Network management

摘要

A system and method are disclosed for managing networks. Devices in a neighborhood may communicate with a termination server (TS) at a local office. The devices may also communicate locally with one another using a second, localized network. As an alternative to obtaining network communication and initialization data from the TS, the devices may consult with devices on the local network to determine if such devices have the initialization data available for use. Through the local network, the devices may also share tuning resources with one another, so that neighboring devices may use each others' resources to render or record additional content when their own resources are otherwise unavailable.

主权项

1. A network management method, comprising:
receiving, by a first device, a request to record an individual program; determining, by the first device, that tuning resources of the first device are available for a first portion of the individual program and unavailable for a second portion of the individual program; sending, from the first device to one or more other devices, a request to temporarily use a tuning resource of the one or more other devices for the second portion of the individual program; receiving a signal from a responding device of the one or more other devices, wherein the signal indicates that the first device has temporary use of the tuning resource of the responding device to record the second portion of the individual program; dividing responsibilities for recording the individual program between the first device and the responding device; recording, using a tuner of the first device, the first portion of the individual program; recording, using a tuner of the responding device, the second portion of the individual program; and transferring the recorded second portion of the individual program from the responding device to the first device.