Abstract: Systems in the current art provide capacity planning for packet networks. These systems require input data that characterizes traffic demands. The demands may be expressed as matrixes that record the number of bytes and packets exchanged between access routers or service nodes for each type-of-service. This invention defines a system and method to calculate these traffic matrixes. Access routers in a service node export flow records to a Record Collector. The flow records are processed to create ingress and egress records that are stored on the Record Collector. This data is uploaded to a Capacity Planning Server at which the traffic matrixes are generated. The egress access router(s) for a flow are determined by searching for matching ingress and egress records. Matching records have identical source and destination addresses. This algorithm requires no knowledge of the complex topology and routing protocols that are used within packet networks. Sampled or non-sampled flow records may be used.

Abstract: A method of establishing communications with one or more devices located in an environment using a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device comprises a short-range transceiver that is able to communicate with a short-range transceiver located in the environment. A communication is received from the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device that includes a request to establish communications with one or more device located in the environment. A request is transmitted to an environment directory server to determine if a user associated with the wireless communication device has permission to access any of the devices in the environment. A response is received from the environment directory server in response to the request. A communication is made to the short-range transceiver of the wireless communication device indicating whether the device can communicate with any of the devices in the environment.

Abstract: Restrictions on use of a cellular telephone in a vehicle, such as an automobile, are imposed using a global position system (GPS) device to determine the location of a vehicle in relation to geographic regions in which legal or customer restrictions on cellular telephone use are to be imposed. Network or local short-range wireless transmitters supply information to a cellular telephone describing potentially applicable restriction information retrieved from network databases. In response, a cellular telephone determines applicability of such restrictions and applies them to further use of the cellular telephone while such restrictions continue to apply. Alternative arrangements allow vehicle-based or network based processing of region and restrictions information to yield command messages to cellular telephones to control their further use.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing content providers with specific information about recipients receiving a multicast session, which minimally impacts applicable standards and network equipment. By judicious enhancement of the network POP (i.e., Point-of-Presence) and multicast packet header (i.e., datagram) enhancement, the identity of a recipient or host may be identified in a suitable manner that provides the content provider with information about the recipients as a group with out compromising the privacy of any individual host/recipient of a multicast session.

Abstract: A Path Generator connects to a communication network and uses genetic algorithms to assign flows to paths. Genotypes encode flow to path assignments for working and protection paths. Genotype fitness functions are computed as a weighted sum of constraint fitness functions. Each constraint fitness function evaluates the degrees to which the genotype is a satisfactory solution. The system can be used for network modeling. It can also receive requests for on-demand assignment of flows and on-demand rerouting of flows.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: The provisioning of enhanced 911 service in a mobile communications network is supplemented to include the capability of identifying other mobile stations in close proximity to a mobile station placing a 911 call. This capability may then be used to aid in the identification of witnesses to a crime, car accident, and the like. Constantly updated location information for mobile stations in communication with a switching center is maintained in a database that can be accessed by PSAP agents on an “as needed” basis. In particular, a PSAP agent can submit a search request, using time/date and geographic location information to determine the identity of all mobile stations in a predetermined “radius” associated with a 911 caller.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telemarketing services through a hypertext network that interconnects a telemarketing server system with a customer computer and an agent computer. The telemarketing server accepts a telemarketing request from the customer, and forwards the request to the agent if the agent is available, and to a queue if the agent is not available. When an agent receives a request, communications are either established between the customer and agent at once, or else scheduled for a later time. Telemarketing functions are implemented separately from media transport functions through a hypertext network such that the need for geographic centralization of telemarketing agents is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method for providing telemarketing services through a hypertext network that interconnects a telemarketing server system with a customer computer and an agent computer. The telemarketing server accepts a telemarketing request from the customer, and forwards the request to the agent if the agent is available, and to a queue if the agent is not available. When an agent receives a request, communications are either established between the customer and agent at once, or else scheduled for a later time. Telemarketing functions are implemented separately from media transport functions through a hypertext network such that the need for geographic centralization of telemarketing agents is eliminated.

Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided from a media server, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. Once the media server receives the request, the media server begins to stream a copy of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth to the user device via the network and proxy device.

Abstract: The invention provides persistent communication for address routed communication in an environment where the communication session address changes. The invention is appropriate for any address routed communication, and in particular to packet based (e.g., UDP/IP and TCP/IP) communications to mobile cellular units as the units transition or move between supporting cells. The invention provides a technique to store address information and transitory information related to the session to allow continuation of the session at the new address, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to set up the session at the new address. One application is for streaming multi-media sessions. Another application is for internet protocol (IP) telephony. The invention provides embodiments where the techniques are performed within the mobile unit, or performed in combination with a proxy server that is part of the supporting cellular system.

Abstract: A system and method where the user can first view information content at a first information appliance at a first location, and instruct the system to pre-load the information content at a second information appliance at a second location prior to second viewing. The pre-loading is accomplished by a plurality of proxy servers associated with a plurality of information appliances at a plurality of locations, a plurality of proxy directories containing information associating the proxy servers to the information appliances, servers containing the information content, and billing servers for generating financial charges. The request to pre-load can be made from the information appliance itself or a communication means associated with a location such as a web page. The request can also be made by a user calendar interface provided by the present system. The calendar is capable of storing a plurality of scheduled events and locations where pre-loading takes place.

Abstract: A system and method provide for recipient-initiated automatic repair of IP multicast sessions. A multicast application on a receiver issues a request to join an IP multicast session “X”. A translator/decryption module (TDM) on the receiver intercepts this request and sends it to a controller on a repair server. The controller sends a request to a subscription server to determine if this user has subscribed to the repair service. The controller receives a positive response from the subscription server and determines whether a repair/encryption module exists for this multicast session. If it does not, then the controller selects an IP multicast address, port number and decryption key for a new IP multicast session “Y”. This information is returned to the TDM. The controller creates a repair/encryption module (REM) and provides the IP multicast address and port number for the new IP multicast session “Y” and an encryption key to the REM.

Abstract: A cable access network includes a cable trunk amplifier connected over a coaxial cable to A plurality of cable data modems to provide backup power to the cable modem during power outages experienced by either the trunk amplifier or the modems, thereby insuring uninterruptible IP telephone service. The trunk amplifier applies a DC voltage across the conductors of the coaxial cable. An AC/DC power converter and regulator and also a backup battery are sources of power for the DC voltage applied to the coaxial cable. A power outage sensor selectively connects either the AC/DC power converter and regulator or, alternately, the backup battery to the cable, depending on whether there is an outage sensed at the trunk amplifier. Each cable data modem connected to the trunk amplifier is partitioned into IP voice circuits and other circuits not contributing to the IP voice function. The other circuits include, for example, video/audio receiver circuits and IP data transceiver circuits.

Abstract: A hybrid fiber/coaxial cable is attached to an autonomous controller which includes a wireless receiver, transmitter, and antenna. Typically, the autonomous controller is connected near the end of the cable which is remote from the headend. At least one other hybrid fiber/coaxial cable connected to the same headend or distribution hub, provides connectivity for cable data modems and set top boxes in an adjacent neighborhood or community. The second cable is attached to its own, respective autonomous controller which also has a wireless receiver, transmitter, and antenna. The two antennas in the adjacent neighborhoods constitute an antenna cluster. When the first cable's connection to the common headend is interrupted, thereby preventing service to the first neighborhood, its autonomous controller senses the interruption and responds by sending a wireless signal to the controller in the adjacent neighborhood.

Abstract: In a multimedia presentation transmitted by streaming media, advertising/announcements are dynamically inserted into the stream in response to a realization of conditions preselected by the source of the advertising/announcements. In a particular embodiment providers of the streaming media content define metadata for the programming. Advertising/announcement sources define metadata for their ads to be presented. The requirements of both metadata files are compared to both program data and ad data to specify conditions that determine when an Advertisement/announcement is inserted into a media stream.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the automatic and transparent repair of IP multicast sessions. The invention is a system and method for the repair of IP multicast sessions. In one aspect of the invention the method repairs a multicast session in a network, beginning with the step of sending a request message from a source to a subscription server in the network, requesting a repair service for an original multicast session originated by the source. The method continues by sending an enabling signal from the subscription server to a plurality of retransmit servers in the network, to buffer data traffic from the original multicast session, in response to the request. The method continues by buffering a copy of the data traffic at each of the plurality of retransmit servers and monitoring errors in each copy. The method continues by automatically selecting with the plurality of retransmit servers at least one retransmit server from among the plurality, having a minimum of the errors in its respective copy.

Abstract: A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided from a media server, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. Once the media server receives the request, the media server begins to stream a copy of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth to the user device via the network and proxy device.

Abstract: An advertising server stores data of both consumers and merchants. Consumer data includes samples of a consumer's location at various points along routes taken by a consumer's mobile IP terminal. Merchant data includes the geographic locations of the merchant's stores. The advertising server uses the consumer and merchant data to select merchants located in proximity to paths frequently traveled by a consumer. Merchant selection may take into account other factors such as demographics. The advertising server then provides selected merchant servers with an opportunity to have the advertising server deliver advertisements to the consumer on the merchant's behalf. Based on consumer data provided by the advertising server and predetermined criteria established by the merchant, each merchant server transmits an advertisement and a “willingness to pay” to the advertising server.

Abstract: An intelligent data network call setup system forwards data network user information to an operator, for example, for a call with a data network user. The intelligent data network call set up system monitors the data network user's actions and generates information that summarizes potential reasons for the data network user's call and forwards such information as preamble information to the operator. The intelligent data network call set up system includes a call coordination device that serves as an interface between the data network user and the operator. The call coordination device supports web sites visited by data network users and when a request for a call is received, the call coordination device provides the operator with the user's action history, and other helpful information to the operator such as products that may interest the user to avoid the undesirable “cold start” experience. In this way, the operator may be more knowledgeable and helpful to the user.