According to one configuration, a wireless base station has access to a cache (repository) that stores a stream of content including multiple segments of content. The cache stores (caches) a first segment of content from the received stream of content. The first segment of content is cached in the repository for a window of time during which the first segment of content is temporarily available from the wireless base station. In response to receiving a respective request from each mobile communication device in a group of multiple mobile communication devices requesting the first segment of content during the window of time, a wireless base station communicates the first segment of content from the cache to each mobile communication device in the group.

The disclosed examples encompass a media sending device, a media receiving device or a method of sending and reproducing media. For example, a media sending device may store media content and a meta-data file which includes media customization information to facilitate reproduction of the media content and an identifier that identifies a type of the information in the meta-data file. The media sending device then transmits an indication to the receiving device indicating that reproduction of the media content would be facilitated by use of the information in the meta-data file. The media sending device then transfers the media content and the meta-data file to the receiving device, in response to receiving a request for the media content from the receiving device. Then, the media receiving device reproduces the media content based at least in part on information extracted from the meta-data file, in a manner indicated by the identifier.

The typical service to deliver multimedia content is evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS). However, the eMBMS is a service-oriented network architecture requiring a pre-defined and pre-established user service to stream a live video. The content provider must be a multicast service provider to use the eMBMS services, which many typical content providers are not. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a live video streaming network architecture that enhances the eMBMS architecture to enable service-less multicast delivery. The provided system includes a virtual network function service running on an application server (AS) that identifies potential multicast scenarios based on user requests for a live video stream within a confined area. The AS collects information from the cellular users, checks the information to validate a potential multicast scenario, and transmits the information to the eMBMS core on behalf of the content provider and user equipment to instantiate a multicast resource bearer.

A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a system comprising a client source device, a server, and a client viewing device. The client source device may be configured to: encode content as a plurality of fragments of at least one quality parameter, send each encoded fragment to a cloud storage, generate metadata associated with each encoded fragment, and provide the generated metadata associated with each encoded fragment. The server may be configured to: receive each encoded fragment, store each encoded fragment into the cloud storage for retrieval, and facilitate an authentication for access to the metadata associated with each encoded fragment. A client viewing device configured to request the authentication for access to the metadata, receive the metadata, determine a desired fragment of the plurality of fragments encoded in a desired quality parameter, and retrieve the desired fragment in the desired quality parameter.

A system for the transmission of data to a plurality of user devices from one or more sources. User devices located at a receiving location having a wireless range area and provided with capability of receiving data transmitted wirelessly within the area and processing the same to allow video and/or audio generated from the received data by the user device which typically includes a user interface to allow user interaction via the device to select, from one or more available programs or program channels, a program to be viewed and/or listed to via the device. The data for the selected program is obtained from the wirelessly transmitted data so as to be available to the user device. Typically a server and processing means for the data are located at a transmitting head end of a satellite transmission system and at the receiving location there is provided at least one set of wireless data transmission apparatus. The system allows selected programs or channels in group of programs and channels to be obtained using wireless transmission apparatus in a defined range area.

Secure control of network appliances uses a central hub connected to a plurality of network appliances or multiple hubs in a short-range wireless mesh network. The central hub controls communication with the appliances and also includes a cellular link for communication with a cellular network. Only the central hub can communicate with the Internet via the cellular link. User equipment (UE) contains an application program that works in conjunction with the central hub to control the appliances. Commands generated by the UE are sent either directly to the central hub or via the mesh network. Upon receipt of an authenticated command, the central hub propagates commands via the short-range wireless mesh network to the intended network appliance either directly or via the mesh network.

A system and method for providing load balanced secure media content and data delivery in a distributed computing environment is disclosed. Media content is segmented and encrypted into a set of individual encrypted segments on a centralized control center. Each individual encrypted segment has the same fixed size. The complete set of individual encrypted segments is staged to a plurality of intermediate control nodes. Individual encrypted segments are mirrored from the staged complete set to a plurality of intermediate servers. Requests are received from clients for the media content at the centralized control center. Each individual encrypted segment in the set is received from one of an intermediate control node and an intermediate server optimally sited from the requesting client. The individual encrypted segments are reassembled into the media content for media playback.

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with transmitted signal strength modeling.

A geolocationing system and method for providing awareness in a multi-space environment, such as a hospitality environment or educational environment, are presented. In one embodiment of the geolocationing system, a vertical and horizontal array of gateway devices is provided. Each gateway device includes a gateway device identification providing an accurately-known fixed location within the multi-space environment. Each gateway device includes a wireless transceiver that receives a beacon signal from a proximate wireless-enabled personal locator device. The gateway devices, in turn, send gateway signals to a server, which determines estimated location of the wireless-enabled personal locator device with time of arrival modeling.