Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Anand Valavi

Donald M Gray

Thomas W Kuehnel

Robert George Atkinson

Tom Blank

William Thomas Blank

Real-time communication of multimedia data over heterogeneous networks that may include constant delay networks, variable delay networks that have a common reckoning of time, and variable delay networks that do not have a common reckoning of time. If there are any variable delay networks in which there is no common reckoning of time in the heterogeneous networks, a common reckoning of time is established in each of those networks. Then, a constant delay network is emulated for each variable delay network using the specific common time reckoning present in each variable delay network.

Methods and systems for distributing multimedia data over heterogeneous networks

The present invention is directed to a method and system for disaggregating and connecting A/V components, and communicating A/V content stream information. An A/V stream from a source device is packaged for transmission over an IP network to one or more output devices. A brick device enables the integration of legacy A/V systems into the network supported A/V system. The brick device operates to provide analog signal and IP protocol conversion, along with the synchronization of received A/V stream data packets. The rendering and play of the A/V stream content on multiple output devices is synchronized to overcome distortions and other network idiosyncrasy and to facilitate a pleasant user experience.

Method and system for disaggregating audio/visual components

A radio module that detachably connects with a host device. A radio module is provided that includes an antenna as an integral part of the radio module. The antenna satisfies regulatory requirements by being an integral part of the radio module. The radio module includes an interface circuit that provides the processing required for communication over a wireless network. The functionality of the interface can be divided between the radio module and the host device. The physical interface between a host device and the radio module may depend on which functions are implemented by the radio module and which functions are implemented by the host device. In one example, the physical interface is a standard connection that permits the radio module to be detachably connected with multiple devices. The radio module also includes a flexible cable such that the radio module can be optimally positioned within the wireless network.

Detachable radio module

A switch with tandem ports and an outlet assembly permit individual segments of cable to be used with multiple data link protocol standards. The multiple data link protocols can be used either one at a time, with each group of wires in the cable carrying the same data link protocol in different communication sessions, or can be used in tandem, with each group of wires in the cable simultaneously carrying a different data link protocol.

Switch with tandem ports and outlet assembly

A new network connection setup procedure for network computers to set up data transmission connections over a network that implements traffic prioritization (e.g., according to IEEE 802.1p) has the effect of providing admission control and implicit bandwidth reservation. A sending network device (the 'sender') that wants to initiate a new transmission over the network first enters a probing mode in which it sends data packets at a priority level that is lower than the target priority level and at a transmission rate up to a peak probing transmission rate that may be the same or slightly higher than the desired transmission rate. If the sender determines based on feedback regarding the probing transmission that the network can support a transmission at the peak probing transmission rate and the probing priority level, it switches to a steady mode in which it sends data packets at the desired transmission rate and at the target priority level.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Anand Valavi