Abstract: An IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels.

Abstract: A service convergence fabric (103) is operably disposed between a plurality of independent access networks, control networks, and service networks (104) and a converged application layer (100). This service convergence fabric is then used (202) to receive a service request, process the service request, provide a corresponding response, and publish that response to facilitate the service request. Processing the service request can comprise processing the service request with respect to resources to support the service request, user session status as corresponds to the service request, and user preferences as correspond to the service request. Providing a response can comprise providing a response that comprises at least one of a processed service request and a converged response to the service request.

Abstract: An IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a device via an adaptive challenge is provided herein. During operation, the challenging device will determine a user's context. The challenge used to access the system (111) will be adapted to the user's context.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device that facilitate the use of a converged service in a hierarchical network are disclosed. The method may include providing a converged service instance across a plurality of independent networks to an end user; selecting a hierarchical control sub-element using a context manager; and controlling with the hierarchical control sub-element an aspect of the converged service instance.

Abstract: First location information related to a location-aware device (514) is gathered. Second location information for a location-unaware device (520) is determined from the first location information. A data structure is created comprising a binding of the second location information and an identifying parameter of the location-unaware device (520). The data structure is provided in a form usable by an application.