Abstract: A network management module includes a network interface module, memory, and a processing module. The network interface module is operable for coupling the network management module to a vehicle communication network. The processing module is operable to manage a global vehicle network communication protocol that includes instituting a content-based network packet processing protocol and managing the vehicle communication network to support the network packet processing protocol. The content-based network packet processing protocol includes determining content type of a packet, determining a processing requirement of the packet, and prioritizing execution of the processing requirement based on the content type.

Abstract: A data bridge controls the transfer of packets between different priority network fabrics of a closed network, e.g. high and low priority network fabrics a vehicular network. Processing circuitry determines first priority routing of a first packet from the first network fabric to the second network fabric based on packet content type of the first packet and priority conditions of the second network fabric. A determination is also made regarding whether a second packet is to be delivered from the second network fabric to the first network fabric. If the second packet is to be delivered, second priority routing of the second packet is made based on packet content type of the second packet and priority conditions of the first network fabric.

Abstract: A data bridge controls packet transfers between network fabrics forming a closed network, such as a vehicular network. The data bridge includes two or more sets of modules, each of which communicates with a different network fabric. When a packet is to be delivered between network fabrics, a first set of modules, which is used to communicate with a first network fabric, decides whether to accept the packet or discard it. If the packet is accepted, it is delivered to a second set of modules, which is used for communicating with a second network fabric. The second set of modules makes a second, independent decision about whether the packet will be sent to the second network fabric. Each set of modules can base its decision on packet content type, and may discard any packet not to be delivered to the other network.

Abstract: A switching module can route packets between a network fabric and a local network, both of which form a closed network such as a vehicular network. The switching module provides local network management functions, and handles packet transfers between the local network and the network fabric. The switching module uses network information, which can include information about packet content type and network topology, to determine a packet's priority, and an appropriate switching protocol to use for processing and routing packets.

Abstract: A vehicle network node module includes device buffers, a network buffer, a switch circuit, and a processing module. The device buffers temporarily store outgoing device packets from, and temporarily store incoming device packets for, vehicle devices in accordance with a locally managed prioritization scheme. The network buffer receives incoming network packets from, and outputs the outgoing network packets to, a vehicle network fabric in accordance with a global vehicle network protocol. The network buffer also temporarily stores the incoming network packets and the outgoing network packets in accordance with the locally managed prioritization scheme. The switching circuit selectively couples the network buffer to individual ones of the device buffers in accordance with the locally managed prioritization scheme.

Abstract: A power distribution system within a vehicle operates to provide power over Ethernet to a plurality of network node modules coupled to a vehicular communication network of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular network is a closed network with known sources, destinations, and network connections that can be mapped in advance, and used to identify network resources needed to transmit a packet from a source to a destination. A network module can determine the source destination, and a priority of a packet based on the packet's content. Using the source and destination information, along with a network topology data, the network module can determine if two packets need the same network resources to be delivered to their destination. When the two packets do not use the same resources, there is no conflict, and the packets can be transmitted concurrently regardless of whether one of the packets has a higher priority than another packet. If there is a conflict, the network module transmits the packets based on the packets' priorities.

Abstract: A network node module includes a processing module and memory. The processing module is operable to generate a header section of a frame for transmission within a unified vehicle communication network. The header section includes a preamble, routing information, and a vehicle network field, which includes information that identifies a type of the frame. The processing module is further operable to generate a payload section of the frame. The payload section includes data payload and an integrity check field. The processing module is further operable to transmit the frame to the unified vehicle communication network in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol.

Abstract: A wired and wireless vehicle communication network includes network node modules, switch modules, bridge-routing modules, and a network manager. The network manager is operable to determine a wired packet communication mode and/or a wireless packet communication mode. When the network is in the wireless packet communication mode, the network manager coordinates wireless communication of packets among the network node modules, the switch modules, and the bridge-routing modules based on individual content of the packets and wireless channel mapping. When the network is in the wired packet communication mode, the network manager coordinates wired communication of packets among the network node modules, the switch modules, and the bridge-routing modules based on the individual content of the packets and in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol.

Abstract: A method of integrating virtual and physical network switching components into a heterogeneous switching domain is provided. Such method including, attaching, by a switching device, a header to a packet received from a virtual machine, the header including domain information, and processing the packet by the switching device, the processing being controlled by the header. Finally, the packet is forwarded, the forwarding being controlled by the header.

Abstract: A system for managing energy efficiency and control mechanisms in a computer network having a plurality of network components is provided. The system includes a network power manager (NPM) coupled to at least one of the plurality of network components. The NPM is configured to receive and analyze power information from at least one of the plurality of the network components. The NPM is further configured to generate configuration instructions based on the analyzing of the power information and send the configuration instructions to at least one of the network components.

Abstract: A system and method for power over Ethernet enabled network management. An intermediary device is positioned between a computing device and a network. The intermediary device can be designed to wake up a part of the computing device (e.g., network interface) through the application of power via power over Ethernet. The transition of the part of the computing device from a sleep state to an active state can facilitate the further initiation of a management function. For example, the transition of a network interface of the computing device from a sleep state to an active state can facilitate the processing of a wake on LAN message, retrieval of information, maintenance, or other communication need.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for enterprise level management in a multi-femtocell network are provided. In this regard, one or more endpoint devices may receive traffic management information from a hybrid network controller for enabling handoff of calls and/or communication sessions among femtocells and/or access points. The received traffic management information may comprise set-up instructions, handoff instructions, transmit power, neighbor list information, signal quality thresholds, frequency assignments, transmission time, code assignments and/or antenna pattern assignments. The endpoint device may control handoffs between a communication device external to the communication system and the femtocells, access points and/or end-point devices.

Abstract: A communication system may comprise a hybrid network controller, femtocells, access points and/or endpoint devices. The hybrid network controller may control communication of information between two or more specified femtocells, access points and/or endpoint devices by communicating control information. The communication of information via the femtocells, access points may be managed by the hybrid network controller. The network controller may handle network traffic associated with the communication of the information. The hybrid network controller may control one or more wired and/or wireless interfaces for handling of the network traffic. Quality of service and/or bandwidth allocation may be managed by the hybrid network controller. Resources utilized by the endpoint devices, the femtocells and/or the access points may be allocated and/or de-allocated by the network controller.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for integrated femtocell and WLAN access point are provided. In this regard, an IFWAP device comprises an integrated WLAN interface and an integrated femtocell cellular interface. The IFWAP device may be operable to receive data, determine a destination of the received data, and transmit the received data to one or more end-user devices via the integrated WLAN interface and/or the integrated femtocell cellular interface based on said determined destination. In various embodiments of the invention, the IFWAP device may be operable to receive data from one or more end-user devices via the integrated WLAN interface and/or the integrated femtocell cellular interface, process the received data to re-format and/or re-packetize it into one or more corresponding IP packets, and transmit the one or more IP packets to one or more destination devices via a single network connection.

Abstract: A communication system may include a plurality of entities comprising a hybrid network controller, one or more femtocells, one or more access points and/or one or more end-point devices. The hybrid network controller may determine and/or communicate configuration parameters corresponding to space, time, frequency and/or code domains that may enable communication of data between and/or among two or more of the entities. The configuration parameters may comprise frequency, time slot, codes and/or antenna pattern assignments. The network controller may control communication between a communication device external to the communication system and one or more of the entities within the communication system. Availability of frequencies, time slots, codes and/or antenna patterns may be monitored. The network controller may assign the femtocells, access points and/or end-point devices to handle the communication of the data.

Abstract: A hybrid network controller may determine and/or communicate traffic management information for enabling setup and/or handoff of call and/or communication session among femtocells, access points and/or end-point devices. Traffic management information may comprise set-up instructions, handoff instructions, transmit power, neighbor list information, signal quality thresholds, frequency assignments, transmission time, code assignments and/or antenna pattern assignments. The hybrid network controller and/or an end-point device may control handoffs between a communication device external to the communication system and the femtocells, access points and/or end-point devices. Received signal strength, interference levels, SNR, signal path delay, power consumption, traffic loads, bandwidth usage and/or radio resource availability may be monitored and/or analyzed by the hybrid network controller.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for communicatively coupling WLAN and femtocell networks utilizing a FC-to-WLAN network bridge and controller are provided. In this regard, data communicated via one or more femtocells and one or more WLAN access points may be managed via a FC-to-WLAN network bridge and controller communicatively coupled between a femtocell controller and an access point controller. The femtocell controller may be operable to manage and/or control operation of the one or more femtocells, and the access point controller may be operable to manage and/or control operation of the one or more WLAN access points. The FC-to-WLAN network bridge and controller, the femtocell controller, and the access point controller may interoperate to manage data communicated between a first end-user device communicatively coupled to one of the femtocells and a second end-user device communicatively coupled to one of the access points.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for implementing energy efficient Ethernet techniques in a MACSec enabled PHY are provided. In this regard, an Ethernet PHY comprising memory may be operable to perform packet processing functions comprising MACSec protocol processing and energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) processing. In this regard, the memory may be utilized for implementing the MACSec protocol processing and energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) processing. The Ethernet packet processing functions may comprise packet inspection, packet generation, and packet modification. The energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) processing may comprise generating and/or inspecting messages for controlling when to transition into and out-of an energy-saving mode. The Ethernet PHY may be operable to monitor signals and/or conditions within the Ethernet PHY and control transitions into and out-of an energy-saving mode based on the monitored signals and/or conditions.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a client device including a processor and memory. The client device may be configured to obtain, via a secure communication, a certificate identifying a publically accessible wireless access point (AP) and a public key for the AP, the AP being publically accessible. The client (or client device) may be configured to generate a challenge, send the challenge to the AP, wherein the AP has a private key securely stored in a hardware security module of the AP. The private key may correspond to the public key for the AP. The client may be configured to receive a response from the AP, the response being generated by the AP based on the challenge and the private key for the AP, and authenticate the AP based on the response.