Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatic photo-image discovery and storage. A photo-image discovery device scans communication interfaces for photo-capable devices. The photo-image discovery device is capable of concurrently scanning wireless and hardwired connector interfaces. A determination is made of whether the detected photo-capable devices have stored electronically formatted photo-images, which may be either still or video images. The photo-images are acquired into the photo-image discovery device. Then, the acquired photo-images are automatically uploaded to a network-connected storage site.

Abstract: A virtual kiosk system and method are provided for stored photo-image reproduction. A photo-image discovery device, having no dedicated display, scans communication interfaces for photo-capable devices, and determines if detected photo-capable devices have stored electronically formatted photo-images. The photo-images are acquired into the photo-image discovery device, and the acquired photo-images are uploaded to a network-connected storage site. Subsequently, the photo discovery device may be interfaced to a display monitor. A menu of photo-image user prompt options is depicted on the display monitor, originating from the photo discovery device. The storage site is accessed from the photo discovery device in response to a first user prompt. In response to a second user prompt, a stored photo-image is selected. In one aspect a delivery option for the selected photo-image is selected in response to an additional user prompt.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for providing a plurality of internal VLANs within a networking element/node are described. Internal VLAN topologies are provisioned so that a particular VLAN(S) communicate traffic to corresponding applications. This segregation of internal traffic across a VLAN topology reduces the amount of interference between the traffic. Redundancy across the VLAN topology is provided so that traffic may be switched to another path in the event of a failure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for peer-to-peer distributed file storage in a network of connected clients. The method transmits data file peer-storage information from a first peer node to a network-connected backup manager. The backup manager creates a mapping plan, for mapping data file segments to a peer group, which typically includes a plurality of network-connected peer nodes. The backup manager transmits the mapping plan to the first peer node. The first peer node distributes the data file segments to the peer group in accordance with the mapping plan, for storage in tangible memory media. Typically, the first peer node accepts a data file and encrypts the data file. In one aspect, the backup manager creates a mapping plan for distributing (n+x) erasure-coded segments. After receipt of the mapping plan, the first peer node creates the (n+x) erasure coded file segments in preparation for distribution.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for providing a plurality of internal VLANs within a networking element/node are described. Internal VLAN topologies are provisioned so that a particular VLAN(S) communicate traffic to corresponding applications. This segregation of internal traffic across a VLAN topology reduces the amount of interference between the traffic. Redundancy across the VLAN topology is provided so that traffic may be switched to another path in the event of a failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method for providing point-to-point inter-chassis connections within chassis systems and/or network nodes. Multi-chassis systems within a network employ a protocol wherein a peer discovery process is initiated and the discovered neighbors are authentically verified before establishing an active state between point-to-point inter-chassis links.