in a communications network, e.g., a private ISP network, serves on behalf of a first user device as an endpoint for a communications session with a second device. The first communications device includes a fabricated set of device attribute information which is different from an actual set of device attribute information corresponding to the first user device. The communications network includes a set of onion routers and onion routing is used within the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely storing, using and/or updating credential information, e.g., passwords and user IDs for a user who subscribes to one or more services, e.g., video stream services or other services available through a communications network such as the Internet, are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting secure anonymous communications are described. A first communications device, e.g., a virtual desktop device, in a communications network, e.g., a private ISP network, serves on behalf of a first user device as an endpoint for a communications session with a second device. The first communications device includes a fabricated set of device attribute information which is different from an actual set of device attribute information corresponding to the first user device. The communications network includes a set of onion routers and onion routing is used within the network.

Abstract: A system that automatically communicates the event or potential event of a blocked railroad grade crossing to various users, including but not limited to emergency dispatchers and drivers, news media, traffic management systems, and the general public, specifically the location, time, and duration of the event or potential event. The system applies multiple technologies to detect the presence of activity on a rail line, transmits this detection data to a database, performs various analyses on the data, and communicates the status of grade crossings (blocked, potentially blocked, upcoming blockage, or clear) to assist various users with information to make more informed decisions.

Abstract: Radial shaft seal includes an outer diameter member, a primary sealing lip, and a lip energizer. The primary sealing lip is spaced radially from the outer diameter member. The lip energizer is positioned radially between the outer diameter member and the primary sealing lip. The lip energizer moves to an engaging position with the outer diameter member forming a section of material between the outer diameter member and the primary sealing lip. The outer diameter member, the primary sealing lip, and the lip energizer can be formed from a single piece of material, and in one embodiment, an elastomer.

Abstract: A system that automatically communicates the event or potential event of a blocked railroad grade crossing to various users, including but not limited to emergency dispatchers and drivers, news media, traffic management systems, and the general public, specifically the location, time, and duration of the event or potential event. The system applies multiple technologies to detect the presence of activity on a rail line, transmits this detection data to a database, performs various analyses on the data, and communicates the status of grade crossings (blocked, potentially blocked, upcoming blockage, or clear) to assist various users with information to make more informed decisions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting secure anonymous communications are described. A first communications device, e.g., a virtual desktop device, in a communications network, e.g., a private ISP network, serves on behalf of a first user device as an endpoint for a communications session with a second device. The first communications device includes a fabricated set of device attribute information which is different from an actual set of device attribute information corresponding to the first user device. The communications network includes a set of onion routers and onion routing is used within the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating various aspects relating to the design and/or deployment of monitoring systems, e.g., systems which can monitor for fire, break-ins and/or other conditions are described. In various embodiments a customer provides location and customer premises layout information as well as an indication of what is to be monitored. A rules database is accessed and a plan that is compliant with local rules is automatically generated. A user is walked through deployment of components, e.g., on his cell phone or other handheld communications device, in an easy to follow manner with monitoring device position, wireless communications ability, and function being checked automatically as part of the process as each sensor is deployed. If wireless connectivity is a problem suggestions are presented to the user for moving a sensor, e.g., camera. At the end of the process the system is activated and monitoring of the premises initiated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring a customer premises, e.g., using video cameras are described. Abnormal conditions are detected and responded to in an automated manner. Objects of interest are identified and current positions of the objects are detected over time based on captured images of the monitored area. If a set of predetermined action conditions corresponding to an object are satisfied, the monitoring system takes an action to correct, e.g., automatically correct, the detected problem and/or the monitoring system generates an alert. Correcting the problem may and sometimes does include automatically shutting off a valve, e.g., a gas or water valve, and/or using a motor to close a door.