Premises gateway apparatus and methods for use in a content-based network

摘要

Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.

主权项

1. A gateway device configured to provide content and upstream communication proxy services to at least one user device in communication therewith, said gateway device comprising:
a transceiver configured to receive and transmit signals from individual ones of said at least one user device for delivery to a network entity, thereby enabling said gateway device to act as a communications proxy for said individual ones of said one or more user devices; a storage apparatus; and a processor in data communication with said storage apparatus and configured to execute at least one computer program, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions configured to, when executed, cause said gateway device to:
receive at least one request for one or more content elements from said one or more user devices;based at least in part on said at least one request, cause said one or more content elements to be received from a content source and disposed at said storage apparatus; andcreate a trusted domain of authorized ones of said one or more user devices disposed within a premises network created by said gateway device for delivery of said one or more content elements thereto, said trusted domain comprising at least said gateway device and said one or more user devices.