Abstract: Methods, systems, computer program products and data structures are described which allow a client to communicate with a server even though multiple proxies that require different authentication data must be traversed to allow such communication. In operation, the client first authenticates to a first proxy using authentication data appropriate for the first proxy. The client then authenticates to a second proxy using different authentication data that is appropriate for the second proxy. This proxy authentication continues through as many proxies as necessary until the client is in communication with the server.

Abstract: Stream data is transmitted from a distribution server to a client without any loss of data. The capacity of a reception buffer to be prepared at the client can be made small and the network bandwidth necessary for data redistribution can be narrowed. A relay server interposed between the distribution server and client buffers stream data in an auxiliary storage device. When the relay server or client detects a loss of stream data, a redistribution request is transmitted to the distribution server or another relay server at the preceding stage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for interchanging contents information and a system for interchanging contents information. A loop that a receiving side CL1 sends a request signal CL1a carrying position data pd to a sending side SV1 through a communication system NT, the sending side SV1 sends back contents information corresponding thereto as a sending signal SV1a, and the receiving side CL1 displays the signal is repetitively updated and performed at a high frequency by repetitively updating and sending the position data pd at a high frequency. Since the achievable frequency of repetitive updating and performing the loop varies by the combination of receiving side CL1, communication system NT, and sending side SV1, the achievable maximum frequency mxfQ for each loop is determined from a given table or by actual measurement. A standard frequency stfQ which does not exceed the thus determined frequency is set, the processes along the loop are performed at the standard frequency stfQ or a lower frequency.

Abstract: An interlocking architecture for a software interface and a bar code scanner. Upon power-up, a handshaking operation is performed between a scanner (1600) having a scanner processor (2600) and a computer processor (2612) of a computer (302) based upon the code stored in the NV memory (2602) of the scanner (1600) and a unique code associated with the software interface running on the computer (302). A wedge (1608) is provided as an interface mechanism for the scanner (1600) and a keyboard (1610) to a keyboard port (2500) of the computer (302). The handshaking occurs through the wedge (1608) via a keyboard interface (2610) to the processor (2600) such that a successful handshake directs the processor (2600) to engage a switch (2604) which enables power to a sensing head (2606) for read optically encoded information.

Abstract: A multi-processor computer system is described in which address mapping, routing, and transaction identification mechanisms are provided which enable the interconnection of a plurality of multi-processor clusters, wherein the number of processors interconnected exceeds limited address, node identification, and transaction tag spaces associated with each of the individual clusters.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a Web service request in a distributed computing environment. In one embodiment, the Web service request is processed in a Web service requester. A packet having a header containing an internationalization context of the Web service requester is generated. The packet is then attached to the Web service request. The packet is then sent with the Web service request to the distributed computing environment.

Abstract: Transmitting data from a source to a destination, includes receiving the data from the source and providing the data to the destination using a network, where the data is acknowledged to the source as being successfully received at the destination prior to all of the data being provided to the network. The source may be a primary storage device. The destination may be a secondary storage device. The data may be provided from the source in a first format and may be provided to the network in a second format that is different from the first format where the first format may be RDF and the second format may be TCP/IP or UDP. The destination may receive the data in a first format different from a second format used to transmit the data over the network. The first format may be RDF and the second format may be TCP/IP or UDP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating the activities of multiple computers using a common reference point such as a Global Positioning System pulse-per-second signal. A reload register transmits a reload value to a mission timer. The mission timer generates an interrupt signal based upon the reload value. A timer capture register captures the countdown value of the mission timer when a pulse-per-second signal is asserted. Software generates new reload values based upon the countdown value captured by the timer capture register. Additional timer capture registers may be used to form a consensus value of the countdown value when the pulse-per-second signal is asserted. A local pulse-per-second signal generator may be used when a Global Positioning System pulse-per-second signal is not available.

Abstract: A client is authenticated to a network resource wherein the client is coupled to a biometric sensor. The client signals a request to the network resource (e.g., by connecting to an access point). The network resource initiates a point-to-point LAN authentication protocol between the network resource and the client. The network resource requests biometric data from the client via the LAN authentication protocol (optionally either before or after authenticating with other credentials). The client captures biometric data of an attendant user of the client. The client transmits the captured biometric data to the network resource via the LAN authentication protocol. The network resource encapsulates the biometric data in the LAN authentication protocol into an authentication server protocol and forwards the encapsulated biometric data to an authentication server.

Abstract: The present invention implements a mechanism for reliably communicating transaction messages between source and destination devices connected across an unreliable network, where a transaction is an operation requested by a source device of a destination device and where a plurality of messages are exchanged between source and destination in order to ensure completion of the transaction. Because the network linking the source and destination is unreliable, the source and destination operate to preserve data regarding the transaction messages which they have received and transmitted. If responsive messages are not timely received, they are generally resent. A dual timing system is preferably implemented to ensure that there are never two identical messages simultaneously in transmission through the network.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods which afford a technical application for insuring, bonding, and underwriting a transmission of a data set, streaming data, and/or document over the Internet through TCP/IP and all other electronic media such as WAP, VOIP, fiber optic channels, microwave channels, and through standard electrical switches, electrical outlets and power lines. The present invention includes a computer readable medium having computer executable instruction to cause a system perform a method for insuring, bonding, and/or underwriting data transmission. The method includes enabling a first remote client coupled to a communications network to insure, bond, and/or underwrite a transmission of an electronic data set, streaming data, and/or document, with a selected coverage type for a selected coverage amount, from the first remote client to one or more second remote clients. The method includes charging a fee to an appropriate account for the selected coverage type and amount.

Abstract: To provide a method for transmitting short messages (SMS) between computers (3, 8, 9) in the Internet (4), wherein the short message (SMS) is converted into a data format comprised of a header part (10) and a useful part (32), with at least one data field (11) for determining the data format, at least one data field (16) for identifying the sender, and at least one data field (19) for identifying the recipient being inserted into the header part (10), it is provided that before, during and, optionally, after the transmission of the short message (SMS), character strings (.LOGIN, .SELECT-CHANNEL) are exchanged between computers (3, 8, 9). By using the data format described in combination with the character strings which are exchanged between the computers (3, 8, 9), a protocol (ISMTP, Internet Short Message Transfer Protocol) that is suitable for such a data transfer and variable can be created which is based on a computer network, e.g. a TCP-IP-based network.

Abstract: A network device is disclosed. The network device has a port to allow reception of an incoming call at a first endpoint and a memory to store endpoint identifiers and associated capability information. A processor in the network device is to determine an identifier for a second endpoint from the incoming call, access associated capability information for the second endpoint, if it exists, set a first field value depending upon any associated capability information available, transmit a message including a first field value and then perform a capabilities exchange with the second endpoint, if necessary, depending upon the first field value and a second field value received from the other endpoint.

Abstract: Transmitting data from a source to a destination, includes receiving the data from the source and providing the data to the destination using a network, where the data is acknowledged to the source as being successfully received at the destination prior to all of the data being provided to the network. The source may be a primary storage device. The destination may be a secondary storage device. The data may be provided from the source in a first format and may be provided to the network in a second format that is different from the first format where the first format may be RDF and the second format may be TCP/IP or UDP. The destination may receive the data in a first format different from a second format used to transmit the data over the network. The first format may be RDF and the second format may be TCP/IP or UDP.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, in a data network to compress headers of packets that carry media information having an RTP TS which cannot be linearly extrapolated from the RTP SN.

Abstract: A data protocol permitting a source computer to initiate execution of an execution process on a destination computer uses XML data in which different complex data types correspond to different execution processes to be triggered. Parameter data to be used by the associated execution processes may be embedded within the corresponding complex data types.

Abstract: An interface is used to manage nested atomic transactions, in which a transaction participant can also be a transaction manager. These transactions include fundamental and/or composite commands. Each command is represented by a command object, and the interface is implemented by methods and variables in each of these command objects. The interface enables a transaction manager to instruct its transaction participants to perform prepare and commit or rollback phases and to ascertain whether the prepare phases succeed or fail. The interface enables any command object to be a transaction manager and a transaction participant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. In the method of this embodiment, one operating mode of port circuitry may be selected from a plurality of operating modes of the port circuitry that may correspond to respective sets of one or more communication links via which the port circuitry may be capable of communicating when the port circuitry is operating in the respective operating modes. Each of the respective sets of one or more communication links may be different from each other. The method of this embodiment also may include selecting, based at least in part upon the one operating mode of the port circuitry, a set of filters. The port circuitry may be capable of determining, based at least in part upon the set of filters, whether to drop a packet that is received, or intended to be transmitted by the port circuitry.

Abstract: The invention provides for the coordination of client/server processes. One or more embodiments provide a completion object comprised of various states of completion of a client request. The completion object may be manipulated to transition from one state to another by both the client and server. The following states of completion may be provided: idle, ready, active, completing, completed, and acknowledged. In the idle state, the completion object is obtained by the client (by constructing a new object or retrieving an existing object that has been recycled). In the ready state, the request has been initialized but not yet issued to the server or I/O device. In the active state, the server processes the I/O request. In the completing state, the server has completed the I/O operations requested but has not yet stored the results. In the completed state, the server stores the results to be returned to the client and notifies the client.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for exchanging data at irregular intervals between a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits to the receiver reports containing subject data along with information regarding the next interval at which subject data will be transmitted to the receiver. The receiver may create an expectation window corresponding to the interval information. In a network environment, the level of non-management traffic is monitored, and an average interval value for exchanging management data is selected as a function of the level of non-management traffic. Then, interval values are randomly generated based on the selected average interval value, and the management data is transmitted from the sender to the receiver at irregular intervals corresponding to the interval values.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for exchanging data at irregular intervals between a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits to the receiver reports containing subject data along with information regarding the next interval at which subject data will be transmitted to the receiver. The receiver may create an expectation window corresponding to the interval information. In a network environment, the level of non-management traffic is monitored, and an average interval value for exchanging management data is selected as a function of the level of non-management traffic. Then, interval values are randomly generated based on the selected average interval value, and the management data is transmitted from the sender to the receiver at irregular intervals corresponding to the interval values.

Abstract: Embodiments of a decentralized, distributed trust mechanism that may be used in various networking platforms including peer-to-peer platforms, to implement trust relationships between and among nodes on a network and to implement trust relationships between nodes and content and data (codat). Protocols and methods may be provided for determining, disseminating and updating trust. For participating nodes, trust may be biased towards data relevance. Trust may have multiple components or factors, which may include node confidence, codat confidence and risk components, and embodiments may provide for the inclusion of factors of trust based on groups of nodes' common interests and/or group content relevance. Embodiments may be used for a variety of applications in which trust may be based on the norm for social interaction between participating nodes.

Abstract: In a network system S, which includes an agent server LS that is located between the Internet IN and a terminal T and that relays a connection request from the terminal T to the Internet IN, the agent server LS requests the establishment of a connection between the terminal T and the agent server LS and transmits to the terminal T a request signal that includes identification information for the agent server LS. The terminal T receives the request signal and examines the agent server LS based on the identification information included in the received signal. When it is concluded that the agent server LS that transmitted the request signal is one to which the terminal T should be connected, a connection is established with the agent module LS that transmitted the request signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for scheduling transmit network events in a multiprocessing environment. Each processing node handles its own linked list of transmit object queues and linked list of transport queues. Therefore efficient handling of the transmit network events is enabled. Queues may be added, made inactive, or removed depending on the status of a specific transmit event the queue handles. By maintaining queues in memory, the apparatus is easily scalable, in linear relationship with the size of the memory made available.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adaptively coupling processing components in a distributed system. In one aspect, a second component requests an interaction with a first component by sending a service access request to access a first service of the first component. The service access request specifies parameters relating to a proposed level of coupling between the first component and the second component. The second component receives a service response from the first component; the service response specifies counter-proposed parameters relating to a proposed level of coupling between the first component and the second component. The second component determines whether the service response indicates that the first service may be provided. If so, then an agreed-upon level of coupling is established between the first component and second component, and the components interact to receive the service. The level of coupling among the components may be re-negotiated at any time by exchanging values in a coupling context.

Abstract: A technique for providing communication between two computers through a network in a way to allow one computer to control the other.

Abstract: A system and method improve the performance of block storage over a network with asymmetric traffic by reducing the exchange of control messages between clients and servers. Before the source and the target begin exchanging data, they need to exchange control messages first to ensure the integrity of the data transfer operations. The acknowledgment messages affect the performance of backup operations when using a storage protocol such as SCSI over a reliable wide-area network protocol such as TCP/IP. SCSI protocol level and TCP/IP protocol level acknowledgment messages are combined to reduce CPU utilization at both the source and the target systems, which improves the overall system throughput and performance, and also reduces the bottleneck at the network level.

Abstract: The origin address of an e-mail message is validated to enable blocking of e-mail from spam e-mail sources, by preparing, in response to the receipt of a predetermined e-mail message from an unverified source address, a data key encoding information reflective of the predetermined e-mail message. This message, including the data key, is then issued to the unverified source address. The computer system then operates to detect whether a response e-mail message, responsive to the challenge e-mail message, is received and whether the response e-mail message includes a response key encoding predetermined information reflective of a predetermined aspect of the challenge e-mail message. The unverified source address may be recorded in a verified source address list.

Abstract: A method for connecting a wireless device to a remote location on a computer network. A beacon signal is transmitted from a beacon unit disposed at a first geographic location. The beacon signal includes components indicative of a first code and of a second code, the first code being associated with a remote location on a computer network and the second code being associated with an attribute of the beacon unit. The beacon signal is received using a beacon signal receiver circuit disposed with a wireless device at a second geographic location. The first code and the second code are then extracted from the beacon signal. In response to receiving the beacon signal, control signals indicative of the first code and the second code are sent from the beacon signal receiver circuit to the wireless device. In response to receiving the control signals, an RF signal constituting a first message packet is transmitted from the wireless device to an intermediate location on the computer network.

Abstract: A communication stack enables computers implementing it to send, receive, or route network communications. The communication stack includes a message layer, a communication layer, a security layer, and a transport protocol layer, with plug-in transport protocol modules and plug-in security protocol modules. Each of the origin computer, target computer, and routing computers involved in delivering a message implements the communication stack. An application on the origin computer calls the message layer of the computer to send messages to a target computer and identifies routing computers on the route for delivering the message to the target computer. The message layer calls the communication layer to establish a connection to the target computer. The communication layer uses the transport protocol layer to establish an initial connection with the target computer, and uses the security layer to negotiate security parameters and to handle secured communications between the origin and target computers.

Abstract: A sending system, which includes one or more computer systems including a sending computer system, sends, via a predetermined transport, data indicative of an intent to send an object from the sending computer system. A receiving system, which includes one or more computer systems including a receiving computer system, receives the data indicative of an intent to send the object. In some embodiments, the receiving system may analyze the data indicative of an intent to send the object and select an appropriate transfer mechanism to receive the object. The receiving system sends data indicative of an intent to receive the object at the receiving computer system. The sending system may receive the data indicative of an intent to receive the object, may analyze the data, and select an appropriate transfer mechanism to send the object.

Abstract: A method for setting wireless network devices aims at altering settings of at least one second wireless network device from a first wireless network device in a wireless transmission fashion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing communication (across a network) between a first network device and a second network device apply policy data received from a policy device (e.g., a policy server), thus offloading significant functionality from the policy device. Offloading such functionality reduces the processing required by the policy device, thus improving network performance. Such systems permit network access admission control in a scalable manner.

Abstract: A system and method for securely confirming performance of a task by a peer in a peer-to-peer network environment using signed receipts are disclosed. The method generally comprises broadcasting a request over the network by a requesting peer for a task with respect to a remote non-local backend server, receiving a response containing a local alias URL pointing to a destination on a responding server node, forwarding the task to the local alias URL for performance by the responding server node, and verifying a digital signature of any receipt packet received from the responding server node to ensure that the receipt packet is from the remote non-local backend server. The method may also include placing the server node in a black list of the requesting peer if the verifying is unsuccessful.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for exchanging data at irregular intervals between a sender and a receiver. The sender transmits to the receiver reports containing subject data along with information regarding the next interval at which subject data will be transmitted to the receiver. The receiver may create an expectation window corresponding to the interval information. In a network environment, the level of non-management traffic is monitored, and an average interval value for exchanging management data is selected as a function of the level of non-management traffic. Then, interval values are randomly generated based on the selected average interval value, and the management data is transmitted from, the sender to the receiver at irregular intervals corresponding to the interval values.

Abstract: A method for processing packets in a multi-processor environment, that includes receiving a set-up request packet for a communication session and directing the set-up request packet to a selected one of a plurality of processors. A set-up reply packet is generated at the selected one of the plurality of processors, the set-up reply packet including a virtual identifier assigned to the selected one of the plurality of processors. The set-up reply packet is transported to establish the communication session.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring a gateway device for a modem over packet network session is disclosed. For example, a system may include a first gateway device coupled to a first client device and a second gateway device coupled to a second client device, where the first gateway device is coupled to the second gateway device over a packet network. The trans-compression types and capabilities of the first and second gateway devices are determined and used to generate a set of negotiation parameters. The first gateway device then negotiates with the first client device using the negotiation parameters to select a first compression algorithm. A second compression algorithm selected between the second gateway device and the second client devices is also determined by the first gateway device.

Abstract: A master movie and player are created on the fly. The master movie is created based on characteristics of a movie or other asset to be viewed by the player. The player is constructed from a template having rudimentary player capabilities for a predetermined connection speed. Tracks selected by suppliers and user/e-tailers are added to customize the player. Different players are constructed for various predetermined connection speeds. When an asset is to be viewed, a server downloads the master movie matching a content viewer's request to the content viewer's machine. The master movie determines the connection speed and send a message back to the server. The server then downloads the player for the asset requested by the content viewer and matching the content viewer's connection speed. The requested asset is then streamed to the content viewer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for optimizing the reintroduction of a network node into a network. Information about neighboring nodes is stored in persistent memory. The network node can then be reinitialized and reintroduced into the network. Upon reintroduction, the network node can transmit heartbeat messages such as Hello messages to its neighboring nodes using information stored in persistent memory. A link state packet request message such as a Complete Sequence Numbers Packet referencing dummy link state information is transmitted to a neighboring node. A partial packet request message such as a Partial Sequence Numbers Packet referencing the dummy link state packet from the neighboring node can acknowledge that the Complete Sequence Numbers Packet has been received.

Abstract: A data distribution center associated with a broadband network system wherein the first broadband network system further includes at least one broadband interface unit (BIntU) transceiver comprising a receiver portion and a transmitter portion. The receiver portion is configured to receive user defined protocol with value-added (UDPVA) packet from the BIntU transceiver. The transmitter portion is configured to transmit return packets that is triggered in response to the UDPVA packets, wherein the data distribution center indicates to the BIntU transceiver that the UDPVA packets forwarded by the BIntU transceiver to the data distribution center are being received by the data distribution center or a second BIntU transceiver.

Abstract: An OP-N connection is mapped through a communications network between first and second end-nodes via at least one intermediate node. The integrity and validity of the OP-N connection can be determined independently of SONET/SDH lines, sections or paths mapped through the network, and potentially utilizing bandwidth of the OP-N connection. Validation of the OP-N connection can be accomplished by inserting performance monitor (PM) information into a data signal at the first end-node. In some embodiments, the PM information is inserted into an unused portion of the transport overhead (TOH) of a SONET/SDH data signal. At each intermediate node between the first and second end-nodes, the PM information is extracted from the data signal, buffered while the data signal is pointer processed, and the reinserted before forwarding the data signal. Finally, a the second end-point, the PM information is extracted and examined.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a network-enabled appliance. The appliance may aid the remote monitoring of various measured data. The device may monitor a variable or set of variables and output the data upon request. In addition, the appliance may issue alarms, alerts, warning and other notifications when a variable matches a setpoint or undergoes a specified change, deviation, and/or fluctuation. Further the appliance may be operable to communicate with other appliances. The communication may comprise periodic pinging of peer appliances. In this manner, a peer appliance may detect a failure in other network-enabled appliances when an anticipated ping is not received. Further, the communication may enable the establishment of a directory of capabilities of various appliances. In this manner, a group of appliances may perform more complex behaviors by grouping resources. Further, a group of appliances may act to reestablish the behavior of a failed device.

Abstract: A server load reduction system includes a master URL containing data. The system further includes a proxy browser, which conducts a browse operation to request the data contained in the master URL. This browse operation is conducted through a proxy server. The proxy server is capable of receiving the data from the master URL. The proxy server includes logic operative to record and distribute the data to a client server. Logic contained in the proxy browser is operative to notify a client server to load the data when the proxy server contains all of the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and computer program product for handling timeout in a standard RPC connection. First, a client establishes a connection with a server with unique identification. After submitting an RPC request, the client system will periodically make secondary requests to the server to determine if the server is still actively processing the primary RPC request. If the secondary request is processed successfully and the server indicates that the primary request is still in progress, the client will continue to wait until either the primary request completes or enough time elapses to warrant another secondary request. The success of the secondary request hinges on finding a match of identification for the primary and secondary requests. If the secondary request fails, this failure is treated as a sign that there is either a network or a server problem, and the client is triggered into taking appropriate corrective action.

Abstract: To ensure the polling of a server 11 will reach clients 12 from which an ACK/NACK has not been received despite the change of IP addresses of clients 12 in a network system where an ACK/NACK is to be sent back from each client 12 to the server 11 after file data is transmitted from the server 11 to multiple clients 12 by means of broadcast. Clients 12 in a group are granted identification IDs that are mutually identifiable and permanent. Server 11 send the polling by means of multicast that contains information about permanent IDs of the clients 12 from which it has not received an ACK/NACK. Each of the clients 12 replies with an ACK/NACK if its own permanent ID is contained in the polling, otherwise makes no reply.

Abstract: A server apparatus to transmit music data is provided with a distribution request process section that receives music number, a reading section that reads out the music data from a contents server, and a notification process section that notifies the terminal of the music number, the size of the music data and the starting block number of the music data. The music data is divided into a plurality of block units. The server further includes a reception process section that receives a response from the terminal confirming the music number, the size of the music data and the starting block number of the music data, a communication section that transmits each block of the music data to the terminal, a block confirmation reception section that receives a confirmation notification from the terminal when the terminal normally receives each block of the music data.

Abstract: An in-band signaling method that enables secure updates of a care-of-IP address for a mobile host that roams between access networks. In the illustrative embodiment described herein, a mobile host includes an intelligent interface that handles IP networking functions and tunnels IP packets between the mobile host and the mobile host's home agent/remote access server (HA/RAS) transparently, as if the mobile host established a connection to a communicating or destination host (DST) from the home network (where the HA/RAS resides). In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an in-band signaling method that employs encrypted three-way handshake signaling messages that are embedded in encapsulated IP packets to enable care-of IP address updates. This method can effectively protect mobile hosts from denial-of-service attacks and is transparent to NAT/NAPT firewalls.

Abstract: A system for authenticating and/or authorizing users of a service includes one communication interface with an access communication channel and another communication interface with a confirmation communication channel. Requests for a user to access a service are received over the access communication channel, and confirmation codes for the user are received over a trusted confirmation channel, such as an SMS text messaging system. Confirmation codes may be received from the user requesting access to the service or by a third party acting as a gatekeeper to the service. The system tests the validity of received confirmation codes, and enables the user to access the service if a valid confirmation code is received.

Abstract: Data is distributed over a network using a first network protocol, for example, a non-reliable protocol. The non-reliable protocol (e.g., multicast) is used to distribute the data from a host system to multiple target systems with reduced overhead as compared to typical reliable protocols. Portions of the data that are not received by one or more of the target systems are requested and transmitted via a second network protocol (e.g., hypertext transport protocol, or HTTP). In one embodiment, the target systems maintain a checkpoint management service that determines the portions of data not received. In an alternative embodiment, target systems evaluate data received to determine whether a portion of the transmitted data was not received.

Abstract: A data transfer method realizing a function similar to Unix's FORK by the following operations: allowing a parent process on a server to issue a request for intermission of communication to a process on a client and allowing the process on the client to issue a report of completion of intermission; allowing the parent process to issue, to a child process created on the server and the process on the client, a request for establishment of a new communication line connection between them; and, if the parent process has received data from the process on the client before the establishment of the new connection, coping the data to the child process.