139 results about "Network operations center" patented technology

The present invention describes a system and method for communicating voice and data over a packet-switched network that is adapted to coexist and communicate with a legacy PSTN. The system permits packet switching of voice calls and data calls through a data network from and to any of a LEC, a customer facility or a direct IP connection on the data network. The system includes soft switch sites, gateway sites, a data network, a provisioning component, a network event component and a network management component. The system interfaces with customer facilities (e.g., a PBX), carrier facilities (e.g., a LEC) and legacy signaling networks (e.g., SS7) to handle calls between any combination of on-network and off-network callers.The soft switch sites provide the core call processing for the voice network architecture. The soft switch sites manage the gateway sites in a preferred embodiment, using a protocol such as the Internet Protocol Device Control (IPDC) protocol to request the set-up and tear-down of calls. The gateway sites originate and terminate calls between calling parties and called parties through the data network. The gateway sites include network access devices to provide access to network resources. The data network connects one or more of the soft switch sites to one or more of the gateway sites. The provisioning and network event component collects call events recorded at the soft switch sites. The network management component includes a network operations center (NOC) for centralized network management.

A smart grid gateway which includes a onboard computer programmed to provide load measurement and control of at least one local resource or asset. At least one metrology module is configured to provide metering of the at least one local resource or asset. At least one LAN module is configured to communicate with the at least one local resource or asset. At least one WAN module is configured to communicate with a network operations center.

Methods and systems are provided for providing network services using at least one processor, such as a network operations center that interfaces a base network. The network operations center may receive information identifying a user authorized to administer a first processor, which may be separate from the network operations center, and a base address that is routable in the base network. The network operations center may provide through the base network code and information for self-configuring the first processor as a gateway that interfaces the base network at the base address. The first processor may execute the provided code to self-configure itself as the gateway based on the provided information. The network operations center may then provide through the base network to the first processor additional information enabling at least one tunnel through the base network to a second processor, which may also be separate from the network operations center, when the first and second processors each provide to the network operations center a consent for enabling the tunnel.

A communication system balances message traffic between return channel groups and within the groups, so that the user does not control the specific transmission frequency used. Uplink frequencies and bandwidths for the return channels are set by the system in a return channel control message in the broadcast signal so as to account for system and return channel group loading, and to account for user message backlogs. An initial transmission from a remote user may be made using an ALOHA-type burst signal that provides a message backlog to the control station, and is made on a frequency determined from a randomly weighted, load-based frequency selection process. The system, and not the individual users determine the frequency and channel allocations. For large backlogs or priority users, periodic bandwidth is provided. A method for balancing loads among and between groups of return channels in the communication system includes requesting return channel bandwidth in an uplink message from a remote user to a control station. The uplink message may include a both a backlog indicator and a bandwidth allocation request provided to a Network Operations Center (NOC) which can be used to set the return channel bandwidth and frequency for the remote uplink. A user message is transmitted on the designated return channel frequency using bandwidth allocated in accordance with the backlog indicator and a bandwidth allocation request so that traffic loads are maintained in balance between established return channel frequency groups, and within each return channel frequency group.

A communication system balances message traffic between return channel groups and within the groups, so that the user does not control the specific transmission frequency used. Uplink frequencies and bandwidths for the return channels are set by the system in a return channel control message in the broadcast signal so as to account for system and return channel group loading, and to account for user message backlogs. An initial transmission from a remote user may be made using an ALOHA-type burst signal that provides a message backlog to the control station, and is made on a frequency determined from a randomly weighted, load-based frequency selection process. The system, and not the individual users determine the frequency and channel allocations. For large backlogs or priority users, periodic bandwidth is provided. A method for balancing loads among and between groups of return channels in the communication system includes requesting return channel bandwidth in an uplink message from a remote user to a control station. The uplink message may include a both a backlog indicator and a bandwidth allocation request provided to a Network Operations Center (NOC) which can be used to set the return channel bandwidth and frequency for the remote uplink. A user message is transmitted on the designated return channel frequency using bandwidth allocated in accordance with the backlog indicator and a bandwidth allocation request so that traffic loads are maintained in balance between established return channel frequency groups, and within each return channel frequency group.

Methods and systems are provided for enabling a virtual network between a first processor and a second processor using at least one additional processor separate from the first and second processors. The additional processor may determine a first virtual address that identifies the first processor in the virtual network and provide the first virtual address to the first processor. When a tunnel between the first processor and the second processor is requested from the additional processor, the additional processor may authenticate the request based on the first virtual address and determine a second virtual address that identifies the second processor in the virtual network. After the additional processor authenticates the request and determines that the first and second processors have indicated a mutual consent for enabling one or more tunnels between the first and second processors, the additional processor may provide the second virtual address to the first processor to enable the requested tunnel between the first and second processors.

In a television programming management system, contributors access television programming functionality of legacy systems using a web-based interface provided by a network operations center. The network operations center is a best-of-breed J2EE-based implementation that provides a middleware interface to legacy systems. Using the interface provided by the network operations center, contributors can access any functionality required to create and distribute television programming. The present invention provides security features though a classifier. Use of playlists allows synchronization of created objects. Television programming can be performed by users and contributors.

A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center.

State of security in a mobile communications network is communicated. Data regarding nature and severity of security events onboard at least one mobile platform is generated and processed. A message that includes the processed data is generated and transmitted periodically. The processed data makes up a security state vector that includes the number of security events detected since power-up of the mobile platform node, sum of highest severity security events since power-up or counter rollover, sum of the second highest severity security events detected since power-up or counter rollover, sum of the third highest severity security events detected since power-up or counter rollover, highest security event classification, second-highest security event classification, and third-highest security event classification. The processed data may be used in a network operations center to prioritize mobile platforms from which logged data should be retrieved for further investigation and monitoring.

A health club exercise records system in which members to the health club are given a handheld device that is pre-programmed by the trainer or health club operator to record different exercise activities. The handheld device includes a built-in numeric keypad, a display monitor, and optical reader designed to communicate with a compatible ID tag located on or in the vicinity of the exercise activity data source. Loaded into the working memory of the handheld device is a pre-programmed exercise data collection program. The exercise data collection program displays one or more sub-routines to the member requesting the member to input information regarding the exercise. The sub-routines are specific to the exercise activity data source and present one or more prompts requiring the member to input information. The inputted information is stored in a temporary data file located on the handheld device or transmitted immediately to a permanent member data file on a local server located in the health club. The system may also include an uplink terminal for transmitting the data in the temporarily data file to a remote server connected to a network operations center. A fitness tools software program is loaded into the server for collecting and processing the data in the member's permanent data file which may be reviewed by the trainer and / or member.

A system and method for automating Air Traffic Control operations at or near an airport. as a complete standalone automated system replacing the need for a human controller to make aircraft movement decisions nor the need communicate with pilots, or as semi-automated, where a controller controls how the system operates. The system with related methods and computer hardware and computer software package, automatically manages manned aircraft, remote controlled UAV and airborne-able vehicles traffic at or near an airport, eliminates ATC-induced and reduce pilot-induced runway incursions and excursions, processes control messages related to aircraft or Pilots, communicates with Pilot over ATC radio frequency, receives aircraft positions, communicates control messages with the aircraft avionics, provides pilots a dynamic map with continuous display of nearby traffic operations, shows clearance and information related to runway operations, warns pilot of runway conditions and turbulence from other operations, warns when landing gear is not locked, displays the pilot emergency exits during takeoff roll, shows the pilot when and where to exit from the runway, shows the pilot where and when to cross a junction, calculates and displays pilot optimal speed and timing on taxiways and junctions for saving fuel, calculates congestions, calculates best taxiway routes, calculates when aircraft can cross a runway, provides directives and information to pilot over CPDLC display or dynamic map for airside operations, alerts and triggers breaks of the aircraft on wrong path or when hold-short bar is breached, displays emergency personnel with routing map and final aircraft resting position for emergency operations, takes over an aircraft operation when aircraft is hijacked or deviates from the flight plan, provide standalone or manned Remote Tower functionality, Records and retains all information related to airport airside operations including aircraft positions and conditions from sensors and reports for runways, junctions and taxiways, Records and retains aircraft data and cockpit voice to ground-based servers to eliminate black-box requirements, calculate future weather and airport capacity from aircraft at or nearby airport, coordinates handoff operations with other ATC positions, interfaces with ACDM systems, airport operations center, flow center and network operations center.

A remotely controlled uplink server system has a remote access interface that allows multiple user groups to individually control their respective media files. The user groups also have individual control over their respective remote receivers. The control over the media files includes file uploading, file management and file distribution and the control over the remote receivers includes the identification and grouping of receivers, managing the play list, scheduling and storage space on the receivers and selecting media channels. Through the remote access interface into the uplink server system, each one of the user groups operates and controls its own fully functioning network operations center, sharing the uplink facility with the other user groups. The uplink server also includes a media manager for storing and managing the media files, a network controller for combining control instructions for the remote receivers with the media files in a broadcast signal, and a transmitter for sending the broadcast signal to the remote receivers over the satellite network.

A remote data acquisition and transmission system and method are disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with remote beverage dispensing equipment from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network, and the application host can communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network interface.

A telecommunication base station transceiver subsystem that can be easily configured to provide single or multi-carrier frequency service. The base station is divided into a main unit and a radio unit such that the radio unit is positioned proximate to the antennas and the main unit is remotely located from the radio unit. A single base station transceiver can provide service via multiple wireless protocols, such as CDMA, TDMA, GSM or Analog. The base station transceiver .can also operate on various transmit / receive frequencies as well as variable transmit power settings. Furthermore, the base station transceiver can be reprogrammed, reconfigured and / or statused by a network operations center.

An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each of the plurality of devices consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to the facility, and generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the plurality of control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC via the demand coordination network for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off.

An airborne meter communication system includes an airborne platform that communicates with ground based utility meters using radio frequencies. The airborne platform retransmits information received from the meters to a network operations center for further processing.

A device to enable automatic wireless communication with an aircraft after the aircraft has parked at a gate. A terminal cellular bridge (TCB) enables the retrieval of data from, and the sending of data to the aircraft by an internet service provider. The internet service provider uses the Internet to send data to and receive data from a remotely located network operation center and data warehousing center. The data warehousing center provides secure data storage and retrieval, and data processing. The network operations center provides for system control and monitoring.

In a television programming management system, contributors access television programming functionality of legacy systems using a web-based interface provided by a network operations center. The network operations center is a best-of-breed J2EE-based implementation that provides a middleware interface to legacy systems. Using the interface provided by the network operations center, contributors can access any functionality required to create and distribute television programming. The present invention provides security features through a classifier. User of playlists allows synchronization of created objects. Television programming can be performed by users and contributors.

A broadband wireless system includes a plurality of spaced-apart ground stations for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a respective plurality of aircraft. Each of the plurality of ground stations may include a ground station transceiver including a ground station antenna carried by a mechanically steered platform, a ground station router in communication with the ground station transceiver, and a ground station beacon transceiver in communication with the ground station router. An aircraft transceiver may be carried by each of the plurality of aircraft to be positioned in communication with one of the plurality of ground stations. The aircraft transceiver may include an aircraft antenna mounted to the aircraft, an aircraft transceiver carried by the aircraft and in communication with the aircraft antenna, and an aircraft radio transceiver carried by the aircraft and in communication with the aircraft beacon transceiver. The broadband wireless system may also include a network operations center in communication with each of the ground stations via a global communications network. A ground station transceiver may transmit signals to and receives signals from not more than one aircraft at a time and ground station antenna may track the aircraft with which it is in communication.

An apparatus for providing remote services to an integrated information technology environment. The information technology environment comprises a services appliance. The services appliance provides agent-less monitoring of information handling systems within the information technology environment. The apparatus comprises a remote management platform. The remote management platform comprises a service delivery platform and a network operations center. The service delivery platform receives services information from the services appliance, analyzes the services information and determines a response based upon the services information. The service delivery platform provides the response to the network operations center. The network operation center proactively initiates the response based upon the services information.

A terminal adapter, along with a value added network, is disclosed that interworks a plurality of terminals with a processing host to accomplish transaction processing. The terminals can use different protocols and typically incorporate card readers for completing financial or other types of transactions typically involving credit, debit, ATM or similar cards. The terminal adapter provides reliable and secure communication using a network based in part on the Internet as a primary form of communication. The terminal adapter also provides a secondary communication path in the event of a failure of the primary communication path, as well as automatic recognition of different terminal protocols, various security functions, error detection, and other network administration functions to ensure a flexible system and efficient transaction processing system.

A self-contained, solar-powered mobile monitoring system is independent of external power sources and remotely accessible using a web browser. The system may include a mobile enclosure that houses a power regulator and batteries, which allow for the distribution and collection of electricity generated by solar panels mounted to the top of the enclosure. Also attachable to the mobile enclosure are weather sensors and an extendable tower. A camera is mountable to the top of the tower to allow for video monitoring, and a mobile camera is further provided for site-specific monitoring. Houseable inside the enclosure is monitoring equipment that collects video from the tower and mobile cameras, and weather data from the weather sensors. Networking equipment housed inside the enclosure make these data wirelessly accessible to local computer users by virtue of an omni-directional antenna mounted to the extendable tower. The data also is transmitted wirelessly to an Internet connection, whereupon the data are routed to a network operations center to allow access by off-site, remote users.

A health club exercise records system in which members to the health club are given a handheld device that is pre-programmed by the trainer or health club operator to record different exercise activities. The handheld device includes a built-in numeric keypad, a display monitor, and optical reader designed to communicate with a compatible ID tag located on or in the vicinity of the exercise activity data source. Loaded into the working memory of the handheld device is a pre-programmed exercise data collection program. The exercise data collection program displays one or more sub-routines to the member requesting the member to input information regarding the exercise. The sub-routines are specific to the exercise activity data source and present one or more prompts requiring the member to input information. The inputted information is stored in a temporary data file located on the handheld device or transmitted immediately to a permanent member data file on a local server located in the health club. The system may also include an uplink terminal for transmitting the data in the temporarily data file to a remote server connected to a network operations center. A fitness tools software program is loaded into the server for collecting and processing the data in the member's permanent data file which may be reviewed by the trainer and / or member.

A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center.

Tracking of signal strength in wireless networks is disclosed. In one of many possible embodiments, signal strength of a wireless signal received by at least one wireless device is measured, the wireless device being configured for operation in the wireless network. A parameter of the wireless device is determined, the parameter corresponding with the measurement of signal strength. The measured signal strength and the determined parameter are transmitted to a network operations center. The measured signal strength and the determined parameter are used to analyze signal coverage of the wireless network.

A system of distributing electronic content has a network operations center generating a broadcast signal having digital electronic content. A communication backbone is coupled to the network operations center. A base station receives the broadcast signal from the backbone. The base station receives the broadcast signal and forms a wireless local area network. The base station rebroadcasts at least a portion of the broadcast signal as a rebroadcast signal using the wireless local network. A user appliance is positioned with said local area network and receives the rebroadcast signal.

A system and method for carrying out a hand-off of a satellite-based communications link with a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, leaving a first coverage region and entering a second coverage region. A land-based communications link connects ground stations in each of the coverage regions for communications with one another and also with a network operations center (NOC). As the aircraft enters an area of overlap between the two coverage regions, a sequence of communications is initiated between the ground stations and also between each of the ground stations and the aircraft to ensure that new forward link and return link assignments are received by the aircraft before the aircraft relinquishes its communications link with the first ground station to begin communicating with the second ground station. The hand-off in communications is accomplished in less than approximately 30 seconds of time after one of the ground stations detects that the aircraft has entered a pre-defined overlap area between the two coverage regions.