Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for improving network monitoring. For example, in one embodiment, current inaccuracies due to the imperfect counter frame injection error between ingress counters and egress counters is eliminated, by monitoring, using an ingress counter, for a time period that is slightly greater than the time it takes for a packet/frame to pass from one end to the other, for “no packets/frames”. In one embodiment, once this no packet time occurs, a signaling event is triggered. A notification is sent from the start of the path counter to the end of the path counter to start counting. A “stop counting/restart counting” signal is then sent from the start of the path counter to the end of the path counter the next time that no packets/frames are observed for the same period.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a virtual broadcast network may include using, by a virtual broadcaster, a network server remotely located from the virtual broadcaster and managed by a communications service provider to host a virtual broadcast network. A selection, via a control panel, of at least one broadcast content feed from a plurality of different content service providers may be performed. The selected broadcast content feeds may be broadcast to users who access the virtual broadcast network.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for tracking conformance of user traffic with a bandwidth profile. For example, in one embodiment, throughput is measured during an observance window and an average for offered throughput is determined based on the measured throughput. A determination is made as to whether the average exceeds a bandwidth profile in response to a determination that packets are being discarded. An alarm is sent in response to a determination that the average exceeds the bandwidth profile.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for distributing content over a network. The method includes providing by a communications service provider a content distribution node. Content stored by the content distribution node is accessible to subscriber of the communications service provider without traversing the Internet for enabling a quality of service guarantee. The content distribution node is configured to store a content mall comprising a plurality of content stores. The content distribution node is configured to grant access to a plurality of content providers to store content to a respective content store in the content mall. The content provider maintains control over content stored in their respective content store.

Abstract: A system, method, and optical switch for communicating timing. A determination is made whether one of a number of data streams are available. Packets are received at a remote node in response to determining one of the number of data streams is available. A timing characteristic of the at least one of the packets is associated with a tick of a reference clock. The tick of the reference clock is extracted utilizing the timing characteristic of the at least one of the packets. A secondary clock is disciplined with the reference clock by adjusting the secondary clock based on a difference between times measured by the reference clock and the secondary clock to generate a clock signal. The clock signal is communicated to one or more interfaces for distributing.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting content as IPTV may include receiving broadcast feed content. The broadcast feed content may be converted into a first data format for broadcasting to set-top boxes. The broadcast feed content may be converted into a second data format for broadcasting to mobile devices. The converted broadcast feed content may be broadcast to set-top boxes and mobile devices in the first and second data formats, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a state of a communications system. A determination is made whether a communications path is fully functional, impaired, or non functional. A maximum capacity available to the communications path is determined in response to determining the communications path is impaired. The communications path is limited to a maximum capacity available in response to determining the maximum capacity of the connection as impaired.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content providers with network distribution nodes for distributing content to subscribers of a communications service provider may include maintaining multiple network nodes by the communications service provider, where the network nodes may be in communication with the Internet and be configured to enable subscribers of the communications service provider to access and download content over a controlled service provider network without the content having to be communicated over the Internet. Multiple respective content service providers may be enabled to store content at the network nodes for subscribers local to each respective network node to download the content. Multiple customer databases configured to store information associated with subscribers of the communications service provider may be operated.

Abstract: A method of determining the state of a path in a network. A rate of throughput is observed at a node of the network over an interval for at least a portion of the path. Derivations associated with a characteristic of the frames or traffic flows communicated over at least the portion of the path are determined at the node. A state of congestion of the path is determined in response to the observed rate of throughput as compared to a bandwidth profile of the path and the derivations.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a clock signal. Data traffic is received through a first channel of a fiber optic. A clock signal is received through a second channel of the fiber optic. A clock at a node is disciplined with the clock signal. The clock signal is sent from the clock to one or more interfaces within a node.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product for tracking conformance of user traffic with a bandwidth profile. For example, in one embodiment, throughput is measured during an observance window and an average for offered throughput is determined based on the measured throughput. A determination is made as to whether the average exceeds a bandwidth profile in response to a determination that packets are being discarded. An alarm is sent in response to a determination that the average exceeds the bandwidth profile.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a state of a communications system. A determination is made whether a communications path is fully functional, impaired, or non functional. A maximum capacity available to the communications path is determined in response to determining the communications path is impaired. The communications path is limited to a maximum capacity available in response to determining the maximum capacity of the connection as impaired.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content providers with network distribution nodes for distributing content to subscribers of a communications service provider may include maintaining multiple network nodes by the communications service provider, where the network nodes may be in communication with the Internet and be configured to enable subscribers of the communications service provider to access and download content over a controlled service provider network without the content having to be communicated over the Internet. Multiple respective content service providers may be enabled to store content at the network nodes for subscribers local to each respective network node to download the content. Multiple customer databases configured to store information associated with subscribers of the communications service provider may be operated.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for improving network monitoring. For example, in one embodiment, current inaccuracies due to the imperfect counter frame injection error between ingress counters and egress counters is eliminated, by monitoring, using an ingress counter, for a time period that is slightly greater than the time it takes for a packet/frame to pass from one end to the other, for “no packets/frames”. In one embodiment, once this no packet time occurs, a signaling event is triggered. A notification is sent from the start of the path counter to the end of the path counter to start counting. A “stop counting/restart counting” signal is then sent from the start of the path counter to the end of the path counter the next time that no packets/frames are observed for the same period.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a state of a communications system. A determination is made whether a communications path is fully functional, impaired, or non functional. A maximum capacity available to the communications path is determined in response to deterting the communications path is impaired. The communications path is limited to a maximum capacity available in response to determining the maximum capacity of the connection as impaired.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring user traffic. An observance window is established for a time period associated with the CIR rate. Incoming bits are measured to determine if the CIR rate plus a CBS rate is exceeded. A determination is made whether there is a threshold crossing during the observance window. A flag state is set indicating a user traffic flow is out of conformance in response to determining there is a threshold crossing.

Abstract: A system, method, and optical switch for communicating timing. A determination is made whether one of a number of data streams are available. Packets are received at a remote node in response to determining one of the number of data streams is available. A timing characteristic of the at least one of the packets is associated with a tick of a reference clock. The tick of the reference clock is extracted utilizing the timing characteristic of the at least one of the packets. A secondary clock is disciplined with the reference clock by adjusting the secondary clock based on a difference between times measured by the reference clock and the secondary clock to generate a clock signal. The clock signal is communicated to one or more interfaces for distributing.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating performance information. Performance information is measured for a connection to a communications device. One or more trends and one or more averages associated with the performance information is determined. The one or more trends and the one or more averages is displayed to a user in response to the determination. Suggestions for the user are generated to enhance the connection to the communications device.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating failures in a metro Ethernet network (MEN). Packets are communicated through multiple maintenance entities. A determination is made that there is a failure between or at one of the multiple maintenance entities. An alarm is generated at a maintenance entity nearest the failure in response to determining there is a failure. The alarm indicates a location of the failure. The alarm is communicated back through one or more of the multiple maintenance entities to a maintenance end point. The alarm is routed at least two a communications service provider determined to be associated with the failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for preventing a packet of a test pattern from being communicated over a network. In one embodiment, a communications management system is disclosed that includes a network interface configured to enable the communications management system to communicate with a plurality of network nodes over a network. The communications management system further includes a processor configured to execute instructions to determine whether one or more portions of the network are congested, and generate and transmit a message to at least one of the network nodes to terminate communication of test packets in response to a determination that one or more portions of the network is congested.