Abstract: In an IPTV network, a program content stream is processed to create an artifact detectable by a commercial remover in a program content portion of the program content stream. The artifact may be created by splicing first and second portions of program content together such that the artifact appears in the program content. A commercial remover processing the resultant program content stream erroneously removes portions of program content or leaves portions containing commercial content in the program content stream.

Abstract: In a network having one or more Audio Video Bridging (AVB) devices, non-AVB bridges are detected by transmitting a maintenance message, such as a unicast linktrace message, from one AVB device such as a residential gateway to another AVB device such as a set-top box or IPTV. AVB devices in the path provide replies indicating whether the port on which the linktrace message was received is connected to a non-AVB bridge. The disclosure has utility in diagnostics problems with IPTV in a network.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium to provide alternative communications during jamming in a presence system, that comprises, registering a mobile device as a presentity to a presence server in the presence system, detecting a communication jamming of the mobile device, providing information related to the detected communication jamming as a state information to the presence server, and upon attempting to communicate with the mobile device while being jammed, providing the state information and offering an alternative communication suggestion.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing secure access between devices comprises generating a new and unique access code by a cell phone, providing the new and unique access code by the cell phone to at least one of: a user of a further device, and the further device, contacting the cell phone by the further device, sending the new and unique access code by the further device to the cell phone, and permitting a connection between the further device and the cell phone, by the cell phone.

Abstract: In a network having one or more Audio Video Bridging (AVB) devices, non-AVB bridges are detected by transmitting a maintenance message, such as a unicast linktrace message, from one AVB device such as a residential gateway to another AVB device such as a set-top box or IPTV. AVB devices in the path provide replies indicating whether the port on which the linktrace message was received is connected to a non-AVB bridge. The disclosure has utility in diagnostics problems with IPTV in a network.

Abstract: In an IPTV network, a program content stream is processed to create an artifact detectable by a commercial remover in a program content portion of the program content stream. The artifact may be created by splicing first and second portions of program content together such that the artifact appears in the program content. A commercial remover processing the resultant program content stream erroneously removes portions of program content or leaves portions containing commercial content in the program content stream.

Abstract: A system and method of television program insertion during an advertisement time slot may include a set top box (STB) receiving program and advertisement content from a digital subscriber line access module (DSLAM). Program content may be substituted for advertisement content during a regularly scheduled advertisement time slot to attract viewer's who are surfing channels for desirable content. The program content may be limited to a preview or sample of the program. Subsequent advertisement time slots may offer regularly scheduled advertisements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing a protection scheme for switched networks, and particularly GMPLS networks are described. One embodiment is a method of reserving communications channels comprising an alternative path through a switched network, the network comprising a plurality of nodes interconnected by links, wherein each link comprises at least one communications channel. The method comprises simulating failure of a first link; noting a second link over which traffic on the first link is rerouted in the event of failure of the first link; and transmitting a protection request message (“PRM”) from the first link to the second link to request reservation of a specified number of communication channels on the second link.

Abstract: A network (10) includes a plurality of packet switches (12) for routing data packets. The packet switches (12) include input ports (16) for receiving packets and output ports (20) for sending packets. A matrix (18) passes packets from an input port (16) to a desired output port (20). Input ports (16) include one or more input queues (22) and output ports (16) include an output queue (24). Each input queue (22) is associated with an output queue (24). Control messages for passed between the input ports (16) and output ports (20) for controlling the acceleration of the rate of data transfer between associated input queues (22) and output queues (24).

Abstract: A system and method for restoring communication between at least one pair of nodes in a network. Distributed intelligence is provided by messaging between adjacent nodes in the network. The messages in combination with user-configurable timers and rules provide fault isolation, forward flooding, reverse linking and connection.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring communication between at least one pair of nodes in a network. Distributed intelligence is provided by messaging between adjacent nodes in the network. The messages in combination with user-configurable timers and rules provide fault isolation, forward flooding, reverse linking and connection.