Cisco Technology, Inc.

James Clark

William C VerSteeg

Guenter E Roeck

Mark E Millet

Chrisanto Leano

Michael F Keohane

Kurt Kollmansberger

John Robert Horrobin

In one embodiment, a network device comprises a tag processor configured to process a media stream received at the network device. The media stream is sent through a network to a desired destination. The tag processor comprises at least one of a tag inserter module and a tag module. The tag inserter module inserts a tag into the media stream, the tag indicating content of the media stream and the network device providing the tag. The tag module identifies and reports a value of a tag received within the media stream, and forwards the media stream to a user and/or compares the identified value to an expected tag value, and forwards the media stream to a user in the event that the comparison indicates a match. The present invention embodiments further include a method and logic for content tagging of the media stream.

Content tagging of media streams

A method and apparatus for monitoring use patterns or services available information in video distribution networks. A network termination unit receives the video content through a port, demodulates and decodes the signals to produce display signals. The display signals are displayed on a viewing device connected to the network termination unit and the network termination unit monitors the use patterns and/or services available information of the viewing device. The unit then formats the use patterns or services available information into use pattern network packets and transmits them. A content analyzer receives use pattern packet from a network termination unit and decode them to access the data. The content analyzer then analyzes the use patterns and/or services available information and characterizes the unit. The characterization of the unit is then used to target content to that unit.

Content discovery and differential advertising in video distribution networks

A system for testing a cable network during normal operation interleaves test signals with live data traffic. Installed cable modems are used to generate the test signals. During live communication, such modems send upstream data at allotted time periods. Periodically, there are time slots when no modem is transmitting on the network. During these times, specific modems may be directed to transmit specific test signals. A controller such as a cable modem termination system directs specific modems to transmit signals at defined frequencies and powers during specific time slots. In this manner, the system can monitor the frequency response of the cable network at various locations, and thereby determine 'on-the-fly' when maintenance or modification is required.

Cable plant certification procedure using cable modems

Method and apparatus to provide alternative content during an intermission in a main content experience. The method includes receiving a pause signal and starting a pause interval. When the pause interval exceeds a predetermined length, alternative content is provided to the user. A network termination unit receives the pause signal and includes a controller that ceases distribution of the main content and starts a timer to time the pause interval. The network termination unit has a content source that may include a local store of main content, alternative content, or both. It may also include a port operable to pull content from a content server.

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Cumming, GA, United States of America

James Clark