US 11,455,376 B2 · Apparatus and methods for content distribution to packet-enabled devices via a network bridge

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for providing content to packet-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to IP-enabled devices such as mobile smartphones and tablet computers using a traditional high-speed data connection. This capability allows the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one variant, a cable modem is provided which is limited to only retrieve content for delivery to the devices, yet which performs no other functions/services (including provision of high-speed data services). Alternatively, a “media server” modem is utilized to enable delivery of content from the managed network to a client or user device which is also able to obtain high-speed data service from a non-managed or third party managed network via a third-party access point. Security and authentication mechanisms for the transmitted content are also disclosed.

Claims22

Dependent claims

Computer readable apparatus comprising a non-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory storage medium comprising at least one computer program having a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions configured to, when executed on a processing apparatus, cause a computerized networked apparatus to:

receive digitally rendered content from a computerized server apparatus over a first channel, the first channel being dedicated only for the receipt of the digitally rendered content from the computerized server apparatus associated with a first network;
enable outbound communications relating to the digitally rendered content;
receive data representative of a request for the digitally rendered content from a computerized device;
cause authentication of the computerized client device, the authentication comprising verification of the computerized client device as having OTT (over-the-top) services access;
and
cause delivery of the digitally rendered content via a second channel, the second channel configured for delivery of services via a second network, the second network operated by a third-party entity;
wherein the delivery of the digitally rendered content via the second channel comprises delivery of the digitally rendered content via an Internet Protocol (IP)-based transport such that the digitally rendered content is delivered from the first network via an over-the-top delivery via the second network.

4 more elements

Computerized networked apparatus associated with a managed content distribution network and configured for delivery of digital media content data to a computerized client device over at least a third-party data network in data communication with the managed content distribution network, the computerized networked apparatus comprising:

a first data interface;
a second data interface;
processor apparatus in data communication with the at least first and second data interfaces;
and
a media server process operative to execute on the computerized networked apparatus, the media server process configured to:
cause registration of the computerized networked apparatus with a computerized entity associated with the third-party data network, wherein the computerized networked apparatus is serviced by the managed content distribution network and the registration registers the computerized networked apparatus as a client of an access point apparatus serviced by the third-party data network;
receive data representative of a request from the computerized client device for the digital media content data via the second data interface;
cause authentication of the computerized client device;
based at least on the authentication:
(i) retrieve the digital media content data from a content server apparatus via the first data interface and over a first communication channel;
and
(ii) establish a communication session between the computerized client device and the computerized networked apparatus for delivery of the digital media content data, the communication session established over the second data interface and via at least the third-party data network via a access point apparatus;
and
cause delivery of the digital media content data to the computerized client device via the access point apparatus and the third-party data network.

11 more elements

A computerized method for delivery of digital content to a computerized client device over at least a third-party data network in data communication with a content delivery network, the computerized method comprising:

receiving data representative of a request for digital content, the request originating from the computerized client device;
causing authentication of the computerized client device, the authentication comprising authentication of the computerized client device as having OTT (over-the-top) services access only;
based at least on the authentication, causing establishment of a communication session between the computerized client device and a computerized server apparatus for delivery of the digital content via at least the third-party data network;
and
causing delivery of the digital content to the computerized client device from the computerized server apparatus via the third-party data network and utilizing an OTT service.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and methods for content distribution to packet-enabled devices via a network bridge

Life of this patent

Apparatus and methods for content distribution to packet-enabled devices via a network bridge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22