Level 1 gateway controlling broadband communications for video dial tone networks
US5621728A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/5642
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In advanced digital networks for providing selective point-to-point communications between subscribers terminals and broadband server equipment operated by a plurality of independent information service providers, routing through the network is controlled by functionality identified as a Level 1 Gateway. In an enhanced video dial tone network additionally providing an array of broadcast services from multiple providers, the Level 1 Gateway also provides high level control over at least some of the broadcast services. The Level 1 Gateway will perform a variety of functions including communications port management of transmissions of information between subscribers and servers, processing of billing information and session management. The Level 1 Gateway generates menus of providers and broadcast services, either as a function of providers and services available through a particular portion of the network or in a customized fashion specified by individual subscribers. The Level 1 Gateway may also provide a PIN number functionality, e.g. to permit parents to limit which providers and broadcast services that their children can access. The Level 1 Gateway is itself an interactive device…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.