Abstract: A network apparatus includes a plurality of service-option resources, each resource having a respective numerical network address. An address server stores the numerical network addresses together with a respective logical name corresponding to each numerical network address. The address server responds to queries by providing a numerical network address corresponding to a logical name contained in a respective query. A plurality of service selection gateways are coupled to the service-option resources and the address server. Each service selection gateway 1) receives user traffic from a respective user directed to a nominal destination, 2) determines if the nominal destination should be redirected to a respective logical name corresponding to one of the service-option resources in response to a respective user profile, and 3) queries the address server for a respective numerical network address to redirect according to the respective logical name.

Abstract: A centralized gateway connects to a broadband digital network for receiving various types of video feeds. The gateway provides output television signals directly to conventional inputs of standard television receivers. Port extenders connected to the gateway via a local-area network allow users to select a video feed sent by the gateway to a television associated with each port extender. The port extenders each provide a convenient and low cost termination point for keyboards, mice, joysticks, digital cameras, and other peripheral devices to interact with computer-based network services via the centralized gateway. The capabilities of the port extenders and the gateway provide a substitute for a personal computer in basic Internet access activities as well as a lower cost system for providing network based video programming to multiple televisions.

Abstract: A convenient and low cost computer security system deploys a menu of security tools within a local network that can be selected by a user connected to the network. A network architecture of the invention is structured to provide highly effective and flexible security features while greatly simplifying the user experience. Separate security service pathways provide different combinations of security service features and traffic from each user is directed to a pathway providing the desired features.

Abstract: User connection sessions with a gateway in a computer network are preserved even after a temporary failure of the gateway. User status information is stored in a status table in a RADIUS server during times that an authenticated user session is established with the gateway. A failure of the gateway is detected wherein user data stored in the gateway is lost. The gateway sends a request to the RADIUS server to provide the user status information and user data corresponding to each user in the status table. The gateway routes the user traffic to continue the authenticated user session in response to the user data and the user status information without requiring re-authentication following the failure.