Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a network topology with alternative communication paths. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management system (NMS) having a network identification element that identifies a tree topology of network elements in a communication system comprising a root node and a plurality of leaf nodes, a network configuration element that specifies a desired number of alternative communication paths between each of the plurality of leaf nodes and the root node, and a network restructuring element that determines a configuration of additional lateral and vertical communication paths superimposed on a portion of the plurality of leaf nodes that achieves a desired cost objective according to the desired number of alternative paths and associated cost attributes. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems to determine pricing for an Internet protocol media service are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining a first Internet protocol television service plan based on a first media presentation device type and a second Internet protocol television service plan based on a second media presentation device type. The first Internet protocol television service plan is offered to a user of the first media presentation device type and the second Internet protocol television service plan is offered to a user of the second media presentation device type.

Abstract: A dual-mode broadband modem operative to operate in a service mode and a surveillance mode is disclosed. Generally, the dual-mode broadband modem comprises a primary communication device; a secondary communication device; a central processing unit in communication with the primary and secondary communication devices; and a memory unit in communication with the central processing unit. In the service mode, the primary communication device communicates with a broadband service provider and the central processing unit stores historical information regarding performance of the primary communication device in the memory unit. If an interruption in broadband service is detected, or the performance of the primary communication device falls below a predetermined threshold, the dual-mode broadband modem switches to surveillance mode and the secondary communication device is activated.

Abstract: A notebook computer comprises a notebook computer lid, a notebook computer display viewable on a face of the notebook computer lid, and a secondary display viewable on an opposite face of the notebook computer lid. A processor causes the secondary display to display a user name in response to a user input received by a user input device of the notebook computer.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to support multiple wireless account for a given subscriber. A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, linking various accounts to a wireless enabled device of a wireless service subscriber. In one embodiment, device addresses like telephone numbers and electronic mail addresses for devices that may call or be called by the subscriber may be associated one of the various accounts. In operation, a call may be completed between the subscriber's wireless enabled device and one of the other devices, and a call metric for the call may be tracked. A billing entry for the call may be generated from the call metric and the call may be charged to an appropriate account selected from the various accounts. The process of determining the appropriate account may include, for example, determining if the device address for the other device is associated with one of the accounts linked to the subscriber's wireless enabled device.

Abstract: A system of managing call information is disclosed. The system comprises a call data record collection engine that non-intrusively monitors and collects data for calls routed using SS7 links coupled to telephone offices, a dynamic call record building engine to dynamically build call management records based on information retrieved by the call data record collection engine, and a relational data model for a subscriber including telephone numbers associated with the subscriber that are under call management. The call management records are correlated with the relational data model for the subscriber on a real-time basis. The call management records include a call time/data stamp, calling party information, called party information, a call type, geographic information, carrier information, a call disposition, and a call duration.