Abstract: Potential forwarding loops in bridged networks are detected. A switch monitors the movement of packet addresses in the forwarding table to different ports. If the port associated with an address changes multiple times in a short time duration, then a potential forwarding loop is detected, and a loop corrector is notified to take appropriate action to correct the problem, such as, but not limited to changing the state of a port to a blocking state or disabling an interface, etc. If there are multiple movements outside the short time duration, they may be correct movements adjusting to the actual reconfiguration of a network, and thus, these movements are effectively filtered out of consideration.

Abstract: Resources are partitioned via a virtual partitioning system to distribute the resources over a plurality of resource servers. A virtual partition table can be kept at each of a set of resource managers handling requests for resources in tandem. When a resource is requested, a virtual partition value is calculated algorithmically, and the value is mapped to a resource component via the virtual partition table. The resource component encapsulates information indicating on which of the resource servers the resource resides and can provide a component for performing operations on the resource even though the requestor does not have information about where the resource resides. The resources can be repartitioned by modifying the virtual partition table, thus allowing the addition of additional resource servers to the system while the resources remain available. Additional resource types can be added without reengineering the system.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a system and/or a method that facilitates creating a data structure to provide a proportional data change. The data change is associated to hierarchical data that can represent a database-based file storage system. An interface can receive at least one data change input related to a target within the hierarchical data. In addition, a change definition component can build the data structure to provide a granular update to the target which is proportional to a data change input.

Abstract: A network peripheral device connected to a network via a router obtains remote servicing instructions over the network. Initially, a first packet sent from a remote service organization is received by a network peripheral device via the network, the first packet including a request for servicing information from the network peripheral device. Next a second packet is sent automatically upon receipt of the first packet from the network peripheral device to the remote service organization via the network, the second packet including the requested peripheral servicing information. Thereafter, a third packet sent from the remote service organization to the network peripheral device via the network is received by the network peripheral device, the third packet including an instruction to execute a peripheral servicing function. Finally, the peripheral servicing function is executed by the network peripheral device automatically in response to the third packet.

Abstract: Mobile devices are automatically provisioned for network access using WiFi and/or DTPT (DeskTop-PassThrough) connection settings. The connection settings allow the users to access meta-networks (such as the Internet or a corporate network) without any manual intervention. According to an embodiment of the invention, an XML-based mechanism uses the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) XML structure and extends the structure to define WiFi and DTPT connections. The defined WiFi and DTPT connections are provisioned onto the mobile devices automatically, for example, through wireless communications or by a corporate IT application.

Abstract: A DDNS server maintains a dynamic database of host names and IP addresses of remote devices connected to a telecommunications network. Devices on the telecommunications network query the DDNS server for the IP addresses of the remote devices. As the IP addresses change, a DDNS client captures the new IP address and transmits the changes to the DDNS server where the IP address of the remote device is updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide network address failover capability within an application gateway device. In one aspect, a system has a first network interface and a second network interface. The system receives a set of configuration data, the configuration data may include a first network address for the first network interface and a second network address for the second network interface. At startup or during later operation, the system may detect the failure of the first network interface. The configuration data may be analyzed to determine if the first network address can be used on the second network interface. If so, the first network address is moved from the first network interface to the second network interface.

Abstract: A method of integrating setting up a residential gateway or access point and setting up a client network adapter into a single software process. The method eliminates inconsistent and confusing terminology and methods of interfacing different client adapter setups with different residential gateways and access points by using a common user interface.

Abstract: A load balancer detects a server failure, and sends a failure notification message to the remaining servers. In response, one or more of the remaining servers may autonomically adjust their configuration parameters, thereby allowing the remaining servers to better handle the increased load caused by the server failure. One or more of the servers may also include a performance measurement mechanism that measures performance before and after an autonomic adjustment of the configuration parameters to determine whether and how much the autonomic adjustments improved the system performance. In this manner server computer systems may autonomically compensate for the failure of another server computer system that was sharing the workload.

Abstract: A system for performing a setting of a program downloaded from a server to a client is provided, which includes: a communication device performing data communications between the server and the client; and a storing device storing a predetermined program and a plurality of sets of setting information for the predetermined program, in which the server includes: a first receiver section receiving specifying information sent from the client via the communication device for specifying the setting information; and a first transmitter section reading out from the storing device the predetermined program and the setting information specified by the specifying information received from the client, and sending these to the client that is the origin of the specifying information via the communication device, and in which the client includes: a second transmitter section sending the specifying information to the server via the communication device; a second receiver section receiving the predetermined program and the se

Abstract: In order to provide support for a system to operate in a manner appropriate for system requests desired by a user, a management server acquires functions corresponding to system requests acquired using a user interface using a second table for storing a correspondence relationship of functions provided by one or more managed storage devices and system requests occurring at the storage system, simulates whether or not implementation of the system requests is possible from the acquired functions and functions corresponding to the system requests occurring at the current storage system acquired using a third table for storing information for functions provided by the one or more storage devices, and notifies the one or more storage devices of instructions to set functions corresponding to the system requests to valid based on the simulation results of this simulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for representing a network and performing operations on the represented network are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of creating at least one configuration non-specific object class associated with components of the network, creating at least one configuration non-specific representation of relationships among associated object classes, representing a behavior relationship among the object classes based on the representations of the relationships among the object classes and analyzing properties of the network based on the behavior relationships. In aspects of the invention, the represented network may be an MPLS network, a VPN or a combined MPLS-VPN.

Abstract: A software development and debugging tool is based upon a TCP (Transport Control Protocol) tunnel. The TCP tunnel operates independently without a requirement of pre-configuring a client application or a server application to interoperate with the TCP-tunnel-based debugging utility. Various content-related tests can be performed by modifying the client-generated request messages at the TCP tunnel. Various timing-related tests can be performed by delaying the client-generated requests and/or server-generated responses at the TCP tunnel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for registering a plug-in with a media player and for dynamically loading the plug-in into the media player. When a plug-in is installed for use in the media player, it calls a registration function of the media player. The registration function specifies registration parameters to be provided by the plug-in. The registration function receives the registration parameters passed from the plug-in and stores them in a registry of the operating system in a specified format in the registry that enables the media player to recognize and load the plug-in if called to do so. The media player dynamically loads plug-ins in a manner that provides a seamless media presentation experience for a user.

Abstract: A universal plug and play (UPnP) device makes itself known through a set of processes—discovery, description, control, eventing, and presentation. Following discovery of a UPnP device, an entity can learn more about the device and its capabilities by retrieving the device's description. The description includes vendor-specific manufacturer information like the model name and number, serial number, manufacturer name, URLs to vendor-specific Web sites, etc. The description also includes a list of any embedded devices or services, as well as URLs for control, eventing, and presentation. The description is written by a vendor, and is usually based on a device template produced by a UPnP forum working committee. The template is derived from a template language that is used to define elements to describe the device and any services supported by the device. The template language is written using an XML-based syntax that organizes and structures the elements.

Abstract: A system configuration manager provides a graphical user interface that allows a system administrator to easily administer configuration settings for different computer systems and platforms on a computer network. The system configuration manager allows identifying one system configuration or a settings profile as a “model system”. Once the model system is defined, other computer systems may be compared to the model system. Differences between the selected computer systems and the model system are then displayed, and the system configuration manager may be used to update the selected computer systems with configuration settings specified in the model system. Cross-platform support is provided by a configuration mapping mechanism that maps configuration information from one platform to corresponding configuration information for another platform.

Abstract: A universal plug and play (UPnP) device makes itself known through a set of processes—discovery, description, control, eventing, and presentation. Following discovery of a UPnP device, an entity can learn more about the device and its capabilities by retrieving the device's description. The description includes vendor-specific manufacturer information like the model name and number, serial number, manufacturer name, URLs to vendor-specific Web sites, etc. The description also includes a list of any embedded devices or services, as well as URLs for control, eventing, and presentation. The description is written by a vendor, and is usually based on a device template produced by a UPnP forum working committee. The template is derived from a template language that is used to define elements to describe the device and any services supported by the device. The template language is written using an XML-based syntax that organizes and structures the elements.

Abstract: This invention uses timers at the transmitter to track its sending data blocks to improve the timer-based stall avoidance mechanism of the prior art. Moreover, the invention uses a multi-timer mechanism to manage reordering buffers at the receiver. The multi-timer mechanism provides the receiver with one timer per reorder buffer, or uses one timer per missing data block, or uses one timer per missing data block but a gap of consecutive TSN missing data blocks can share one timer. The multi-timer mechanism can effectively track the missing blocks and monitor the reorder delivery process for all reordering buffers.

Abstract: Identifying computer resource utilization issues includes accessing resource utilization data for a computer system for a particular period of time. The resource utilization data for the particular period of time is based on resource utilization data collected while processes were running on the computer system. The resource utilization data for the particular period of time includes measurements of a metric of operation of a component of the computer system. Each measurement is associated with a period of time. Statistical analysis is performed on the resource utilization data to identify a range of normal measurements for the metric for the particular period of time included in the resource utilization data. Measurements of the metric of the resource utilization data for the particular period of time are compared with the identified range of normal measurements to identify measurements that are outside of the identified range of normal measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus updates software data for an interface unit that interfaces a portable audio/video player with another audio/video system. When the portable audio/video players are updated by adding new features, etc., the method and apparatus enables the users to obtain the corresponding update file for the interface unit in the same manner that the user obtains the music file. Thus, the user can easily and quickly obtain the update file for updating the interface unit and store it in the portable audio/video player in the same manner as the music files. For executing the update operation, the user selects the update file from the play list and starts playing the update file on the portable audio/video player while connecting it to the interface unit.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies for sharing functionality among mobile devices in a peer to peer manner are described herein. A mobile device can include a plurality of functional components that can each perform respective functionality. Examples of the functionalities can include transceiver communications, processing, power, memory, input and output for the mobile device. Further, the mobile device can include a sharing component that enables sharing a particular third party functional component to replace or supplement operation of a corresponding functional component of the mobile device. The third party functional component, for instance, can be made available for sharing by at least one of a disparate mobile device or a stand alone functional component. Moreover, a host component can allow a disparate mobile device to use an available one or more of the plurality of functional components of the mobile device.

Abstract: When a new service is implemented by adding a server, a network management device detects a network device requiring setting modification. Next, the network management device presents to an administrator a plurality of samples corresponding to the detected network device requiring setting modification and selects a sample selected by the administrator as setting modification content. Specifically, the network management device retrieves from a sample database a plurality of samples corresponding to the network device requiring setting modification, presents the retrieved samples to the administrator so that the administrator can select one, selects the sample selected by the administrator as the setting modification content, and sets the selected setting modification content to the network device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for managing schemas. A schema and one or more associated schema documents are registered. A schema information document is automatically generated based on the schema and the one or more associated schema documents. A request to be performed on at least one of the schema, an associated schema document, and the schema information document is processed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of distributing management of network resources on a network to network devices is provided. During execution, the system receives a request on a network device to execute a task that performs a set of operations related to managing the network, receives an application over the network wherein the application includes operations for performing the task, processes operations on the network device that requests network parameters from a remote network device, transmits the request for the network parameter over the network to the remote network, and receives the requested network parameter over the network from the remote network device.

Abstract: The self-clustering of service processors within a system is disclosed. The system can also include an operating system or other software code, a management console, or both. The operating system communicates with the cluster of service processors, where the service processors are self-clustered or otherwise, such as through a memory shared by at least all the service processors. The operating system therefore need not be aware which of the service processors performs a given function. The console communicates with the cluster of service processors, where the service processors are self-clustered or otherwise, through any service processor of the cluster. The console therefore also need not be aware that the service processors have been clustered to perform functionality for the console.

Abstract: A communication path is established that allows for communication between a filter graph space and a network driver space in a system. The communication path allows bi-directional communication between a filter graph driver in the filter graph space and a network driver in the network driver space. Addresses of data can be passed from the network driver to the filter graph driver, which allows the filter graph driver to communicate with a filter graph manager as necessary to configure the filter graph space to obtain data from the requested address. The data obtained from the address is then passed from the filter graph driver to the network driver.

Abstract: In an ATM exchange, a cell transmission control section transmits an ATM cell to a transmission path of an ATM network. A traffic monitor monitors traffic of the cell transmissions. A statistical process section performs a temporal statistical process on the result of the traffic monitoring using a clock and a memory. A CAC produces an instruction for traffic control over a transmission terminal based on the result of the statistical process. A UPC controls traffic of a transmission path from the transmission terminal in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: An approach for establishing secure multicast communication among multiple members that participate in a multicast group is disclosed. In one feature, multiple multicast proxy service nodes (MPSNs) are defined and control when members join or leave the multicast group. The MPSNs are logically represented by a first binary tree in which each node of the first binary tree is associated with a domain of a directory service and one or more of the MPSNs. A second binary tree is created that has leaf nodes representing each member. The second binary tree is stored in a domain of the directory service with a root node that represents one or more of the MPSNs. The members can each establish multicast communication and serve as a key distribution center. When a member joins the multicast group, a new group session key is determined by replicating a branch of the second binary tree.

Abstract: A communication path is established that allows for communication between a filter graph space and a network driver space in a system. The communication path allows bidirectional communication between a filter graph driver in the filter graph space and a network driver in the network driver space. Addresses of data can be passed from the network driver to the filter graph driver, which allows the filter graph driver to communicate with a filter graph manager as necessary to configure the filter graph space to obtain data from the requested address. The data obtained from the address is then passed from the filter graph driver to the network driver.

Abstract: A method for re-configuring a network element of a transmission network to restore traffic after occurrence of a failure is proposed. Each configuration request is divided into two phases: At first a “fetch-ahead” phase and then a “consolidation”. During fetch-ahead, only configuration steps essential for fast implementation of a new cross-connection are performed and security related configuration steps skipped thereby providing reduced security against process restarts. During consolidation, those previously skipped security related configuration steps are then executed and the changes made persistent.

Abstract: An automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU) and a file transfer system electrically connected to the ACM CPU. The file transfer system is embedded within the ACM, and is configured to receive at least one update for at least one module from a network and transfer the at least one update to the at least one module.

Abstract: A method and system for routing messages received by a device is described. The router routes messages to applications associated with a provider that recognizes an incoming message type. Providers register with the router to receive messages of a particular type. The providers are prioritized so that the router delivers messages to the providers based on the assigned priority. The router inquires with the providers in their relative assigned priority. The router stops inquiring the providers once an appropriate provider for the message has been found. If the message does not belong to the provider then the next provider is queried. Before delivering the message to the application, the provider formats the message to the specifications provided by the application.

Abstract: There is provided a network system including a server and a printer connected to a network, where the server collects and stores configuration data describing operating conditions from respective printers, the server stores the respective collected configuration data associated with a registered ID. If a user enters a predetermined registered ID in new printer, the new printer transmits the entered registered ID to the server. The server, upon receiving the entered registered ID, transmits configuration data associated with the entered registered ID to the new printer. The new printer sets the operating conditions described in the received configuration data to its own operating conditions.

Abstract: In automation systems, such as Substation Automation systems, the mean time to repair is reduced by remote reconfiguration and start-up of a replacement or spare Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), leaving some more hours for the maintenance personnel to repair an inactive or faulty IED. The time for the actual repair is irrelevant for the system availability as long as it is short enough compared to the IED failure rate. Exemplary embodiments can provide nearly the same availability as a hot-standby configuration, but without the need for doubling all the essential IEDs. Additionally, spare IEDs are supervised to be healthy, and a fault of the spare IED being detected before it is put in use. Only one spare online IED is needed for each set of IEDs of the same type connected to the same station bus and process bus.

Abstract: A system for rapidly switching at least one virtual local area network (VLAN) from a first loop-free topology to a second loop-free topology in response to a failure within the first loop-free topology. Each VLAN has one “logical” VLAN which represents the network entities organized into the VLAN and a set of “physical” VLANs each having its own VLAN designation. For each physical VLAN, a different loop-free topology is defined, although only one physical VLAN is “active” at any given time. Messages associated with the logical VLAN are tagged with the designation of the currently active physical VLAN, and forwarded along its loop-free topology. Upon detecting a failure in the loop-free topology, the logical VLAN is rapidly switched to the loop-free topology defined by a second, back-up physical VLAN. Following the switch, messages associated with the logical VLAN are tagged with the designation of this back-up VLAN and are forwarded along its loop-free topology.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for executing initialization code to configure connected devices. A plurality of segments are provided to configure at least one connected device, wherein each segment includes configuration code to configure the at least on connected device. The segments are executed according to a segment order by executing the configuration code in each segment to perform configuration operations with respect to the at least one connected device. Completion of the segment is indicated in a memory in response to completing execution of the configuration operations for the segment.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a specification for translating a network policy from a first schema to a second, different schema and translating the network policy into the second different schema based on the specification. A network system is configured based on the translated policy.

Abstract: An improved system and method for supporting web system services is provided for storing data and context of client applications on the web. A client application may include a web system services interface for invoking web system services to support web applications to operate over the web using different devices that may store data and context of web applications as a web application document onto a web server. A web application document may be represented by components that may include view information, content, and context information. The application may also include a web system services user interface for providing a graphical user interface for a user to invoke web system services that may include a new document system service, a store document system service, and a restore document system service. A schema for context scope may be implemented for collecting context information relevant to the web application document.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, method, and apparatus for configuring a host computer to cooperatively operate with a data storage system in a data storage environment, and includes selective ability to configure a host adapter globally or specifically according to its topology and/or connections. This invention provides particular advantages when configuring a Unix-based host, such as a Sun Solaris computer available from Sun Microsystems of Santa Clara, Calif., USA in connection with a data storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting an enclosure address in a computer system having a plurality of enclosures includes at least one enclosure address control device including input means for changing the enclosure address of an associated enclosure of the plurality of enclosures, a display device for indicating the enclosure address assigned to the associated enclosure, a controller for receiving an enclosure address change input from the input means and a logic device for resetting devices within the associated enclosure. The apparatus further includes a register device for receiving the enclosure address from the controller a predetermined period of time after the controller receives the enclosure address change input from the input means. After the predetermined period of time expires, the controller issues a command to the logic device for resetting the devices within the associated enclosure, to assign the changed enclosure address to the devices.

Abstract: A method and system is described for a wireless client computer to be connected via an access point to a network only if the wireless client computer has executed all requisite anti-virus programs. Where necessary, a signal from the access point notifies an anti-viral program server that an anti-virus needs to be immediately downloaded to the wireless client computer. An anti-virus fix is installed on the wireless client computer, and a full session is then initiated between the wireless client computer and a wireless network via the access point.

Abstract: A system and method for enforcing change control in operations performed by operational management products (OMPs) are provided. The system and method automate the checking of a request-for-change (RFC) state by an OMP when the OMP is installed in an environment where a change management database (CMDB) has been installed and certain resources or operations have been placed under strict change control. The OMPs of the illustrative embodiments require an RFC identifier to be specified when a change operation of the OMP is invoked. The RFC identifier is used by the OMP to access a service management system so that the OMP may determine if the RFC identifier is valid, IT resources are in the correct state, and the change is scheduled to be performed at the current time. If these checks are passed, then the change operation associated with the RFC is permitted to occur.

Abstract: A method of managing configuration changes in a data processing system, particularly a network wherein software products (250) must be distributed to client workstations. The method provides the definition of reference models (220e-220d) arranged in a tree (215); each reference model includes configuration elements (such as software products and/or hardware features and their desired target status) for the corresponding client workstations (subscribers). A target configuration (230) of the client workstations associated with each reference model is determined by inheriting the configuration elements of the parent reference models. A list of actions (245) to be carried out on each client workstation for reaching the corresponding target configuration is determined by comparing the target configuration with a current configuration of the client workstation stored in a corresponding inventory (245).

Abstract: Information may be distributed to a plurality of communication devices connected to a network by creating a distribution route including a plurality of levels by assigning a plurality of following level stations (0-level to n-level stations) to the distribution route, distributing information from one of the communication devices as an m-level station in a lower level to one of the communication devices as an (m+1)-level station in a level lower than the lower level in which the m-level station is present using the distribution route, monitoring a distribution status of the information distributed, and changing the distribution route based on the distribution status.

Abstract: A service interruption time is shortened in redundancy switching, thereby to render a vocal service of good quality, in addition to a data service of good quality by a server. In case of redundancy switching, an IP filter is set in a standby system server, and the standby system server is given the same IP address as an IP address given to an operation system server and is thereafter shifted into an operating state. On the other hand, the original operation system server deletes the given IP address and is thereafter shifted from an operating state into a standby state. The original standby system server releases the set IP filter, and thereafter starts the provision of a service.

Abstract: Multiple devices within a data communication network can be configured according to a single configuration profile. Configuration profile data is stored in a configuration file. Connections are made to individual devices, and the data in the configuration file is transformed into device-specific commands.

Abstract: A network connection of an information handling system is recovered after configuration of network communications components in an incorrect manner by adjusting the configuration of the network communication components. For instance, a network interface card (NIC) configured with an incorrect IP address has the IP addresses of other NICs of the information handling system applied to determine if network communication is supported. If application of each IP address fails to recover communication, the NIC adjusts to a dynamic network address, sends a configuration failure message, receives new configuration information and applies the new configuration information to establish network communication through a static network address.

Abstract: Techniques are described for centralized management of quality of service (QoS) characteristics of network data flows. A service management system maintains a database that associates access information, such as a username and password, with QoS information. A router of other network device associates a data flow with access information, and queries the service management system with the access information to obtain the QoS information. The router forwards data of the data flow in accordance with the QoS information obtained from the service management system. As the access information may be a username and password, an existing system, such as a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) system, may easily be adapted for use as the service management system. As a result, QoS information may easily be centrally managed for numerous routers or other network devices.

Abstract: An interface permitting users (i) to create a group (also referred to as a “source”) containing configuration statements and (ii) to direct the inheritance of that group's statements in the rest of the configuration information (also referred to as a “target”). The same group can be applied to different sections of the configuration information. Different sections of one group's configuration statements can be inherited in different places in the configuration information. Supporting such configuration groups allows users to create smaller, more logically constructed configuration files, thereby making it easier to configure and maintain data forwarding device software. For example, users can group together statements that are repeated in many places in the configuration, such as when configuring interfaces, and thereby limit updates to just the group.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for updating firmware on a plurality of networked computing devices via a distributed network. An instruction to update the firmware on a plurality of networked computing devices, such as nodes in a computer cluster, is sent from a manager computer to the computing devices monitoring for instructions. When the instruction is received, the computing devices transition to an operating system independent recovery state, receive a new firmware image over the distributed network, and update the firmware with the new firmware image.