Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a provider edge node and a method performed on the node including one or more of the following: storing, in a cache on the node, an association between an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the customer edge device and a Media Access Control (MAC) address of the customer edge device; storing, in a backup memory in the node, a copy of the last-known IP address of the customer edge device; removing the stored association from the cache in response to a cache-clearing event, while maintaining the copy of the last-known IP address in the backup memory; sending an address discovery message, the address discovery message requesting an updated MAC address corresponding to the last-known IP address maintained in the backup memory; and updating the cache to reflect the updated MAC address upon receipt of an additional address update message from the customer edge device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a fast channel change mechanism to insert targeted/addressable advertisements into video streams delivered to users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably delivering a multicast broadcast stream to a client via a VLAN channel and, in response to the detection of a splice point, delivering a unicast stream to the client via a sub-VLAN channel.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a provider edge node and a method performed on the node including one or more of the following: storing, in a cache on the node, an association between an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the customer edge device and a Media Access Control (MAC) address of the customer edge device; storing, in a backup memory in the node, a copy of the last-known IP address of the customer edge device; removing the stored association from the cache in response to a cache-clearing event, while maintaining the copy of the last-known IP address in the backup memory; sending an address discovery message, the address discovery message requesting an updated MAC address corresponding to the last-known IP address maintained in the backup memory; and updating the cache to reflect the updated MAC address upon receipt of an additional address update message from the customer edge device.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of a network at an edge device of a provider network includes receiving a plurality of packets associated with a plurality of customers and copying the header information for each of the plurality of packets. The method also includes identifying one of the plurality of customers for each of the plurality of packets and storing the header information for each of the plurality of packets in a database associated with the identified customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a fast channel change mechanism to insert targeted/addressable advertisements into video streams delivered to users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controllably delivering a multicast broadcast stream to a client via a VLAN channel and, in response to the detection of a splice point, delivering a unicast stream to the client via a sub-VLAN channel.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of a network at an edge device of a provider network includes receiving a plurality of packets associated with a plurality of customers and copying the header information for each of the plurality of packets. The method also includes identifying one of the plurality of customers for each of the plurality of packets and storing the header information for each of the plurality of packets in a database associated with the identified customer.