Abstract

A computer implemented method of allocating a set of communications network resources to resource consumers in a digital communications system can include generating a set of multiple allocation schemes; iteratively applying a genetic algorithm to the set of allocation schemes to generate, at each iteration, a new set of allocation schemes as a generation of allocation schemes based on a preceding generation; and, responsive to a predetermined stopping condition for the iteration, assigning resource consumers to resources in the communications system in accordance with an allocation scheme in a most recent generation determined to satisfy a ranking condition.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 47/762 - Admission control; Resource allocation using dynamic resource allocation, e.g. in-call renegotiation requested by the user or requested by the network in response to changing network conditions triggered by the network
• H04L 47/70 - Admission control; Resource allocation

Abstract

A method of determining the location of a disconnection on a digital subscriber line, in particular a VDSL line, where the line has a number of nodes or connection points along it. A statistical model is generated from a population of lines that maps the loop (line) lengths of each of those lines obtained by line test measurements (such as single ended line test traces—SELT traces) against the corresponding loop lengths obtained from inventory data. The model is then used to determine a predicted loop length by mapping a measured loop length (taken from line test measurements) onto an inventory loop length using the model. Knowledge of the node positions on the line is then used to give a probability a line disconnect occurring at a given node by mapping the predicted loop length onto the node positions.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04M 3/08 - Indicating faults in circuits or apparatus
• H04M 3/30 - Automatic routine testing for subscribers' lines

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of operating a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a first access point, a second access point and a third access point, wherein the UE is connected to the first access point and the second and third access points communicate based on periodic time frames

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 36/00 - Handoff or reselecting arrangements
• H04W 24/10 - Scheduling measurement reports

Abstract

A method of managing a network for delivering content to a client device, where content segments are delivered over multicast to a proxy. The received segments are stored at the proxy, before delivery of those segments is made from the proxy to the client device over unicast. Whilst the proxy receives further segments over multicast, it probes the network by making unicast requests for data (dummy data or additional content segments), and receiving those segments over unicast from the content server. The multicast rate reception rate and the unicast (probe) rate are measured and a maximum network throughput is calculated as the sum of these two rates. Subsequent segments are then delivered from the proxy to the client device at the calculated maximum network throughput rate, or at some rate dependent thereon. Thus, the client device will receive segments at a rate that is more indicative of the actual maximum network throughput, so can better use its adaptive bit rate algorithms to determine whether a switch to higher bit rate segments is appropriate.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 65/611 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
• H04L 43/0888 - Throughput
• H04L 65/1069 - Session establishment or de-establishment
• H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

Abstract

A device identification method, a device identification system and a device prediction component. The method can include determining, based on first power consumption data indicative of a first power consumption associated with a premises within a first time period, a predicted identity of an active device at the premises within a second time period subsequent to the first time period. A detected identity of the active device at the premises within the second time period is determined, based on second power consumption data indicative of a second power consumption associated with the premises within the second time period. A determined identity of the active device at the premises within the second time period is determined, based on at least one of the predicted identity and the detected identity.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure provides an electromagnetic field detector, and a method of operating the electromagnetic field detector in a wireless telecommunications network, the electromagnetic field detector including a first optical transmitter, a second optical transmitter, and a transmission medium, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to transmit a probe signal at a probe frequency and the second optical transmitter is configured to transmit a coupling signal at a coupling frequency, wherein the probe frequency is set to excite electrons of the transmission medium from a ground state to a first excited state and the coupling frequency is set to excite electrons of the transmission medium to a predetermined excited state so as to induce an Electromagnetic Induced Transparency (EIT) effect such that an incident electromagnetic field at the transmission medium causes a detectable change in the probe signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics

Abstract

A method of operating a telecommunications network (100), said telecommunications network being accessible to a User Equipment (UE) (102) and comprising a cellular telecommunications network (104-2) and a fixed-access telecommunications network (104-1), the method comprising the steps of: providing a set of user plane functions for processing user traffic for the UE, said set comprising at least two user plane functions; providing a combined user plane function (210) for processing user traffic for the UE according to the set of user plane functions; following establishing a network connection between the UE and the cellular telecommunications network via the fixed-access telecommunications network (510), identifying inefficient routing of user traffic associated with the UE (520), said inefficient routing comprising routing user traffic to at least the set of user plane functions; in response to identifying inefficient routing, re-routing user traffic associated with the UE to the combined user plane function so as to process the user traffic at the combined user plane function instead of at the set of user plane functions (530).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 47/22 - Traffic shaping
• H04L 47/31 - Flow control; Congestion control by tagging of packets, e.g. using discard eligibility [DE] bits
• H04W 76/10 - Connection setup

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of receiving a plurality of data streams at an electromagnetic field receiver in a wireless telecommunications network, including obtaining data indicating detection of a first electromagnetic field incident at a transmission medium during a timeslot of a first subset of a plurality of timeslots; associating the detected first electromagnetic field with a first data stream of a plurality of data streams; obtaining data indicating detection of a second electromagnetic field incident at the transmission medium during a timeslot of a second subset of the plurality of timeslots; and associating the detected second electromagnetic field with a second data stream of the plurality of data streams.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/60 - Receivers

Abstract

A computer implemented method of identifying anomalous behavior of a computer system in a set of intercommunicating computer systems can include monitoring communication between computer systems in the set to generate, for each of a first and second plurality of time periods, with a first and second duration respectively, a first and a second vector representation of each of the computer systems. First vector representations corresponding to different respective ones of the first plurality of time periods are compared to identify behavior of a target computer system at a first temporal resolution. Second vector representations corresponding to different respective ones of the second plurality of time periods are compared to identify behavior of the target computer system at a second temporal resolution. Based on the behavior at one or more of the first and second temporal resolutions, anomalous behavior of the target computer system is identified.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of selecting an algorithm from a plurality of candidate algorithms for use by a processor-controlled device to perform an application. A respective value for one or more resource characteristics of the device is obtained. Based on the one or more values, one or more analogous reference devices having similar resource characteristics to the device are identified. One or more reference performance values for execution of each of the plurality of candidate algorithms on each of the analogous reference devices are obtained. The algorithm is selected based on the one or more reference performance values.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
• G06F 11/30 - Monitoring
• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
• H04L 9/14 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms

Abstract

A computer implemented method of a machine learning algorithm modelling a target function mapping inputs in an input domain to outputs in an output range, the machine learning algorithm including an array of processing nodes arranged in a network of layers of nodes including an input layer for receiving an input value, an output layer for providing an output value, and one or more intermediate layers between the input and output layers, each node in the processing set being outside the input layer receiving input from at least some adjacent nodes logically closer to the input layer via weighted connections between nodes, and each node being outside the output layer generating output to at least some adjacent nodes logically closer to the output layer via weighted connections between nodes, wherein each node includes: an adjustable weight for application to each input to the node, the adjustment weight being responsive to a threshold function applied to a value of the node input; a combination function for combining outputs of the threshold function; and a node bypass function for selectively mapping one or more of the inputs to the node to the output of the node, the method comprising iteratively training the machine learning algorithm to model the target function by adjustment, at each iteration, of at least weights of connections between at least a subset of the nodes, such that the nodes of the network are programmable during operation of the algorithm by adjustment of the threshold function and the bypass function so as to selectively emphasise subsets of nodes in the network.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06N 3/08 - Learning methods

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of operating a first User Equipment (UE) in a cellular telecommunications network, the cellular telecommunications network including a first base station and a second base station, wherein the first base station serves the first UE, the method including sending a measurement report to the first base station, the measurement report including an identifier for each UE of a plurality of UE requiring handover; and sending a handover command message to each UE of the plurality of UE requiring handover, the handover command message identifying the second base station as a handover target, so as to initiate an access request from each UE of the plurality of UE to the second base station.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 36/00 - Handoff or reselecting arrangements

Abstract

An intrusion response system (IRS) can include a knowledge-based intrusion response (IR) component configured to use knowledge of prior responses to prior behavior of at least one computer system to determine a first response to behavior of a target computer system; a prediction-based IR component configured to use at least one trained machine learning (ML) model of behavior of the target computer system to predict a second response to the behavior of the target computer system; and a response component configured to determine an output response to the behavior of the target computer system based on at least one of the first response and the second response.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented method for authenticating a user, the method including receiving an authentication request from a first computer system, the authentication request including an indication of an identity of the user to be authenticated; receiving one or more authentication factors for verifying the identity of the user, the one or more authentication factors including at least one authentication factor obtained from a second computer system associated with the user having the indicated identity; receiving an auxiliary authentication factor, the auxiliary authentication factor comprising data for verifying that the second computer system is currently in the possession of the user having the indicated identity; and verifying the identity of the user based on the one or more authentication factors and the auxiliary authentication factor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of transmitting precoded signals can include precoding an optical signal to produce a precoded optical signal, transmitting a precoded optical signal over an optical portion of a first transmission channel, converting the precoded optical signal to a first MIMO signal, transmitting the first MIMO signal over a wireless portion of the first transmission channel, transmitting the precoded optical signal over an optical portion of a second transmission channel, converting the precoded optical signal to a second MIMO signal; transmitting the second MIMO signal over a wireless portion of the second transmission channel; wherein the precoding takes account of both first channel state information associated with the first transmission channel and second channel state information associated with the second transmission channel.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/0456 - Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices for antenna weighting

Abstract

A method (300) of operating a radio access point (115) so as to provide network slicing functionality, said radio access point providing a radio access network for a telecommunications network (100) and said radio access point comprising a plurality of antenna elements (122), the method comprises the steps of: reserving a portion of the plurality of antenna elements for use only by a given network slice, the reserved antenna elements forming a set of antenna elements (200); receiving instructions to transmit a network communication to a User Equipment (UE) of the telecommunication network; identifying that the UE is allocated to the given network slice; transmitting the network communication to the UE by the radio access point using only of the set of antenna elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 16/10 - Dynamic resource partitioning
• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station

Abstract

There is herein provided a provided a method of wireless sensing that can include, at a transmitter which is a component of a transceiver device, transmitting a wireless signal such that the transmitted wireless signal is scattered by an object so as to produce a scattered signal, at a receiver which is a component of the transceiver device, receiving the scattered signal, performing processing on the wireless signal before it is transmitted and/or on the received scattered signal, the processing including an indication of self-coupling occurring at the transceiver device, following the processing, using the received signal to determine information relating to the object, the information including one or more of: a location of the object; a direction of movement of the object; or a speed of the object.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/72 - Radar-tracking systems; Analogous systems for two-dimensional tracking, e.g. combination of angle and range tracking, track-while-scan radar
• G01S 7/292 - Extracting wanted echo-signals

Abstract

A computer implemented method of controlling access by a requesting user to a restricted resource in an extended reality environment, the method comprising: permitting access, by the requesting user, to the restricted resource; monitoring characteristics of the requesting user during use of the restricted resource, the characteristics including one or more of biometric and behavioural information for the user accessing the resource; accessing a profile data store containing a plurality of profiles of users having accessed the restricted resource, each profile including at least one of biometric and behavioural information for a respective user accessing the resource; responsive to a determination that the characteristics of the requesting user corresponds to at least one profile, inhibiting access, by the requesting user, to the restricted resource.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method (300) of operating a radio access point (115) so as to provide network slicing functionality, said radio access point providing a radio access network for a telecommunications network (100) and said radio access point comprising a plurality of antenna elements (122), the method comprising the steps of: reserving a portion of the plurality of antenna elements for use only by a given network slice, the reserved portion of antenna element(s) forming a set of antenna elements (200); receiving, at each of the plurality of antenna elements, a wireless signal from a User Equipment (UE) of the telecommunication network identifying the UE from the received wireless signal; determining that the identified UE is allocated to the given network slice; in response to said determining, the radio access point processing only the wireless signal as received by the set of antenna elements.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04W 16/10 - Dynamic resource partitioning

Abstract

Methods and systems for deciding whether, when, for how long, and/or where insertable image content will be displayed on top of a video presentation (i.e. existing image content) are disclosed. This can be for the imminent placement of insertable image content or a delayed placement of insertable image content. The decision making process depends upon the generation of a ‘cool map’. A cool map is a weighted map of the screen real estate that shows the areas that it would be practical to place insertable image content.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 5/50 - Image enhancement or restoration by the use of more than one image, e.g. averaging, subtraction
• G06T 3/40 - Scaling of a whole image or part thereof
• G06T 7/11 - Region-based segmentation
• G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersections; Connectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components

Abstract

A computer implemented method of pre-processing an input text for a natural language processing operation based on a training corpus of documents, can include accessing a set of stop words including predetermined words for de-emphasis in the text for the natural language processing operation, the set of stop words being separated into at least two subsets including a first subset and a second subset, the second subset containing stop words predetermined to be of potential semantic significance to documents in the training corpus; tokenizing documents in a training corpus to an ordered set of corpus tokens; removing, from the set of corpus tokens, tokens corresponding to stop words in the first subset of stop words; generating a set of n-grams by identifying n-grams from groups of tokens in the set of corpus tokens based on predetermined rules for n-gram identification; tokenizing the input text to an ordered set of input text tokens; identifying groups of tokens in the set of input text tokens corresponding to n-grams in the set of n-grams and replacing, in the set of input text tokens, each identified group of tokens by a singular n-gram token; removing, from the set of input text tokens, tokens corresponding to stop words in the second subset of stop words; and processing the input text by the natural language processing operation based on the set of input text tokens for the input text.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 40/284 - Lexical analysis, e.g. tokenisation or collocates

Abstract

A computer implemented method of clustering computer systems in a plurality of systems to identify computer systems being subject to a common security occurrence, each computer system generating data records corresponding to security events in respect the systems, the method comprising: receiving a set of one or more data records associated with each computer system, each record including a sequence of data fields; generate a vector embedding for each data field in each record; evaluate a distance of each vector embedding from a reference vector as an indicator of semantic distance; identifying similar data records based on a measure of a degree of similarity of the distances of vector embeddings for each record; defining a cluster of computer systems including computer systems associated with the similar data records for applying protective measures to the computer systems in the cluster.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 40/279 - Recognition of textual entities

Abstract

A method of processing a plurality of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals for transmission over a plurality of communication channels can include precoding the plurality of signals prior to transmission, the precoding incorporating channel state information in relation to the plurality of communication channels, the precoding further incorporating: a priority ranking of a first channel of the plurality of communication channels relative to a second channel of the plurality of communication channels; and/or an error rate required by a channel of the plurality of communication channels; and/or an amount of noise experienced by a channel of the plurality of communication channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/0456 - Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices for antenna weighting
• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of controlling a transmission of a wireless signal in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a transmitter, a multi-layer transmissive Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) including a first transmissive RIS layer and a last transmissive RIS layer, and a receiver.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04B 7/04 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas

Abstract

A method of configuring a network slice subnet instance on a radio access node in a wireless telecommunications network. Transceiver data identifying one or more properties of the radio access node is received. The transceiver data is processed to determine capabilities of the radio access node, wherein the capabilities indicate, for a plurality of different counts of network slice subnet instances implementable on the radio access node, a set of operating values for one or more operating parameters. Based on the determined capabilities, a count of network slice subnet instances to implement on the radio access node and the operating values for one or more operating parameters for each network slice subnet instance are selected. One or more network slice subnet instances on the radio access node are configured based on the selection. This application also relates to a computer program and a network node.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 48/18 - Selecting a network or a communication service
• H04W 48/16 - Discovering; Processing access restriction or access information
• H04L 41/5019 - Ensuring fulfilment of SLA

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and systems for determining whether a reference point in a location system has changed using the entropy of channel impulse responses. In one embodiment a method of determining whether the location of a first one of a plurality of reference points used in a location system has changed is provided. The reference points each have a known initial position and the method includes the steps of: estimating a channel impulse response of a wireless channel between the first reference point and a second of said plurality of reference points; determining the difference between the estimated channel impulse response and a previously-estimated channel impulse response of the wireless channel; estimating an entropy of the difference between the channel impulse responses; and determining, from said comparison, whether the location of the first reference point has changed. In another embodiment the method includes the steps of: estimating an entropy of the channel impulse response of a wireless channel between the first reference point and a second of said plurality of reference points; comparing the estimated entropy to a previously-estimated entropy for the channel impulse response of the wireless channel; determining, from said comparison, whether the location of the first reference point has changed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 25/02 - Baseband systems - Details
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and devices for detection of motion. Embodiments of the invention provide a method of detecting motion of an object using a wireless transceiver device, the method including the steps of: transmitting wireless signals from a transmitter element in the transceiver device, the signals being reflected by the object; receiving the signals reflected by the object in a receiver element in the transceiver device; estimating at least one channel characteristic from the reflected signals; applying a time and/or frequency domain analysis to the estimated channel characteristic; detecting any variation in the estimated channel characteristic over time; and detecting motion of the object based on the detected variation. A wireless transceiver device arranged to detect motion is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/62 - Sense-of-movement determination
• G01S 7/00 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , ,
• G01S 7/03 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group - Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver

Abstract

A computer system comprising a plurality of computers. each computer comprising at least one processor, respectively, such that the computer system comprises a plurality of processors, and an orchestration system comprising an orchestrator. The orchestration system is configured to: forecast a traffic load of the plurality of processors to obtain a forecast traffic load: determine, in dependence on the forecast traffic load, a clock frequency for each of the plurality of processors so as to decrease a power consumption of the computer system; and using the orchestrator, instruct adjustment of the clock frequency for each respective processor of the plurality of processors to the clock frequency determined for the respective processor. This patent application further relates to a telecommunications network comprising a computer system, and an orchestration system.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 1/324 - Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by lowering clock frequency
• G06F 1/3206 - Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
• G06F 9/455 - Emulation; Interpretation; Software simulation, e.g. virtualisation or emulation of application or operating system execution engines
• H04L 41/40 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using virtualisation of network functions or resources, e.g. SDN or NFV entities
• H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing media content to client devices configured to render received media content for displaying as a video presentation. In one aspect, the method includes providing a primary stream to the client devices including data corresponding to a full area of the media content when displayed as a video presentation on a client device, receiving field-of-view reports from respective client devices indicating a portion of the full area selected for viewing by a viewer, determining a common area of interest within the media content, and providing a supplementary stream to one or more of the client devices configured to include a subset of the primary stream selected in dependence on the common area of interest. If the common area of interest corresponds to a variable spatial area of the media content, the supplementary stream comprises data corresponding to the variable spatial area.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/4728 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content for selecting a ROI [Region Of Interest], e.g. for requesting a higher resolution version of a selected region
• H04N 21/2187 - Live feed
• H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
• H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
• H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
• H04N 21/6405 - Multicasting

Abstract

There is herein provided a method of determining whether one or more pairs of qubits are quantum-entangled, the method comprising: performing a Bell State measurement on a first qubit, the first qubit being from a first multi-partite quantum-entangled state and a second qubit, the second qubit being from a second multi-partite quantum-entangled state, performing a Bell Inequality test on a third qubit, the third qubit being from the first multipartite quantum-entangled state and a fourth qubit, the fourth qubit being from the second quantum-entangled state, determining, using an outcome of the Bell Inequality test, whether a fifth qubit, the fifth qubit being from the first multipartite quantum-entangled state is quantum-entangled with a sixth qubit, the sixth qubit being from the second multi-partite quantum-entangled state.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06N 10/60 - Quantum algorithms, e.g. based on quantum optimisation, or quantum Fourier or Hadamard transforms

Abstract

An authentication method using a plurality of physical unclonable functions (PUFs). The plurality of PUFs includes a first PUF associated with a first device and a second PUF associated with a second device. A surface pattern of the first PUF corresponds to a surface pattern of the second PUF. The method includes obtaining a first response to a challenge using the first PUF, sending a request to the second device for a second response to the challenge obtained used the second PUF, receiving the second response, and determining whether the second device is authenticated based on a comparison between the first response and the second response.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
• G01N 21/45 - Refractivity; Phase-affecting properties, e.g. optical path length using Schlieren methods
• G01N 21/95 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined

Abstract

Apportioning of Data Traffic Between Communication Channels Methods and apparatus are disclosed for apportioning data traffic between a plurality of different communication channels, the data traffic to be apportioned being data traffic travelling to and/or from at least one user-device (102a, 102b) in a local area network (100) in which a plurality of network-reliant applications are used, the data traffic in respect of the network-reliant applications travelling via a local area network gateway device (101) of the local area network configured to communicate via one or more networks (120, 130) outside the local area network using the plurality of different communication channels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 43/0876 - Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
• H04L 41/5067 - Customer-centric QoS measurements
• H04L 41/5009 - Determining service level performance parameters or violations of service level contracts, e.g. violations of agreed response time or mean time between failures [MTBF]

Abstract

A computer implemented malware protection method to mitigate malware spread within a set of communicating computer systems from an infected computer system is disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented malware protection method to protect a target computer system in a set of computer systems from a malware, the method comprising: accessing a model of the set of computer systems, the model identifying interacting pairs of the computer systems in the set based on interactions corresponding to previous communication occurring between the computer systems in the pairs, and the model identifying the target computer system; simulating, over a plurality of time periods, a propagation of the malware originating from a predetermined source computer system in the model, the simulation being based on a number of interactions per time period between each interacting pair of computer systems in the set, and a rate of transmission of the malware per interaction; evaluating, for each of at least a subset of the time periods, a probability of infection of the target computer system in the time period; responsive to the simulating step, identifying an earliest time period during which the probability of infection of the target computer system meets a predetermined threshold probability; and triggering the deployment of malware protection measures in respect of the target computer system at a time period selected with reference to the identified time period so as to protect the target computer system from the malware.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures

Abstract

A computer implemented security method for a set of internet-of-things (IoT) devices, the set of devices comprising network-connected sensors and actuators, wherein a data repository stores data about the devices, actions performable by each of the devices and one or more network attacks to which at least a subset of the devices are susceptible, the method comprising: defining, for each network attack, one or more responsive actions for the attack, each responsive action identifying one or more performable actions for performance by one or more devices to mitigate the attack; detecting a device in a compromised state, the compromised state being determined based on a threshold number of occurrences of an attack perpetrated against the device; selecting responsive actions for the perpetrated attack; and triggering the responsive actions to mitigate the perpetrated attack.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of operating a central node in a telecommunications network, the telecommunications network including an optical network and a plurality of distributed nodes each configured to use a first optical signal at a first wavelength, the method including producing a first optical signal at a second wavelength; directing the first optical signal into a first path for the first optical signal and a second path for the first optical signal, wherein the first path for the first optical signal is connected to a first optical stabilizer to stabilize the first optical signal produced by the central node, and the second path for the first optical signal provides the first optical signal to the optical network for distribution to each of the plurality of distributed nodes, wherein the second wavelength has a lower transmission loss than the first wavelength.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/27 - Arrangements for networking
• H04B 10/69 - Electrical arrangements in the receiver
• H04B 10/50 - Transmitters

Abstract

A method of operating User Equipment (110), UE, the UE being configured to connect to a wireless wide-area cellular telecommunications network (100), said telecommunications network comprising a plurality of radio access points (120, 130), and the method comprising the steps of: identifying, from the plurality of radio access points, a default radio access point for the UE; identifying, from the plurality of radio access points, an alternative default radio access point for the UE, wherein said identifying is performed based on the alternative default radio access point and the default radio access point having been simultaneously available to the UE for wireless connection and wherein the UE is instructed to connect to the default radio access point in preference to the alternative default radio access point; connecting the UE to the default radio access point (210); in response to the UE detecting a subsequent loss of connection with the default radio access point, the UE directly initiating only a connection with the identified alternative default radio access point (260).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 36/00 - Handoff or reselecting arrangements
• H04W 48/20 - Selecting an access point
• H04W 36/08 - Reselecting an access point
• H04W 36/30 - Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by measured or perceived connection quality data

Abstract

A method and a controller for controlling a transmitting node in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a receiving node, wherein the transmitting node includes a plurality of antenna ports, the method including determining a count of antenna ports, being one or more of the transmitting node's plurality of antenna ports, to use in communications with the receiving node based on: a balance between a first performance metric related to a coherence interval and having a positive relationship with the count of antenna ports and a second performance metric related to the coherence interval and having a negative relationship with the count of antenna ports, and/or a measure of the coherence interval in communications with the receiving node; and causing the transmitting node to use the count of antenna ports in communications with the receiving node.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 17/20 - Monitoring; Testing of receivers
• H04L 43/0823 - Errors, e.g. transmission errors
• H04L 43/0876 - Network utilisation, e.g. volume of load or congestion level
• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station

Abstract

An optical network comprising: an optical splitter configured to split an optical signal incident on the optical splitter into at least a control signal and a data signal; an optical switch; a first optical path configured to carry the control signal between the optical splitter and the optical switch; and a second optical path configured to carry the data signal between the optical splitter and the optical switch. The optical network is configured to transmit the control and data signals such that the data signal is incident on the optical switch after the control signal. The optical switch is configured to selectively switch the optical network between a first configuration and a second configuration in accordance with the control signal. The application also relates to a method of configuring an optical network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04Q 11/00 - Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
• H04B 10/25 - Arrangements specific to fibre transmission

Abstract

A method of managing a network of connected network devices can include detecting that a device descriptor file for a first network device has been updated and stored to a data store managed by a peer-to-peer network of computing systems; analyzing the updated device descriptor file stored to the data store; analyzing historical information stored in the data store regarding other device descriptor file updates related to the first network device or related to other network devices; performing predictive analytics processing on the results of the analyzing and generating a result; and storing the result of the performing predictive analytics processing to the data store.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/082 - Configuration setting characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings the condition being updates or upgrades of network functionality
• G06F 8/65 - Updates
• H04L 67/00 - Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
• H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method of operating an Access Point (AP) in a cellular telecommunications network, the cellular telecommunications network having a plurality of APs and a core network, wherein the AP is connected to a first subset of the plurality of APs via a wireless upstream connection towards the core network and is further connected to a second subset of the plurality of APs via a wireless downstream connection away from the core network, the method including receiving an inter-AP message in a first wireless communication from a first AP of the plurality of APs, the inter-AP message comprising a destination identifier; identifying a second AP of the plurality of APs based on the destination identifier of the inter-AP message; and sending the inter-AP message to the second AP in a second wireless communication via the wireless downstream connection.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 40/22 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing using selective relaying for reaching a BTS [Base Transceiver Station] or an access point

Abstract

A network node for a wireless telecommunications network, and a method of operating a network node, are disclosed. The wireless telecommunications network includes a first access point having a first transmitter configured to transmit in a first coverage area, and the method can include receiving, from a sensor, data indicative of an object within the first coverage area of the first access point's first transmitter; determining, from the data, that the object is an illegitimate user; and, in response, causing a modification of the first access point so that the object cannot successfully receive a transmission from the first transmitter.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 52/28 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using user profile, e.g. mobile speed, priority or network state, e.g. standby, idle or non-transmission
• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04W 52/14 - Separate analysis of uplink or downlink

Abstract

There is herein provided a method of quantum communication, the method comprising: indicating to a quantum receiving apparatus that a first sequence of mutually non-orthogonal bases will be used to prepare at least some of a plurality of bits in quantum states, at a quantum transmitting apparatus, preparing each of the plurality of bits in a respective one of a second sequence of mutually non-orthogonal bases, to give a plurality of qubits, wherein the second sequence of mutually non-orthogonal bases is different to the first sequence of mutually non-orthogonal bases.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• H04B 10/70 - Photonic quantum communication

Abstract

Described is a method of media content delivery, where measurements of network delivery rates are used to determine at which bit rate to request each content segment. The aim is to ensure continuous play-out of good quality segments, without relying on a large buffer, so that end-to-end delay is kept low. The historical network delivery rate is measured on two or more timescales, such as a short-term delivery rate and a long-term delivery rate, and these are used to decide when to request a higher bit rate segment than the previous segment, and when to request a lower bit rate segment than the previous segment.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clients; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging bet
• H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
• H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
• H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
• H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi

Abstract

A telecommunications interconnection terminal can include a housing including a first set of ports for coupling to a connectorized multi-fiber cable a second set of ports for coupling to a connectorized single-fiber cable a third set of ports including an aperture and an engagement for receiving and engaging a non-connectorized fiber optic cable and a splice distributor for receiving and accommodating spliced optical from optic cables that are received from ports of at least any two of the first, second and third sets of ports.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables

Abstract

This invention provides a method, and a network node for implementing said method, of operating a network node to control a first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, in a wireless telecommunications network, the method comprising: determining a collision risk for the first UAV; determining a reporting rate for the first UAV based on the collision risk; and sending a reporting rate update message to the first UAV so as to cause the first UAV to report its position at the determined reporting rate. This invention also provides a method, and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for implementing said method, of operating an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, in a wireless telecommunications network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a reporting rate update message from a network node in the wireless telecommunications network, the reporting rate update message including a reporting rate; determining position of the UAV; and sending a position report message to the network node at the reporting rate, the position report message including the determined position.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 1/10 - Simultaneous control of position or course in three dimensions
• H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
• H04W 4/40 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for vehicles, e.g. vehicle-to-pedestrians [V2P]
• H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management

Abstract

A method of controlling transmission of a wireless signal in a wireless telecommunications network including a transmitting node, a receiving node, and an Intelligent Reflective Surface (IRS), the transmitting node including a processor operating a first neural network that inputs an input bit sequence and outputs the wireless signal and a transmitter to transmit the wireless signal output by the first neural network, the IRS includes a reflective surface for reflecting the wireless signal transmitted by the transmitter and further includes a processor for applying a phase change to the wireless signal according to a phase shift matrix, and the receiving node includes a receiver for receiving an accumulated wireless signal transmitted by the transmitter and reflected off the reflective surface and a processor operating a second neural network that inputs the received accumulated wireless signal and outputs an output bit sequence.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 17/391 - Modelling the propagation channel

Abstract

A method of operating an access point in a wireless telecommunications network, the access point configured to cooperate with other access points in the wireless telecommunications network to form a user-centric cluster, is disclosed. The method can include determining a master node suitability value for the access point representing the suitability of the access point to be a master node in a user-centric cluster; and transmitting the determined master node suitability value in a physical layer signal to a User Equipment (UE). A method of operating a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a first access point configured to cooperate with other access points in the wireless telecommunications network to form a user-centric cluster, also is disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/024 - Co-operative use of antennas at several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems
• H04W 60/00 - Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of automatically securing a computer system or network against a suspect binary file (SBF) by, in response to detection of the SBF, initiating an automatic defence strategy comprising an action known to mitigate a known threat posed by a closest known malicious binary file (KMBF). The method further includes identifying the closest KMBF from a plurality of KMBFs by comparing an SBF branch map generated in respect of the SBF with respective KMBF branch maps generated in respect of each of the plurality of KMBFs, the SBF and KMBF branch maps being generated by breaking each of the respective binary files down into a respective sequence of blocks and determining how each block of the sequence branches to one or more other blocks of the sequence. Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to corresponding data processing systems, computer programs, computer-readable data carriers and data carrier signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing media content to be rendered as a presentation for a user at a set of one or more media devices (60, 600) in an arrangement at a point in time, the presentation being based on layout rules (66b) defining suitability and configuration of media objects (55) for rendering, the arrangement and one or more user-associated characteristics and/or attributes constituting a context for the presentation which is formed of selected media objects from a set, the context having one or more constraints (66c), each constraint defining a property of the context affecting the rendering of at least a subset of the selected media objects (55). The method comprises configuring, for each media object, a characteristic satisfying a utility condition based on a measure of utility of the media object (55) in the context at the point in time, the measure of utility being evaluated in respect of the constraints (66c) of the context; and identifying the selected media objects from the set based on the measures of utility and layout rules (66b).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
• H04N 21/431 - Generation of visual interfaces; Content or additional data rendering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a network connection (13) at a first sampling rate to generate monitoring data for the network connection for determining a performance issue in the network. The method involves identifying a communication occurring via the network connection (13), wherein performance metrics are available for the communication; and responsive to a trigger in respect of the communication, adapting the sampling rate to a second sampling rate greater than the first sampling rate so as to determine whether a performance degradation in the communication is attributable to the network connection (13). The adapting of the sampling rate to a second sampling rate is triggered by comparison of one or more of the available performance metrics for the communication with an adjustable threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 43/022 - Capturing of monitoring data by sampling
• H04L 43/16 - Threshold monitoring

Abstract

There is herein described a method of transmitting a data packet from a first node to a second node in accordance with a predetermined arrangement between a first party and a second party, the method including receiving information relating to a characteristic of the data packet at a smart contract using the received information relating to a characteristic of the data packet to determine a location at which a change to the data packet occurred.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 47/36 - Flow control; Congestion control by determining packet size, e.g. maximum transfer unit [MTU]
• G06Q 20/38 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols - Details thereof

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method of automatically securing a computer system or network against a suspect binary file (SBF) by, in response to detection of the SBF, initiating an automatic defence strategy. The automatic defence strategy includes a first action known to mitigate a known threat posed by a known malicious binary file (KMBF); and a further action predicted to mitigate a predicted threat posed by a discrepant function present in the SBF but not the KMBF. Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to corresponding data processing systems, computer programs, computer-readable data carriers and data carrier signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 21/53 - Monitoring users, programs or devices to maintain the integrity of platforms, e.g. of processors, firmware or operating systems during program execution, e.g. stack integrity, buffer overflow or preventing unwanted data erasure by executing in a restricted environment, e.g. sandbox or secure virtual machine

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of automatically securing a computer system or network against a suspect binary file (SBF) by, in response to detection of the SBF, initiating an automatic defence strategy comprising an action known to mitigate a known threat posed by a closest known malicious binary file (KMBF). The method further includes identifying the closest KMBF by comparing an SBF application programming interface (API) profile generated in respect of the SBF with respective KMBF API profiles generated in respect of each of a plurality of KMBFs, the SBF and KMBF API profiles being generated by: identifying any API calls in the respective binary file; and assigning each of said identified API calls to one of a plurality of API call categories defined by one or more actions known to be effective in mitigating one or more possible threats posed by the respective API call category.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 21/54 - Monitoring users, programs or devices to maintain the integrity of platforms, e.g. of processors, firmware or operating systems during program execution, e.g. stack integrity, buffer overflow or preventing unwanted data erasure by adding security routines or objects to programs

Abstract

A computer implemented method of determining an association between disparate first and second data items wherein the second data item is at least partly derived from the first data item, the method comprising: evaluating a cryptographic hash to each result of each of a plurality of disparate feature extraction methods, each feature extraction method being applied to each of the first and second data items to generate a set of hashes for each data item; responsive to a non-empty set of hashes in the intersect of the sets of hashes for each data item, identifying an association between the first and second data items.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
• G06V 10/56 - Extraction of image or video features relating to colour

Abstract

This invention relates to an electromagnetic field receiver controller including a first and second optical transmitter, a transmission medium and an optical receiver. The first optical transmitter is configured to transmit a probe signal to the optical receiver via the transmission medium at a probe frequency and the second transmitter is configured to transmit a coupling signal via the transmission medium at a coupling frequency, wherein the probe frequency is set to excite electrons of the transmission medium from a ground state to a first excited state and the coupling frequency is set to excite electrons of the transmission medium to a predetermined excited state so as to induce an Electromagnetic Induced Transparency (EIT) effect in the electromagnetic field receiver such that an incident electromagnetic field at the transmission medium causes a detectable change in power of the probe signal at the optical receiver.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/073 - Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems using an out-of-service signal
• H04B 1/16 - Circuits
• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics

Abstract

A method of managing a network for delivering content to a client device, where content segments are delivered to a proxy in a multicast group, before delivery from the proxy to the client device over unicast. The proxy intermittently leaves the multicast group to probe the network by making unicast request for content segments, receiving those segments over unicast from the content server and forwarding those segments onto the client device. This allows the client device to determine the maximum throughput between the content server and the client device via the proxy, and thus the client device can use its adaptive bit rate algorithms to determine if the network can support a switch to a higher bit rate stream, and request a higher bit rate stream accordingly. The higher bit rate stream can be serviced by the proxy joining or establishing a suitable multicast group.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 65/1045 - Proxies, e.g. for session initiation protocol [SIP]
• H04L 65/611 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
• H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

Abstract

A method of configuring an optical network comprising a switching system, a first node, a second node, and an optical link between the first node and the second node. The optical link includes a first optical connection and a second optical connection. The method includes changing a state of the switching system from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the optical network is configured to use the first and second optical connection to transmit first and second optical signals in first and second directions, respectively. In the second state the optical network is configured to use the second and first optical connections to transmit the first and second optical signals in the first and second directions, respectively.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/079 - Arrangements for monitoring or testing transmission systems; Arrangements for fault measurement of transmission systems using an in-service signal using measurements of the data signal
• H04B 10/25 - Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
• H04J 14/02 - Wavelength-division multiplex systems

Abstract

A method for facilitating secure communication between a user device and a network device. Encrypted data from a user device is received at the network device. The encrypted data is encrypted based on first physiological data captured by a first sensor of the user device. The first physiological data is representative of a physiological characteristic of a user of the user device. A second sensor of the network device captures second physiological data representative of the physiological characteristic of the user. A common key for encrypting further data transferred between the user device and the network device is determined, based on the encrypted data and the second physiological data. Further aspects relate to other methods for facilitating secure communication between a user and network device, a network, and a method of operating a network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method of operating a cellular telecommunications network, the cellular telecommunications network including a first base station for a first mobile network operator, a second base station, and a management node, the management node being configured to determine, based on a tracking area code, whether a base station associated with the tracking area code supports a circuit switched voice service. The method can include determining that at least a part of the first base station should enter energy saving mode; in response to the determination, identifying an energy saving solution that ensures continuity of the first circuit switched voice service; causing reconfiguration of the first base station according to the identified energy saving solution so that: the first circuit switched voice service supported by the first base station enters energy saving mode and, the first base station uses a first tracking area code indicating that the first base station does not support the first circuit switched voice service; and continuing support of the first circuit switched voice service by the second base station, wherein the second base station uses a second tracking area code indicating that the second base station supports the first circuit switched voice service.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
• H04W 24/10 - Scheduling measurement reports

Abstract

A method of configuring a user device. The method includes sending, from the user device to a node of a distributed ledger network (DLN), the node configured to store a distributed ledger of the DLN, a request for characteristic data indicative of a characteristic associated with a service provider, receiving, at the user device, a response from the node of the DLN in response to the request, and configuring a functionality of the user device accessible to the service provider, based at least in part on the response from the node of the DLN. Further aspects relate to a data processing system, a network, and a method of operating a network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein the cellular telecommunications network includes a first transceiver providing a first access connection in a first spectrum range, and a second transceiver providing a second access connection in a second spectrum range, the method including determining that a trigger condition for reconfiguring the second transceiver has been met; and, in response, evaluating a plurality of candidate transition options, wherein each transition option includes transferring users from the second spectrum range to the first access connection, and, following the transferring, reconfiguring the second transceiver, wherein the evaluation is based on a user impact of the transition; selecting a transition option based on the evaluation; causing the transfer of users from the second spectrum range according to the selected transition option; and causing the reconfiguration of the second transceiver according to the selected transition option.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 36/08 - Reselecting an access point
• H04W 36/16 - Performing reselection for specific purposes

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, wherein the cellular telecommunications network includes a first transceiver configured to provide a first access connection for a first mobile network operator in a first spectrum range and a second transceiver configured to provide a second access connection for a second mobile network operator in a second spectrum range, the method including determining that a condition for initiating spectrum sharing has been met, wherein the condition for initiating spectrum sharing is based on a capacity demand for the first mobile network operator exceeding a capacity available for the first mobile network operator and/or a peak rate demand for the first mobile network operator exceeding a maximum peak rate available for the first mobile network operator; in response to the determination, identifying a spectrum sharing solution in which: the first transceiver is configured to provide the first access connection for the first mobile network operator in the second spectrum range, and a capacity of the first access connection using the second spectrum range meets the capacity demand for the first mobile network operator; and reconfiguring the base station according to the identified spectrum sharing solution.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 16/14 - Spectrum sharing arrangements
• H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements

Abstract

Described is a method of delivery of content to a client device. In particular, the method can be applied to hybrid unicast/multicast delivery networks, where content is provided by a content server to a root proxy, and that root proxy delivers the content to edge proxies over multicast. However, requests for that content in the form of HTTP GET requests from a client device are received by an edge proxy, which subsequently sends an HTTP HEAD request for header information associated with that content directly to the content server. The content server responds over unicast with a suitable response to the HTTP HEAD request, which is received by the edge proxy. The edge proxy takes the response together with the payload from the content segment received over multicast, to generate a client specific content segment for delivery to the client device over unicast.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 65/611 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
• H04L 67/02 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

Abstract

A computer implemented method of adapting a configuration of a software defined network to improve a measure of network performance towards an objective measure of performance, the network including a plurality of network nodes communicating via the network, the method including each node applying an evolutionary algorithm to generate a candidate adjusted configuration for the network and, responsive to a determination that the candidate provides an improvement to the measure of network performance, the node storing the candidate in a distributed database accessible to the nodes for access by other nodes; each node accessing candidate adjusted configurations in the distributed database and determining a performance of the network provided by each accessed candidate, wherein each node records the determined performance provided by a candidate in the database in association with the candidate, such that a candidate adjusted configuration providing a greatest improvement to the measure of network performance is selected by the nodes for adapting the configuration of the network.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/14 - Network analysis or design
• H04L 41/5025 - Ensuring fulfilment of SLA by proactively reacting to service quality change, e.g. by reconfiguration after service quality degradation or upgrade
• H04L 41/40 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using virtualisation of network functions or resources, e.g. SDN or NFV entities

Abstract

A reflective surface for directing wireless communications signals that includes a plurality of independently reconfigurable elements disposed irregularly on the surface is disclosed. A method of controlling a communication channel of a wireless communication system that includes the reflective surface having an irregular element arrangement is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04B 7/0456 - Selection of precoding matrices or codebooks, e.g. using matrices for antenna weighting
• H04B 7/145 - Passive relay systems

Abstract

This disclosure provides a waveguide including a sequence of variable transparency segments, wherein each variable transparency segment of the sequence of variable transparency segments is configured to vary its transparency by the electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) effect and further vary its transparency in response to an incident electromagnetic field; and a plurality of separator segments interspersed within the sequence of variable transparency segments so that each variable transparency segment: has a first separation distance from a first other variable transparency segment being a first predetermined number of variable transparency segments preceding or succeeding in the sequence of variable transparency segments, has a second separation distance from a second other variable transparency segment being a second predetermined number of variable transparency segments preceding or succeeding in the sequence of variable transparency segments, and is uniquely identified by a combination of separation distances comprising its first and second separation distances.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
• G02B 6/02 - Optical fibres with cladding

Abstract

A computer implemented method to specify a software defined network (SDN) for deployment by an SDN controller, the SDN controller being adapted to configure a plurality of physical network components to deliver communication services, the method including generating a model of the physical network components by accessing each of a plurality of data sources; defining the model including an indication of a location, type and interconnections of physical components based on the data sources; associating each indication in the model with a degree of confidence of accuracy of the indication based on the degree of confidence information from the data sources; accessing a set of rules defining relationships between types of physical component; refining the model based on the rules including adjusting a degree of confidence of accuracy of indications in the model based on satisfaction of the rules; and selecting a subset of network components in the refined model for inclusion in the SDN specification.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/122 - Discovery or management of network topologies of virtualised topologies e.g. software-defined networks [SDN] or network function virtualisation [NFV]
• H04L 41/40 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using virtualisation of network functions or resources, e.g. SDN or NFV entities

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for media content distribution. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method is disclosed comprising steps of: providing a plurality of media objects, including a default object, for selection by, unicast communication (27) to, and rendering by consumer entities (30a, 30b, 30c); receiving metadata (26) for a plurality of the consumer entities indicating an extent of use of at least a subset of the media objects by said consumer entities; applying a rule relating to the consumption of media objects by the consumer entities to the metadata; and responsive to the application of the rule, generating a composite of the default object and at least one other object for multicast communication (25) to at least a subset of the consumer entities.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 21/6405 - Multicasting
• H04N 21/2187 - Live feed
• H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

Abstract

A method of pairing a user device with a remote system. The user device communicates with an intermediary device via a secure communication channel to cause a secret key generated by the remote system to be received by the user device, from the intermediary device. The secret key is thereby assigned to the user device. The user device establishes communication with the remote system to pair the user device with the remote system using the secret key, such that data sent from the user device to the remote system is encrypted using the secret key and data received by the user device from the remote system is decrypted using the secret key.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 12/50 - Secure pairing of devices
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

There is herein disclosed a computer-implemented method of optimizing optimising a QKD system, the QKD system being adapted to perform a QKD session that involves the propagation of a plurality of photons from a first device to a second device, one of the first and second devices being located aboard a satellite in orbit, the method including running a machine learning algorithm, inputs of the machine learning algorithm comprising one or more values of one or more of the following factors: atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of a path from the first device to the second device; a spatial separation of the first device and the second device; and a measure of the performance of the first and/or the second device, wherein the output of the algorithm is an estimate of the rate at which the first device and the second device generate bits of a quantum key.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06N 3/084 - Backpropagation, e.g. using gradient descent
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

A computer implemented method to model physical infrastructure of a transmission network for a utility service, the physical infrastructure including a set of physical components in the network, including accessing each of a plurality of physical infrastructure data sources, each data source including records each storing information on at least a subset of the set of physical components including a location and type of each physical component in the subset, wherein each record has associated an indication of a degree of confidence of an accuracy of the record; generating a model of the physical infrastructure including an indication of a location and type of physical components based on the data sources, wherein records of the data sources having common location and type are aggregated for indication in the model; associating each indication in the model with a degree of confidence of accuracy of the indication based on the degree of confidence information from the data sources; accessing a set of rules defining relationships between types of physical component; and refining the model based on the rules including adjusting a degree of confidence of accuracy of indications in the model based on satisfaction of the rules.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 30/18 - Network design, e.g. design based on topological or interconnect aspects of utility systems, piping, heating ventilation air conditioning [HVAC] or cabling

Abstract

A method of identifying anomalous data obtained by at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors located within an environment. The method includes identifying, based on sensor data obtained from the plurality of sensors, at least one instance of a sequence of events that occurred within the environment. A probability of the sequence of events occurring within the environment under non-anomalous conditions is obtained. A frequency characteristic dependent on a frequency at which the sequence of events occurred within the environment is determined. A likelihood of the sequence of events occurring within the environment at the frequency is determined, based on a combination of the probability and the frequency characteristic. It is identified, based on the likelihood, that at least a portion of the sensor data is anomalous.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 23/02 - Electric testing or monitoring

Abstract

A method of identifying anomalous network activity. The method includes identifying, based on network data representative of network activity within a network, at least one instance of a sequence of events that occurred within the network. A probability of the sequence of events occurring during non-anomalous network activity is obtained based on transition probabilities between events in the sequence of events. A frequency characteristic dependent on a frequency at which the sequence of events occurred within the network is determined. A likelihood of the sequence of events occurring within the network at the frequency is determined based on a combination of the probability and the frequency characteristic. It is identified, based on the likelihood, that at least a portion of the network data is anomalous.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 43/16 - Threshold monitoring
• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures

Abstract

A computer implemented malware protection method to protect at least a subset of computer systems in a population of network-connected computer systems, including determining a distribution of predicted final infection size, each predicted final infection size being determined by a forecasting simulation of malware propagation from an originating system in the population; determining a plurality of ranges of final infection size from the distribution; determining weighted associations between clusters of computer systems and ranges of final infection size based on measures of numbers of originating computer systems in each cluster associated with each range of final infection size; and deploying protective measures for one or more clusters of computer systems responsive to the weighted associations.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures

Abstract

A computer implemented method for determining a physical size of a feature represented in an image is provided together with computer systems and programs for carrying out the method. The method receives initial data comprising an indication of a respective physical size of one or more known types of object. The method uses the initial data to generate reference data from a first reference image. The generated reference data comprises an indication of a respective inferred physical size of one or more reference types of object. The method uses the generated reference data to determine the physical size of the feature based, at least in part, on: a size of a representation of one of the reference types of object in the image; the inferred physical size of that reference type of object; and a size of the representation of the feature in the image.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/60 - Analysis of geometric attributes
• G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
• G06V 10/772 - Determining representative reference patterns, e.g. averaging or distorting patterns; Generating dictionaries

Abstract

A computer implemented method for generating a force-directed layout for a graph is provided together with computer systems and programs for carrying out the method. The graph includes a plurality of vertices and the layout is dependent on a force exerted by each vertex on every other vertex. The method generates an initial layout of the plurality of vertices. The method determines an effect of global interactions based on the force between vertices by: grouping vertices based on their location in the initial layout; and determining an aggregate effect of each group of vertices as a whole. The method determines, for each vertex, an effect of local interactions based on the force with the vertices located in a region of the initial layout proximate to the vertex. The method determines an adjustment to the location of each vertex based, at least in part, on the combined effects of the global and local interactions on that vertex and applies the determined adjustment to each vertex.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/901 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to improving ways of making decisions made by, or with the assistance of, computing systems. One aspect relates to a computer-implemented continuous control method, the method comprising: obtaining a policy decision according to an application of a policy to an inference; the inference being of an authorised user's state of mind over a time interval, determined according to a plurality of biometric readings obtained passively from the user over the time interval for continuous authentication of the user; the user's identity having been continuously authenticated according to the plurality of biometric readings; and causing one or more actions in accordance with the policy decision. Further aspects relate to a data processing system comprising means for carrying out such a method, a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out such a method, a computer-readable data carrier having stored thereon such a computer program and a data carrier signal carrying such a computer program.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• G06F 21/31 - User authentication

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of controlling Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) for delivering a payload (120) to an intended delivery location (130-2) comprising the steps of: identifying a first AV (110-1) for retrieving a payload from a first location (130-1); determining a second location (140-1) to which the first AV is capable of travelling with the payload from the first location; instructing the first AV to retrieve the payload from the first location and to deliver the payload to the second location; communicating a wireless communication (160) requesting assistance from another AV to deliver the payload from the second location, wherein the wireless communication is in the form of a system information message; in response to the wireless communication, identifying a second AV (110-2) for retrieving the payload from the second location; and instructing the second AV to retrieve the payload from the second location and to deliver the payload to the intended delivery location (140-3).

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude, or attitude of land, water, air, or space vehicles, e.g. automatic pilot
• G05D 1/10 - Simultaneous control of position or course in three dimensions
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions

Abstract

A computer-implemented method (300) of monitoring a computational system (100), said computational system comprising a plurality of interoperating computing components (210) for performing computational operations thereby to provide a computational service to a user (120), wherein said computational system comprises a plurality of performance requirements based on at least one performance attribute, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a performance attribute associated with a performance requirement of the computational system (310); identifying a set of computing components from the plurality of computing components, wherein each of the computing components in the set perform operations affecting the selected performance attribute (320); determining a mapping of relationships for the computing components in the identified set in relation to the selected performance attribute; retrieving a performance status of a computing component in the identified set (320); and in dependence on said determined mapping and said retrieved performance status, calculating a probability of the identified set complying with the performance requirement for the selected performance attribute (340).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
• G06F 9/48 - Program initiating; Program switching, e.g. by interrupt

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an optical limiter for limiting the radiant flux of an optical source beam, including an optical control port for illumination by an optical control beam originating from the source beam; an optical input port for illumination by an optical transmission beam originating from the source beam; an optical output port for illumination by the transmission beam; and a thermally driven light mill; wherein the light mill is arranged with respect to the input port, the control port and the output port such that: illumination of the control port by the control beam drives the light mill to rotate only when the control beam has a radiant flux equal to or in excess of a predetermined radiant flux threshold; and rotation of the light mill causes an area of the output port illuminated by the transmission beam to change.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
• G02B 6/35 - Optical coupling means having switching means
• G02B 26/02 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the intensity of light

Abstract

A computer implemented method for detecting anomalies in a computer network is provided together with a network monitoring system and computer programs for carrying out the method. The method obtains a model representing normal characteristics of network traffic associated with a set of devices within the computer network. The method analyses network traffic using the model to identify anomalous network traffic associated with the set of devices. The method clusters the anomalous network traffic into clusters of network traffic that share similar characteristics. The method provides an indication that either (i) the network traffic associated with a cluster relates to a new type of anomaly involving the set of devices or (ii) that no new types of anomaly are present.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of analysing anomalous network traffic in a telecommunications network, said telecommunications network comprising a plurality of network entities (120, 110) and a security analyser (130-3), wherein the method comprises the steps of: receiving at the security analyser a network communication from a first network entity; identifying the first network entity; by means of the security analyser: analysing the network communication and/or a performance of the first network entity thereby to identify the network communication as an anomalous communication (310); in response to identifying the network communication as an anomalous communication, communicating an instruction to the identified first network entity to respond with origin information regarding the anomalous communication, wherein the origin information identifies a preceding network entity from which the anomalous communication was directly received by the first network entity (320, 330); and commencing with the preceding network entity, iteratively communicating an instruction to a preceding network entity to respond with origin information for identifying another preceding network entity from which the anomalous communication was directly received until a source network entity from which the anomalous communication originated is identified (380, 390; and applying a security policy to the identified source network entity (370).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented method to protect data input to a user input device from detection, the device including an artificial haptic feedback mechanism arranged to generate an occurrence of haptic feedback for sensing by a user of the device in response to each input gesture on the device by the user, wherein at least a subset of each occurrence of haptic feedback is adjusted with respect to a previous occurrence of haptic feedback by one or more of: a timing of the haptic feedback with respect to a time of occurrence of a corresponding input gesture; an adjustment to a duration of haptic feedback relative to a duration of the previous occurrence of haptic feedback; and a generation of one or more addition occurrences of haptic feedback.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/83 - Protecting input, output or interconnection devices input devices, e.g. keyboards, mice or controllers thereof
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G06F 3/04886 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• G06F 21/60 - Protecting data

Abstract

An optical switch is proposed, for routing an optical transmission signal according to an optical control signal, including one or more optical control ports; three or more optical transmission ports; a light director; and a thermally driven light mill; where the light mill and the light director are arranged with respect to each other, to the one or more control ports and to the three or more transmission ports such that: illumination of a respective one of the one or more control ports by a control beam carrying the control signal drives the light mill to rotate towards a respective position in which the light director is arranged so as to direct a transmission beam carrying the transmission signal, entering the switch via a respective one of the transmission ports, to exit the switch via a respective other of the transmission ports.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04Q 3/52 - Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker using static devices in switching stages, e.g. electronic switching arrangements
• H04Q 11/00 - Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light

Abstract

A malware protection method to protect at least a subset of a set of computer systems from a malware includes accessing a model of the set of computer systems, the model identifying interacting pairs of the computer systems in the set based on interactions corresponding to previous communication occurring between the computer systems in the pair; simulating, over a plurality of time periods, a propagation of the malware originating from a predetermined source computer system in the model, the simulation being based on a number of interactions per time period between each interacting pair of computer systems in the set, and a rate of transmission of the malware per interaction; and, responsive to the simulating step, identifying one or more computer systems or interacting pairs of computer systems to deploy a malware protection measure thereto so as to inhibit a propagation of the malware through the set of computer systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements

Abstract

The invention provides a method of media content delivery, where the time taken to deliver each chunk of content is measured, from which the stability or consistency of delivery times are calculated. The amount of data buffered at the user's device awaiting decoding and play-back can then be adjusted (such as by playing out the content slower or quicker), in order to achieve a good compromise between continuous play-out and low end-to-end delay, taking into consideration the current network characteristics.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 65/613 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
• H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the security of user devices connected to local networks, such as devices comprised in the Internet of Things' (IoT). An aspect relates to a computer-implemented method of securing functionality of a user device connected to a local network provided at a premises, the method comprising: determining a premises trust score indicative of a likelihood that an authorised user of the user device is present at the premises, the determining being in dependence on: (i) data received from one or more biometric-capable devices, distinct from the user device, connected to the local network, that data being indicative of continuous biometric authentication of a current user of the respective biometric-capable device; or (ii) a lack thereof; then causing the user device to respond to a request for functionality made through a local user interface it comprises in a manner which depends on the premises trust score.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented method of identifying one or more relationships between columns in a database by determining a subset of a set of all columns of all tables in the database, the columns in the subset satisfying predetermined primary key characteristics, each predetermined characteristic being defined by a rule for identifying a column as a potential primary key; identifying one or more relationships between columns in the subset and columns in the set of all columns based on each of: primary key and foreign key relationships between columns; and relationships between columns indicated in one or more scripts, each script including instructions for accessing the database.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/21 - Design, administration or maintenance of databases

Abstract

A malware protection method to protect at least a subset of a set of computer systems from a malware propagating through the set of computer systems, including accessing a model of the set of computer systems, wherein each computer system is identified by the model as having an indication of a state of malware infection; simulating, over a plurality of time periods, a propagation of the malware from infected computer systems to susceptible computer systems, the simulation being based on a number of interactions per time period between each interacting pair of computer systems in the set, and a rate of transmission of the malware per interaction; responsive to the simulating, identifying one or more computer systems to deploy a malware protection measure thereto so as to inhibit a propagation of the malware through the set of computer systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for routing a bursty data flow comprising a series of one or more data packets over a converged network comprising a plurality of communication networks, the method comprising, for each of the series of data packets in turn: selecting which one of the plurality of communication networks to transmit that data packet over by: (i) obtaining flow statistics indicating a current flow state of the bursty data flow; and (ii) selecting the one of the plurality of communication networks in dependence on said flow statistics; then initiating transmission of the data packet over that one of the plurality of communication networks. Further aspects relate to a data processing system, a computer program, a computer-readable data carrier and a data carrier signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
• H04L 47/10 - Flow control; Congestion control

Abstract

There is herein provided a method of performing Quantum Key Distribution, the method including transmitting, in a first basis state, a first photon from a quantum transmitter to a quantum receiver; transmitting, in a second basis state, a second photon from the quantum transmitter to the quantum receiver, the second basis state being non-orthogonal to the first basis state and the transmitter and receiver being optically connected by both a first optical channel and a second optical channel, wherein transmitting the first photon from the quantum transmitter to the quantum receiver in the first basis state comprises: transmitting the first photon from the quantum transmitter to the quantum receiver along either the first optical channel or the second optical channel, wherein transmitting the second photon from the quantum transmitter to the quantum receiver in the second basis state comprises: transmitting a first portion of the probability distribution of the second photon from the transmitter to the receiver along the first optical channel; and transmitting a second portion of the probability distribution of the second photon from the transmitter to the receiver along the second optical channel.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• H04B 10/70 - Photonic quantum communication
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of determining performance of a Radio Access Network (RAN) of a telecommunications network is disclosed in which the RAN covers an area that is divided into a plurality of unit cells. The method includes receiving a measured performance value of the RAN within at least one unit cell of the plurality of unit cells; receiving a simulated performance value of the RAN within each of the plurality of unit cells; identifying a unit cell that is associated with both a measured performance value and a simulated performance value; calculating, for the identified unit cell, a difference function between the simulated performance value and the measured performance value; and applying the difference function to the simulated performance value of at least one adjacent unit cell to the identified unit cell to determine a modified simulated performance value for the at least one adjacent unit cell.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 17/382 - Monitoring; Testing of propagation channels for resource allocation, admission control or handover
• H04B 17/391 - Modelling the propagation channel
• H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method of operating a network node in a wireless telecommunications network, wherein the wireless telecommunications network includes a first access point having a transmitter configured to transmit in a first coverage area, including receiving, from a sensor, data indicating a location of an object within the first coverage area of the first access point's transmitter; determining, from a set of access rights including excluded, differentiated restrictions and no restrictions, that the object has the differentiated restrictions access right; responsive to the determination that the object has the differentiated restrictions access right, classifying, from a set of classes including a first class and a second class, the object in the first class, wherein the first class is associated with a first restriction configuration having a first electro and/or magnetic field exposure threshold and the second class is associated with a second restriction configuration having a second electro and/or magnetic field exposure threshold; responsive to the determination that the object is classified in the first class, determining that the object shall use the first electro and/or magnetic field exposure threshold; determining that a value of electro and/or magnetic field exposure for the object exceeds the first electro and/or magnetic field exposure threshold; and causing an adjustment of the first access point so as to reduce the value of electro and/or magnetic field exposure for the object.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
• H04B 7/024 - Co-operative use of antennas at several sites, e.g. in co-ordinated multipoint or co-operative multiple-input multiple-output [MIMO] systems

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for enabling digital content from a content provider (12, 5 14) to be provided via a communication network (10) from intermediate digital content stores (16) to user-devices (18). According to one aspect, the method comprises the content provider (12, 14) providing digital content encrypted using a cryptographic encryption key to an intermediate digital content store (16), the cryptographic encryption key being a public key of a key-pair and having an associated private key. In response to a request from a user-device (18) to the content provider (12, 14) for the digital content, a cryptographic session key is shared between the content provider (12, 14) and the requesting user-device (18). The content provider (12, 14) provides to the intermediate digital content store (16) the cryptographic re-encryption key and indications of the requested digital content and of the user-device (18).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of operating a wireless network access point of a wireless network. The method includes wirelessly exchanging management frames with a device to attach the device to the access point, thereby establishing: a wireless downlink data communication channel from the access point to the device, and a wireless uplink data communication channel from the device to the access point. The method further includes performing a wireless link test comprising: transmitting a test frame to the device on the downlink channel, the test frame having a length greater than each of the management frames, including a sequence of test data bits, and being configured to require a mirror response comprising the sequence of test data bits; monitoring for receipt of the mirror response on the uplink; and, if the mirror response is received, determining the test is passed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/08 - Testing using real traffic
• H04L 1/20 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received using signal-quality detector
• H04W 60/04 - Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration using triggered events

Abstract

A computer implemented method of detecting malware in a received software component includes generating a profile for the malware by accessing machine code for the malware, identifying a subset of the machine code for the malware as a logical subroutine of the malware, and extracting one or more features of the logical subroutine of the malware as the profile. The method further includes accessing machine code for the received software component to identify a plurality of logical subroutines thereof and extracting one or more features of each logical subroutine of the received software component for comparison with the profile to detect the malware in the received software component.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements

Abstract

A method of consensus for a distributed transactional database having a logical chain of blocks of stored data, each block identifying a relationship to a preceding block such that a most recently added block is a current state of the database, and the database storing data relating to a system in execution having associated a measurable characteristic capable of improvement, wherein each block of the database stores a specification of a modification to the system and a corresponding measure of the characteristic of the system. The method including, receiving a specification of a new modification to the system; measuring the characteristic for the system modified in accordance with the new modification; and responsive to a determination that the new modification provides an improvement to the measure of the characteristic of the system, committing a new block including the new modification to the database.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/23 - Updating
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented method of defining a deployment specification for one or more infrastructure components as part of a transmission network for a utility service in a defined geographic region, the region having associated environmental characteristics identifying environmental features of the region, and the region including a plurality of locations each having associated location characteristics. The method including identifying features of the location, the method comprising: for each location and for one or more types of infrastructure component components, each type having associated infrastructure characteristics identifying features of an infrastructure component of the type, executing a classifier based on each of one or more of the infrastructure characteristics, the location characteristics, and the environmental characteristics to forecast a measure of susceptibility of infrastructure deployed at the location to one or more operational impediments of the infrastructure in use, the classifier being executed based on each of one or more of the infrastructure characteristics, the location characteristics for the location and the environmental characteristics; and selecting one or more locations in the region based on the forecast susceptibilities to trigger deployment of infrastructure components at the selected locations.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 30/18 - Network design, e.g. design based on topological or interconnect aspects of utility systems, piping, heating ventilation air conditioning [HVAC] or cabling
• G06F 30/27 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation using machine learning, e.g. artificial intelligence, neural networks, support vector machines [SVM] or training a model

Abstract

A method of maintaining a plurality of infrastructure components as part of a transmission network for a utility service in a defined geographic region having associated environmental characteristics, wherein each infrastructure component is deployed at a location in the region having associated one or more location characteristics and is of a component type having associated one or more infrastructure characteristics. The method including for each infrastructure component, executing a classifier based on one or more of the infrastructure characteristics, the location characteristics, and the environmental characteristics to forecast a measure of susceptibility of the infrastructure component to one or more operational impediments. The method further includes selecting an infrastructure component based on the forecast susceptibilities and deploying one or more mitigation measures for the selected infrastructure component to mitigate one or more operational impediments to which the selected component is determined to be susceptible based on the forecast susceptibilities.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 50/26 - Government or public services
• G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling