Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

Time Warner Cable Inc.

Time Warner Cable, a Division of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.p.

Andrew Charles Danforth

Tushar Nakhre

Howard Pfeffer

Shan Huang

Kenneth Gould

Michael Kelsen

Clayton O'Neill

Christopher G Turner

Noah Paci

William Webb

Michael Dillon

William Lynn Helms

Charles A Hasek

Louis Dew Williamson

Christopher Pierce Williams

A configuration resource automatically synchronizes configuration settings associated with one or more communication resources disposed in a respective subscriber domain. For example, a communication resource such as communication device operated by the subscriber initiates a change to configuration settings associated with a first communication resource disposed in a subscriber domain. The first communication resource notifies the auto-configuration resource of the new configuration settings applied to the first communication resource. The auto-configuration resource identifies one or more other communication resources disposed in the subscriber domain. To ensure synchronization of the communication resources in the subscriber domain, in response to receiving notification of the new configuration settings applied to at least one communication resource and the subscriber domain, the auto-configuration resource initiates modification of configuration settings associated with the one or more other communication resources in the subscriber domain.

Configuration settings management in a network environment

Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a 'media server' modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods for content distribution to packet-enabled devices via a network bridge

Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption-based data billing counts. This is useful for excluding traffic from consumption totals where the application traffic has been accounted for using other means, such as through billing as a separate or technically distinct service. In practice, a tablet computer (or other end user device) can run a video application that uses a high-speed data network via a cable modem. This video application may be included as part of a core video package associated with a distinct cable television service. The system then provides accurate consumption billing of customer traffic that is outside of any other managed services by creating separate logical data service flows at a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for excluding specific traffic counts.

Excluding specific application traffic from customer consumption data

At an intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device, over a network, a dynamic host configuration protocol message is obtained from one of a plurality of remote dynamic host configuration protocol relay devices in communication with the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device over the network. The intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device accesses data pertaining to a plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers logically fronted by the intermediary dynamic host configuration protocol relay device. Based on information in the dynamic host configuration protocol message and the data pertaining to the plurality of dynamic host configuration protocol back-end servers, the dynamic host configuration protocol message is routed to an appropriate one of the plurality of back-end dynamic host configuration protocol servers.

System and method for automatic routing of dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) traffic

Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.

Apparatus and methods for providing content to an IP-enabled device in a content distribution network

A topology map engine obtains, from a dynamic host control protocol relay device, a relayed request, of a client, for a dynamic host control protocol lease. The relayed request has at least one given IP address of the dynamic host control protocol relay device inserted therein. A search is made in a database for that IP address. If not found, dynamic host control protocol relay device information is obtained. This information includes: an identifier of the dynamic host control protocol relay device; and at least one network interface of the dynamic host control protocol relay device and any internet protocol addresses assigned to same. This information is obtained at the topology map engine and stored in the database.

System and method for automatically learning and maintaining IP address allocation topology

The present invention teaches methods and systems for subscriber blocking of unauthorized network traffic in a cable data network. The cable modem termination system (CMTS) incorporates a data gateway agent that filters unauthorized traffic thereby eliminating consumption based subscribers from being responsible for related service charges. Embodiments incorporate the use of packet filtering, hybrid stateful packet filtering, content filtering, application layer filtering and time based filtering. Greater acceptance of consumption based billing is achieved by having the filter settings directed by the subscriber.

Method to block unauthorized network traffic in a cable data network

A system and method for assigning a service flow classifier to a device. A MAC address of a device is extracted from a DHCP discover message. A DHCP server constructs a key from the device MAC address and an IP address assigned by the DHCP server. The key identifies a record of attributes of the device. A configuration server uses the key to access the attribute record and to generate a boot file for the device. The boot file includes one or more service flow classifiers that determine a service flow for packets destined for the device.

Growing community of inventors

Chantilly, VA, United States of America

Andrew Charles Danforth