Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented supporting shortest path first (SPF) routing of data packets over a network by establishing link-state data at an router. Link-state data indicates direct links between the router and a different router and establishes an adjacency relationship with the different node. Initial link-state data is stored at a first router. After the initial link-state data is stored, a hello message is received at the first router. The hello message indicates a direct connection with a different second router on one network segment. Based on the initial link-state data, it is determined whether establishing an adjacency relationship with the second router is sufficiently valuable. If not, then an adjacency relationship is not established with the second router in response to the hello message. A shortest path first routing for a data packet traversing the network is determined based on one or more adjacency relationships indicated in link-state data stored at the first router.

Abstract: Each router in a network is configured for generating router advertisement messages according to a flooding distance vector routing protocol. Each router advertisement message output according to the flooding distance vector routing protocol includes reachability information for at least one destination, and an originating router identifier indicating a router having originated the reachability information. If any router receiving the router advertisement message detects a match between the originating router identifier and the corresponding assigned router identifier, the received router advertisement message is disregarded during calculation of the best paths from the network.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring and managing local area network activity. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a housing component that at least partially defines an enclosure. A processor may be located within the enclosure, and an interface may assist in communicatively coupling the processor to a node of a wireline network. The system my also include a wireless local area networking module communicatively coupled to a memory and configured to communicate within a local coverage area using a proximal wireless protocol. The memory may store a messaging file that includes instructions to direct a wireless telephone processor to send a wireless messaging service message configured for delivery via a wide area wireless network to the wireless local area networking module using the proximal wireless protocol.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that may help a user manage wireless data communications. As part of the method, a user may communicatively link a wireless enabled device, like a cellular telephone, to a local area network (LAN) that may include other and different electronic devices. The phone may receive a data call that includes a message sent using SMS, EMS, MMS, or some other service. The phone may send information contained in the data call via the LAN to a different LAN connected electronic device. If the different electronic device has an associated display, an image representing the information may be presented on the display.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating enhanced call awareness. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an interface that receives a signal associated with a call to a telephone number. A call information engine may be coupled to the interface and may recognize that a party to the call subscribes to an enhanced call activity service. In some cases, the party may be a called party or a calling party, and the activity may include an incoming call to the telephone number, an outgoing call, a missed call, or a waiting voicemail message. A memory may maintain a data network address for the party, and a messaging engine may initiate sending of a message containing call information to the data network address. The message may be sent in response to a trigger signal output by a notification engine without consideration for whether or not a telephone line associated with the telephone number is busy.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating enhanced call awareness. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an interface that receives a signal associated with a call to a telephone number. A call information engine may be coupled to the interface and may recognize that a party to the call subscribes to an enhanced call activity service. In some cases, the party may be a called party or a calling party, and the activity may include an incoming call to the telephone number, an outgoing call, a missed call, or a waiting voicemail message. A memory may maintain a data network address for the party, and a messaging engine may initiate sending of a message containing call information to the data network address. The message may be sent in response to a trigger signal output by a notification engine without consideration for whether or not a telephone line associated with the telephone number is busy.

Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than ?18 degrees C.

Abstract: A pedometer system and method of use are disclosed that assist a user in monitoring an athletic endeavor. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a pedometer housing component at least partially defining an enclosure. A local area wireless transceiver capable of receiving a signal from a motion sensor may be located within the enclosure. A performance engine may also be located within the enclosure and may be communicatively coupled to the local area wireless transceiver. In operation, the performance engine may utilize the signal from the motion sensor to generate a performance metric like average speed or distance traveled. The system may also include an output mechanism such as an audio device capable of presenting the performance metric to a user in an audible message. A device embodying the performance engine may also embody an audio file player such as an MP3 player.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for utilizing a bicycle computer to monitor athletic performance. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a housing component at least partially defining an enclosure. A local area wireless transceiver capable of receiving a signal from a sensor coupled to a bicycle may be located within the enclosure. A performance engine may also be located within the enclosure and may be communicatively coupled to the local area wireless transceiver. In operation, the performance engine may utilize the signal from the sensor to generate a performance metric like current speed, distance traveled, or cadence. The system may also include an output mechanism such as a display device associated with the housing component. The output mechanism or display device may be capable of presenting the performance metric to a user. In preferred embodiments, the system may also include a wide area wireless transceiver located within the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating packets in a network environment is provided that includes a first network element that includes a first neighbor list, the first network element being coupled to a second network element and a third network element. The first network element is operable to receive a second neighbor list from the second network element and a third neighbor list from the third network element. The first network element is further operable to determine one or more overlaps provided by the second and third neighbor lists when compared to the first neighbor list, the first network element relaying an update that it receives based on the one or more overlaps.

Abstract: An audio system and method are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an electronic device having a display, a digital satellite receiver, and a housing component at least partially defining a cavity in which the digital satellite receiver is secured. The system may also include a device interface system that has a sound system connector and a mounting region. The sound system connector may communicatively couple the device interface system to an existing sound system, and the mounting region may be capable of releasably engaging the electronic device such that a contact portion of the device interface system contacts a conductive element of the electronic device to form at least a portion of a communication path interconnecting the sound system and the electronic device.

Abstract: Method, system and program product for managing items available for electronic purchase. One or more high frequency items can be displayed on a high level page. The items can be located for display by automatically generating a query for each level of a hierarchical structure in which the items are stored. Additionally, one or more high frequency items can be presented to an administrator for a group of users who can select one or more of the high frequency items for display on a high level page presented to each user in the group of users.

Abstract: Method, system and program product for managing custom data during an electronic purchase. Custom data is displayed and/or obtained using a custom data form. The custom data form is displayed when one or more attributes of items in the electronic purchase match the set of keys defined for the custom data form. Custom data obtained using the custom data form can be stored as a large object in a database.

Abstract: An audio system and method are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an electronic device having a display, a memory, an audio file player, and a housing component at least partially defining a cavity in which the memory and the audio file player are secured. In one embodiment, the electronic device may be a portable MP3 player. The system may also include a processor or playlist engine that can maintain a first playlist and a second playlist. In practice, the first playlist may include a selection of audio content having a corresponding audio file saved in the memory of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the system may also include an automobile having an automobile sound system that has a speaker and an in dash sound system component, which may be removably coupled to the electronic device via a cable.

Abstract: A self-contained device for substance application and methods relating to the same are disclosed. An application device incorporating teachings of the present disclosure could have a first cavity and a second cavity at least partially defined by a support member. The support member may have attached applicators at its distal ends. A first substance may be located in the first cavity and a second substance may be located in the second cavity. The substances may be the same or different and may include 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and an antiseptic wash.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line access network comprises a remote Ethernet device disposed in a serving area interface. The remote Ethernet device serves as an Ethernet bridge for a neighborhood service area. The remote Ethernet device communicates with a plurality of customer premises modems in the neighborhood service area using an Internet Protocol over an Ethernet standard with a digital subscriber line physical layer. An Ethernet switch disposed at a central office communicates with the remote Ethernet device via a fiber optic medium using an Internet Protocol over a second Ethernet standard. The Ethernet switch provides a packet data core network termination.

Abstract: A method for communicating packets in a network environment is provided that includes receiving a packet at a network element and identifying a sequence number included in the packet that correlates to awareness information associated with one or more adjacent network elements. A table included in the network element may be updated in order to account for the awareness information included within the packet that has not been accounted for by the network element. In cases where the awareness information included in the packet has already been accounted for, the packet may be ignored.