Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes an apparatus includes a programmable microprocessor that determines the current security status of a network, generates a signal corresponding to the status, and applies the signal to an indicating device to produce an indication of the security status of the network that is sensible to a user. The indicating device can include an electric light source, such as an LED, or a electro-acoustic transducer, such as a loudspeaker, or both, that produces different colors of light or different sounds or that flashes or sounds intermittently to indicate the current security status of the network, to warn of an unexpected change in the level of security, or to indicate the functionality of other network security measures, such as a firewall or VPN.

Abstract: Client adapter and method simplify security deployment in an EPN, including the shared services electrical power lines of a premises. With direct coupling, piggybacked adapter receives network signals and electrical from EPN-connected first adapter through a shared medium port. An authenticating adapter exchanges security management services and information with supplicant adapter. Two or more adapters may be piggybacked. Piggybacked adapters exchange security management service information without rogue intrusion. Exchanged information, stored, is later used to communicate securely. Defined adjacency (neighborhood) information can be exchanged, and a neighborhood established on an EPN, where one authorized neighbors securely communicate.

Abstract: An UNENROLLED adapter responds to an enrollment activation signal by generating an enrollment supplicant signal. The enrollment supplicant signal is received by an ENROLLED adapter, an enrollment provider, which responds by formulating and transmitting an enrollment provider signal, including security management service information, to the UNENROLLED adapter. The UNENROLLED adapter changes a network adapter configuration responsive to the security management service information provided by the ENROLLED adapter, by which the network adapter is configured securely, and secure communications are effectuated. Enrolled adapter can solicit enrollment of an UNENROLLED adapter. The activation signal can be a physical or virtual activation sequence.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting rogue access points. A wireless signal may be received from a wireless device. The wireless device may be determined to be a candidate device based on network identification information. Additional information associated with the wireless device may be acquired, and the wireless device may be determined to be a rogue device based on the additional information. Notification information indicative of the determination may be transmitted.

Abstract: VoIP verification is initiated by subscriber-side test VoIP appliance, or VoIP proxy agent. Test VoIP appliance is coupled to test node over a communications internetwork by upstream and downstream datapaths. VoIP verification request is transmitted to test node. Responsively, test node transmits VoIP verification signal to test VoIP appliance. Perceivable indication of verification signal received by VoIP appliance is effected by visual display, audible indication, or both. Operational state verifier apparatus is disposed in a digital telephony device, a computer terminal, or with an ATA interface coupled to analog telephony device used in VoIP communications system.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) apparatus includes a first communications unit and a processing unit. The first communications unit sends and receives message packets over a wide area network (WAN), and the processing unit controls the sending and receiving of message packets through the first communications unit. The sending and receiving of message packets comprises network traffic, while each packet has a packet size corresponding to an amount of WAN network utilization for each packet. The processing unit is adapted to measure, report, and limit the amount of WAN network utilization.

Abstract: A packet-based communications system is provided, including: a client communications module for transmitting digital audio signals to a user interface device over a local area network (LAN) and for receiving digital audio signals from the user interface device, a voice packet module, and a network protocol module for transmitting data packets between the voice packet module and an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The voice packet module is configured to: receive audio signals from the client communications module and encapsulate the audio signals into data packets; convert data packets into audio signals and transmit the audio signals to the client communications module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for deterring spam on a communication medium are disclosed. Call traffic on the communication medium includes IP telephone calls, IM™ messages and other IP calls. The method includes detecting a call with a user device for accessing the communication medium, such as an IP telephone, a computer, etc. A signaling message associated with the call is accessed and compared with information relating to identities that correspond to originators of spam calls sent over said communication medium, which is stored in a repository associated with the communication medium, such as a dynamically updatable database. Where no match is found between the signaling message and the stored spam call identity information, the call is routed to the user. Where the signaling message matches any said spam call originator identity information however, the call is deterred from being routed to the user.

Abstract: A method, system and device for deterring spam on a communication medium are disclosed. The method includes detecting a call with a device for accessing the communication medium, wherein calls thereon include Internet Protocol traffic. The device includes an interface for allowing a user of to flag the call as a spam call (e.g., SPIT, SPIM, etc). Upon the flag, a signaling message associated with the call is accessed. The signaling message is stored as information relating to spam call sources. Upon detecting a subsequent call, a signaling message associated with the subsequent call is compared with the information relating to spam call sources. Upon a match between the signaling message associated with the subsequent call and the information relating to spam call sources, the subsequent call is blocked.

Abstract: A network device and a method of configuring a network device are provided. The method includes: receiving an e-mail message at the network device; parsing the e-mail message to retrieve configuration instructions; and executing a configuration action according to the configuration instructions contained in the e-mail message. The network device includes: a first upstream network interface; control logic configured to: receive an e-mail message; parse the e-mail message to retrieve configuration instructions; and execute a configuration action according to the configuration instructions contained in the e-mail message.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely managing a bridge device, such as a modem, are disclosed. Management traffic from a service provider can be communicated to a bridge device which lacks a public IP address by sending the management traffic through the bridge device to a router of a LAN. The router then sends the management traffic back to the bridge device. Thus, the service provider can perform management tasks such as troubleshooting, health monitoring, accounting, provisioning, security and firmware upgrades in a manner that is transparent to the user.

Abstract: A VoIP device has at least one programmable button to enable the user to initiate a VoIP or SIP call to another device. The button can be programmed by the device user, the device manufacturer, and/or a VoIP service provider. The VoIP device does not have a dial pad, visual numbers display, or other certain standard features on a SIP phone. Thus, the VoIP device allows simplified dedicated communication. Numerous uses are possible, which result in advantages over conventional SIP phones.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide location determination capability and applications for an access point. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a network access point includes a processor adapted to control at least one function of the access point device and a memory coupled to the processor. A first interface transfers information between the access point device and a client device, while a second interface transfers information between the access point device and the network. The access point device further includes a receiver that processes global positioning system signals to determine an approximate location of the access point device.

Abstract: A multi-use adapter configured to provide network connectivity for a serial bus client is provided. The adapter includes: a serial interface for coupling with the serial bus client; a network interface for interfacing the adapter with a network; and host control logic configured to interface a plurality of types of serial bus clients with a utilizing device over the network. The host control logic may be configured to detect a USB client coupled to the USB interface, to determine a corresponding driver for the detected USB client, and to retrieve the corresponding driver via the network interface.

Abstract: A method and system facilitates enhanced communication between a LAN and a WAN by determining which IP device of the LAN is a gateway and then restricting communication between the LAN and the WAN such that the communication is routed through the gateway. Determining which IP device of the LAN is a gateway can comprise using DHCP protocol to implement a provisioning and setup flow between a WAN bridge and gateway. By restricting communication between the LAN and the WAN such that it is routed through the gateway, features of the gateway such as a firewall and/or parental controls, can be advantageously utilized.

Abstract: When a gateway detects that power from a primary power supply is disrupted or unavailable, reserve power, such as from batteries, is provided only to those components, ports, interfaces, and circuits associated with the gateway that are required for making a voice call or a lifeline call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for initiating functions on a network connectivity device, such as a router. A keypad sequence is input into the control device using a limited keypad. A command is transmitted to the router, and the router performs a function in response to the command. Accordingly, telephone handsets may be utilized to generate control commands to a router.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a service provider to manage a service node that is separated from the service provider by a firewall. A dual-mode mobile device establishes separate secure connections with the service provider and the service node. The mobile device can then serve as a bridge between the service provider and the service node so that a secure management session can be initiated between the service provider and the service node. A method of managing a service node includes: establishing a first secure connection between a dual-mode mobile device and the service node; establishing a second secure connection between the dual-mode mobile device and a remote system; and initiating a secure management session between the service node and the remote system via the first secure connection and the second secure connection.

Abstract: A gateway device is provided, wherein the device is configured to initiate communication with a client device to notify the client device of detected network events and to query the user for action. A method of managing a gateway device is provided. The method includes: detecting an unauthorized network event, transmitting from the gateway device to a client device over a local area network (LAN) a message indicating the detection of the unauthorized or unexpected network event and requesting a response from a user of the client device, receiving the response from the client device, and handling the unauthorized or unexpected network event pursuant to the response from the client device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a VoIP device operable to estimate an upstream data rate for a network device is provided. The VoIP device includes a transceiver operable to transmit VoIP packets to and receive VoIP packets from the network device; and a logic engine configured to initiate a series of simulated VoIP streams through the network device to a VoIP call destination, the logic engine being further configured to determine when at least one of the simulated VoIP streams in the series is unsuccessful, the logic engine being further configured to estimate the upstream data rate for the network device based upon a data rate for those simulated VoIP streams preceding the unsuccessful simulated VoIP stream.