Abstract: This innovative apparatus and method called the Virtualized Centralized Firewall (VCF), with its hardware and software provides a means for Security and Firewall services at line speed for internet connections to several users, homes and enterprises at the same time from a centralized location like the ISP, Telephone Central office (for DSL), the Cable headend, 5G/LTE edge networks or similar locations. The resources in this VCF are shared by multiple users based on pre-subscribed bandwidth and types of security services. These services can be controlled by the end user by self-service or by the operator or a combination of both. This results in efficient usage of resources, lower cost (about 90% cost reduction) and more importantly provide a fast and efficient way to update the security profiles for virus scans and protect end users and IoT devices against new types of cyber-attacks.

Abstract: A cable-TV-based network transmits data on relatively high-radio frequency signals from a head end toward clients and transmits data on relatively low radio frequency signals from clients to head end. Radio frequency switch assemblies are distributed hierarchically from head end descending toward the clients. Each radio frequency switch assembly splits a descending path into plural branches, and includes switch units for alternatively blocking or passing low frequency signals from ascending the branches. When low frequency noise is detected at the head end, a noise source is located employing a test protocol in which switch units are sequentially set to block upstream signals, with the head end noise detector determining the effect of each switch disposition. Other types of hierarchical networks use analogous diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A computer network based on cable-TV distribution network employs a hybrid cable-modem termination service plus wireless-network switch to manage wireless clients that access the switch through wireless access points coupled to cable modems. The switch includes a network manager that associates wireless clients with cable modems so that services associated with a first cable modem can be switched to a second cable modem when a wireless user moves from the coverage area of a wireless access point coupled to the first cable modem to a coverage area of a wireless access point coupled to the second cable modem. In some cases, the switch can permit a user to roam from one coverage area to another without interrupting an ongoing interaction over the Internet. It also has the ability to keep the wireless traffic separate from the wired traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus matches the configuration of a first station of a local area network to the configuration of the second station of the local area network. The first station detects a protocol advertisement from the second station that indicates a protocol in which the second station is capable of operating. The first station compares the indicated protocol of the second station to a protocol in which the first station is capable of operating. The first station determines, when the result of the comparison is negative, which of the first station and the second station is a higher priority station. The first station advertises, to the second station, a protocol capability of the first station, The first station changes the advertised protocol capability of the first station when it is determined that the first station is the higher priority station.

Abstract: An apparatus matches the configuration of a first station of a local area network to the configuration of the second station of the local area network. The first station detects a protocol advertisement from the second station that indicates a protocol in which the second station is capable of operating. The first station compares the indicated protocol of the second station to a protocol in which the first station is capable of operating. The first station determines, when the result of the comparison is negative, which of the first station and the second station is a higher priority station. The first station advertises, to the second station, a protocol capability of the first station, The first station changes the advertised protocol capability of the first station when it is determined that the first station is the higher priority station.