Abstract

An authentication method is disclosed in which a knowledge graph is provided for a user, wherein nodes of the knowledge graph represent entities associated with the user and edges of the knowledge graph represent semantic relationships between the entities. The method involves selecting a first node of the knowledge graph, identifying a second node of the knowledge graph such that information associated with the second node has a higher expected obviousness to the user than to an attacker, and generating an authentication challenge for the user based on the information associated with the second node. Also disclosed are a corresponding data processing apparatus, computer program and computer-readable data carrier.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/46 - Structures or tools for the administration of authentication by designing passwords or checking the strength of passwords
• G06F 16/901 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
• G06F 40/30 - Semantic analysis
• G06N 5/022 - Knowledge engineering; Knowledge acquisition
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning
• G06Q 50/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• G06Q 30/00 - Commerce

Abstract

This invention provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, and a node for implementing said method, the cellular telecommunications network comprising a plurality of transceivers, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data including a Physical Cell Identifier, PCI, of each transceiver of the plurality of transceivers; identifying, based on the obtained data, a first PCI conflict between a first pair of transceivers of the plurality of transceivers and a second PCI conflict between a second pair of transceivers of the plurality of transceivers; determining that a solution priority of the first PCI conflict is greater than a solution priority of the second PCI conflict, wherein the solution priorities of the first and second PCI conflicts are based on a respective energy saving status of the respective first and second pairs of transceivers, wherein the energy saving status is one of a normal mode, an energy saving mode and a compensation mode; identifying a solution to the first PCI conflict; and causing a reconfiguration in the cellular telecommunications network to implement the identified solution.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
• H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path
• H04W 24/04 - Arrangements for maintaining operational condition

Abstract

This invention provides a method in a cellular telecommunications network, and a node for implementing said method, the cellular telecommunications network comprising a plurality of transceivers, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data indicating respective Physical Cell Identifiers, PCIs, of a first transceiver and a second transceiver of the plurality of transceivers and further indicating a current neighbouring relationship between the first and second transceivers, the current neighbouring relationship between the first and second transceivers being of a particular order; identifying, from the obtained data, a first potential PCI conflict for the first and second transceiver in the event of a reduction in the order of the current neighbouring relationship between the first and second transceivers; identifying a solution to the first potential PCI conflict; and causing a reconfiguration in the cellular telecommunications network to implement the identified solution.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements

Abstract

Sedentary behaviours of a person may be monitored for wellbeing. Captured sensor data depicting at least one sedentary person, and values of configuration parameters of a capture device used to capture the sensor data are received. The captured sensor data is processed to compute skeletal data of the person. The skeletal data is input to a classifier to obtain classification data, for a plurality of classes related to behaviour of the person. The configuration parameters are stored in association with the classification data and patterns are detected in the stored classification data. Values of the configuration parameters are adjusted using the detected patterns.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06V 40/20 - Movements or behaviour, e.g. gesture recognition

Abstract

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV, configurable to: incidentally collect wireless network data at a first level of detail; send the wireless network data to a controller; in response to receiving an instruction from the controller, collect wireless network data from the wireless network device at a second level of detail higher than the first level of detail; and send the wireless network data at the second level of detail to the controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04W 12/121 - Wireless intrusion detection systems [WIDS]; Wireless intrusion prevention systems [WIPS]
• G08G 5/00 - Traffic control systems for aircraft

Abstract

A computer-implemented method, computer system and computer program are provided for detecting malicious domain names from a set of candidate domain names based on a set of reference domain names. The method uses natural language processing to generate vector representations of the domain names, each vector representation representing a respective domain name in the set of candidate domain names and the set of reference domain names. The method clusters the vector representations to generate clusters of domain names, the domain names within each cluster being similar to each other. The method analyses the clusters of domain names to identify at least one cluster comprising at least one domain name belonging to the set of candidate domain names and at least one domain name belonging to the set of reference domain names. The method provides an indication of one or more of the domain names in the set of candidate domain names included in the identified clusters as being malicious domain names.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 61/30 - Managing network names, e.g. use of aliases or nicknames

Abstract

Methods are described of managing content delivery to a client device by a proxy, relating to the proxy determining whether to leave the multicast channel it has previously joined. The aim is to decide to remain joined to the multicast channel if the client device is expected to continue to request content segments at the quality level being delivered on the multicast channel; and to decide to leave the multicast channel if the client device is likely to request a significant number of content segments at a different quality level to that being delivered on the multicast channel.

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 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
• H04L 65/80 - Responding to QoS
• H04L 67/1014 - Server selection for load balancing based on the content of a request
• H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel

Abstract

A user device determines a likelihood that a current user of the user device is an authorised user. It then selects a subset of a plurality of types of sensor data obtained by the user device, the subset's size being determined in dependence on the determined likelihood. The user device then transmits one or more reports, each report comprising one or more of the selected one or more types of sensor data.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
• G06F 21/88 - Detecting or preventing theft or loss

Abstract

Described are methods of managing content delivery to a client device by a proxy, where the content is made up of a sequence of content segments and each segment is encoded at a plurality of bit rates or quality levels. The proxy starts off by receiving content requests from the client device over unicast, and fulfilling those requests by forwarding them to a content server. In response, the proxy receives the content over unicast from the content server and forwards it onto the client device. Then, the proxy determines whether to join a multicast channel in order to satisfy the requests from the client device for content segments, where the decision is made taking into account the quality levels of the segments requested, as well as the impact that joining the multicast channel could have on bandwidth of the network connection from the content source to the proxy. The examples can be viewed as multicast join policies.

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 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
• H04L 65/80 - Responding to QoS
• H04L 67/1014 - Server selection for load balancing based on the content of a request
• H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel

Abstract

A method (200) of operating a radio access point (115), providing a radio access network for a telecommunications network (100), comprising a plurality of antenna elements (122), the method comprising the steps of: determining a performance requirement for a network slice to which a User Equipment (110), UE, of the telecommunications network is allocated (230); selecting, in dependence upon said determined performance requirement, a spatial arrangement of a subset of the plurality of antenna elements (230); reserving the selected subset for use only by the network slice (250); and communicating a network communication between the radio access point and the UE using only the subset of antenna elements (540).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

Abstract

This invention provides a network node comprising: an optical fibre interface configured to receive, from one or more remote optical sources, a first optical signal, a second optical signal and a third optical signal, wherein the first, second and third optical signals each have a respective wavelength within an optical fibre transmission band being one of the O-band, E-band, S-band, C-band, L-band, and U/XL-band; one or more wavelength converters configured to convert the wavelength of one or more of the first optical signal, second optical signal and third optical signal; and a Rydberg-atom based transmission medium configured to be excited by the first optical signal, second optical signal and third optical signal, following wavelength conversion of one or more of the first optical signal, second optical signal and third optical signal, such that electrons of the Rydberg-atom based transmission medium are excited to a predetermined Rydberg state.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/67 - Optical arrangements in the receiver
• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
• H04J 14/02 - Wavelength-division multiplex systems

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for 3D reconstruction of a target is provided, comprising obtaining an initial global reconstruction of the target in a 3D space, inferred by a global machine learning model; providing, to a user, an initial visualisation of the target based on the reconstruction; receiving, from the user, at least one indication of at least one point of interest in the visualisation; resampling at least one first subsection of the target based on the at least one point of interest to obtain local data, wherein the local data is associated with the subsection based on spatial information that associates the local data with a point in 3D space; inputting the resampled local data and spatial information into a local feature machine learning model to obtain at least one 3D reconstruction of the target, wherein the local feature machine learning model has been trained to output a target reconstruction from local data of resampled subsections, and wherein the 3D coordinate system of the local 3D reconstruction aligns with the global 3D reconstruction; and merging the global 3D reconstruction with the local 3D reconstruction. A corresponding computer system and computer readable medium may also be provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 17/00 - 3D modelling for computer graphics
• G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
• G06T 7/50 - Depth or shape recovery

Abstract

An intrusion prevention system, computer-implemented method, computer system and computer program for protecting a network are provided. The system comprises one or more intrusion detection systems. The system further comprises a packet analyser for routing packets within the network that are received from another network. The packet analyser is configured to: receive a packet destined for a computer system within the network; extract one or more features relating to the packet; use a classification model to determine whether the packet is malicious based on the extracted features; prevent delivery of the packet to the computer system in response to determining that the packet is malicious; and deliver the packet to at least one of the intrusion detection systems in the absence of a determination that the packet is malicious. The one or more intrusion detection systems are configured to provide a notification to the packet analyser of any packets that they determine to be malicious. The packet analyser is further configured to train the classification model based on the notification from the one or more intrusion detection systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04W 12/08 - Access security

Abstract

This invention provides an electromagnetic field detector, a system comprising the electromagnetic field detector, and a method of operating an electromagnetic field detector, the electromagnetic field detector comprising a first optical signal interface configured to receive, from one or more remote optical sources, a first optical signal; an electromagnetic field transmitter configured to transmit a local oscillator electromagnetic field generated from the first optical signal, the electromagnetic field transmitter comprising: a photocurrent generator configured to generate a photocurrent from the first optical signal; and an antenna interface configured to supply the photocurrent to an antenna to transmit the local oscillator electromagnetic field; a second optical signal interface configured to receive, from the one or more remote optical sources, a probe optical signal and a coupling optical signal; and a transmission medium configured to be excited by the probe optical signal and further excited by the coupling optical signal, wherein the probe optical signal has a probe frequency set to excite electrons of the transmission medium to a first excited state and the coupling optical signal has a coupling frequency set to excite electrons of the transmission medium to a predetermined Rydberg state so as to induce an Electromagnetic Induced Transparency, EIT, effect, wherein the transmission medium is further configured to receive a phase-modulated electromagnetic field from a remote transmitter and the local oscillator electromagnetic field such that the combination of the phase-modulated electromagnetic field and the local oscillator electromagnetic field causes a change in the probe optical signal from which a phase state of the phase-modulated electromagnetic field can be detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
• H04B 10/50 - Transmitters

Abstract

There is herein disclosed an apparatus for performing quantum key distribution, the apparatus comprising a plurality of connected functional components which, in use, co-operate to perform quantum key distribution, wherein one or more of the plurality of functional components are functionally disconnectable from, and re-connectable to, the remainder of the plurality of functional components.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

There is herein disclosed an apparatus for performing quantum key distribution, the apparatus comprising a first quantum terminal, the first quantum terminal being one of a first quantum transmitter/receiver pair, and a second quantum terminal, the second quantum terminal being one of a second quantum transmitter/receiver pair, wherein the first quantum terminal comprises a plurality of connected functional components which, in use, co-operate to perform quantum key distribution with the other of the first quantum transmitter/receiver pair, wherein, in use, one or more of the plurality of connected functional components co-operates with the second quantum terminal to perform quantum key distribution with the other of the second quantum transmitter/receiver pair.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

There is herein disclosed an apparatus for performing quantum key distribution, the apparatus comprising a plurality of connected functional components which, in use, co-operate to perform quantum key distribution, wherein one or more of the plurality of functional components is provisioned in a module, the module being relocatable relative to the remainder of the plurality of functional components.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

This invention provides a network node for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network comprising a transmitting node and a receiving node, the network node comprising a configuration module configured to: configure the RIS according to a beam training codebook so as to define a training beam pair; obtain data indicative of a direction between the RIS and the receiving node, the direction between the RIS and receiving node derivable from the powers of each beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node; and configure the RIS according to a data transmission codebook, the data transmission codebook defining a data transmission beam in the direction between the RIS and the receiving node. This invention also provides a receiving node in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network comprising a transmitting node and a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, the receiving node comprising: a receiver configured to receive a training beam pair transmitted by the transmitting node and reflected by the RIS; a measurement module configured to determine the power of each training beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node; and a processor configured to determine a direction between the RIS and the receiving node based on the powers of each beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node.

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

Abstract

This invention provides a network node for configuring a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network comprising a transmitting node and a receiving node, the network node comprising a configuration module configured to: configure the RIS according to a beam training codebook so as to define a training beam pair; obtain data indicative of a direction between the RIS and the receiving node, the direction between the RIS and receiving node derivable from the powers of each beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node; and configure the RIS according to a data transmission codebook, the data transmission codebook defining a data transmission beam in the direction between the RIS and the receiving node. This invention also provides a receiving node in a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network comprising a transmitting node and a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface, RIS, the receiving node comprising: a receiver configured to receive a training beam pair transmitted by the transmitting node and reflected by the RIS; a measurement module configured to determine the power of each training beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node; and a processor configured to determine a direction between the RIS and the receiving node based on the powers of each beam of the training beam pair at the receiving node.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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 (200) of operating a hybrid access telecommunications network (100), said telecommunications network comprising a client device (1 10) and a core network (130) connected therebetween via a plurality of network paths, each network path being established by a different access network (120), the method comprising the steps of: sending (210) and then receiving (220), over each of the plurality of network paths, a lightweight packet train between the client device and the core network; measuring dispersion of each received packet train; determining a relative network performance of the plurality of network paths using said measured dispersions (230); and configuring the telecommunications network so as to send subsequent network communications between the client device and the core network over the plurality of network paths in dependence on the determined relative network performance of the plurality of network paths (250).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 43/10 - Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route
• H04L 43/50 - Testing arrangements
• H04W 28/08 - Load balancing or load distribution
• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition
• H04W 24/06 - Testing using simulated traffic

Abstract

Examples relate to a method of performing HTTP redirects. An intermediary node, such as a home gateway, receives an HTTP request from a client device for a resource located at a content server. The intermediary node, such as a gateway device, determines that the resource is one that could be provided instead by a different source from that of the content server, for example instead by a proxy that is be co-located with the intermediary node. The intermediary node then performs network address translation to modify the source port number associated with the HTTP request to one from a predetermined set of source port numbers, before forwarding the HTTP request with the modified source port number to the content server. The content server receives the request and determines that the source port of the HTTP request is one of the predetermined set of source port numbers, and thus sends an HTTP redirect message to the client device, wherein the HTTP redirect message is addressed to a domain associated with the proxy.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 67/562 - Brokering proxy services
• H04L 67/02 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• H04L 67/563 - Data redirection of data network streams
• H04L 61/2517 - Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses using port numbers
• H04L 61/2514 - Translation of Internet protocol [IP] addresses between local and global IP addresses

Abstract

This invention provides a method of operating a wireless local area network, the wireless local area network including a user device, a wireless access point and a wireless repeater, wherein the wireless repeater is configured to virtualise a Media Access Control, MAC, address of the user device when the user device is connected to the wireless repeater by changing the Organisationally Unique Identifier, OUI, of the MAC address, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data including a plurality of records, wherein each record of the plurality of records relates to the user device and includes a MAC address and a device label of the user device, wherein at least one record of the plurality of records includes a MAC address that has been virtualised by the wireless repeater; processing each record of the plurality of records by: determining that the MAC address of the processed record is a local MAC address, and, if so, identifying another record of the plurality of records that is uniquely associated with the user device based on the MAC address of the processed record by determining a Network Interface Controller, NIC, value of the MAC address of the processed record, determining that the determined NIC value is uniquely associated with a device label in the plurality of records, and identifying another record of the plurality of records having the associated device label, and assigning a unique identifier to the processed record based on the MAC address of the identified other record of the plurality of records; analysing the plurality of records having the unique device identifier; and causing a reconfiguration in the wireless local area network based on the analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 61/2596 - Translation of addresses of the same type other than IP, e.g. translation from MAC to MAC addresses
• H04L 41/0893 - Assignment of logical groups to network elements
• H04L 41/12 - Discovery or management of network topologies
• H04L 101/604 - Address structures or formats
• H04L 101/622 - Layer-2 addresses, e.g. medium access control [MAC] addresses

Abstract

This invention provides a method of operating a wireless local area network, the wireless local area network including a user device, a wireless access point and a wireless repeater, wherein the wireless repeater is configured to virtualise a Media Access Control, MAC, address of the user device when the user device is connected to the wireless repeater, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data including a first plurality of records, wherein each record of the first plurality of records relates to the user device and includes a MAC address and a signal strength value; obtaining data including a second plurality of records, wherein each record of the second plurality of records includes a Basic Service Set Identifier, BSSID, and a signal strength value; for each MAC address in the first plurality of records: identifying a record of the second plurality of records having a BSSID that sufficiently matches the MAC address by determining a similarity between an Organisationally Unique Identifier, OUI, of the BSSID and the OUI of the MAC address, determining that a difference between the signal strength value associated with the identified record of the second plurality of records and the signal strength value associated with the MAC address of the first plurality of records is within a threshold, assigning a first hop repeater identifier to each record of the first plurality of records having the MAC address based on the BSSID of the identified record of the second plurality of records; and causing a reconfiguration in the wireless local area network based on the first hop repeater identifier.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 45/74 - Address processing for routing
• H04W 40/02 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing

Abstract

An automated equipment installation verification system to automatically verify correctness of each of a sequence of installation steps for the installation of an item of equipment, the system comprising: a data store that stores a digital model of the equipment at each step of a stepwise installation process; a logic unit that executes a comparator to compare a representation of the equipment indicating a configuration of the equipment with the digital model of the equipment at a current step in the stepwise installation process to generate a degree of conformity of the equipment at the current step; and a communications interface that communicates the degree of conformity to an operative.

IPC Classes  ?

• G09B 25/02 - Models for purposes not provided for in group , e.g. full-sized devices for demonstration purposes of machinery
• G09B 9/00 - Simulators for teaching or training purposes
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning

Abstract

An automated equipment installation verification system to automatically verify correctness of an installation of an item of installed equipment, the system comprising: a logic unit that executes a rule engine to apply at least one rule to an output of each of a plurality of classifiers to generate an indication of a degree of correctness of the installation of the equipment, each of the classifiers being trained to determine a degree of correctness of a configuration of at least part of the equipment based on image data, the image data including a representation of the equipment and being segmented such that each segment of the image data corresponds to a part of the installed equipment.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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 30/19 - Recognition using electronic means

Abstract

An automated equipment installation verification system to automatically verify correctness of installation actions of an operative installing an item of equipment, the system comprising: a logic unit (804) that executes a rule engine to apply at least one rule to a measure of correctness of each of a plurality of physical acts performed by the operative according to a sequence of stepwise actions to be performed by the operative in the installation of the equipment to determine a degree of correctness of an installation of the equipment, each measure of correctness being determined by a classifier trained to determine a degree of correctness of a respective act based on sensor data corresponding to the act.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 23/02 - Electric testing or monitoring
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of obfuscating user sensor data is provided. The method comprises collecting sensor data from one or more sensors of one or more user devices, assessing the user's current behaviour from the sensor data, and determining that an obfuscation period is required. The method further comprises generating obfuscated sensor data for the one or more sensors, different to the collected sensor data, during the obfuscation period, and providing the obfuscated sensor data to the one or more programs on the one or more user devices. During the obfuscation period, the obfuscated sensor data is provided to the one or more programs on the one or more user devices includes one or both of a phased-in period at the beginning of the obfuscation period during which the obfuscated data initially matches the collected sensor data, and deviates from the collected sensor data, and a phased-return period at the end of the obfuscation period during which the obfuscated data returns to match the collected sensor data.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules

Abstract

A method (400) of operating a wireless telecommunications network (100), said network comprising a plurality of User Equipment (110), UEs, a Wireless Access Point (120), WAP, and a Wireless Local Area Network (140), WLAN, provided by means of the WAP, the method comprising the steps of: associating, against each of the plurality of UEs, an item of information and a unique character slot for the item of information (410); compiling each item of information into a string, wherein said items of information are arranged according to each associated character slot (420); broadcasting, by means of the WAP, a network identifier for the WLAN, said network identifier comprising the compiled string (430); identifying, by means of each of the UEs, the broadcast network identifier (440); retrieving, by means of each UE, the character slot for the associated UE; and using, by means of each UE, the retrieved character slot so as to extract the associated item of information from the identified network identifier.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A physically unclonable function (PUF) configured to receive a challenge signal and produce a response signal dependent on the challenge signal in response thereto; wherein: the PUF comprises a photonic crystal structure of plural dimensionality which is configured to: be illuminated by an optical input signal which is, or is derived from, the challenge signal; and responsive thereto, produce an optical output signal dependent on the optical input signal's interaction with the photonic crystal structure, wherein the response signal is, or is derived from, the optical output signal.

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
• G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system

Abstract

This invention provides a method of detecting a photon in a first frequency range, the method comprising the steps of: exciting a first transmission medium by a first probe signal at a first probe frequency, wherein the first probe signal excites electrons of the first transmission medium from a ground state of the first transmission medium to a first excited state of the first transmission medium; exciting the first transmission medium by a first coupling signal at a first coupling frequency, wherein the first coupling signal overlaps with the first probe signal in the first transmission medium and excites electrons of the first transmission medium to a predetermined excited state of the first transmission medium such that a first photon in the first frequency range and having a first polarisation incident upon the first transmission medium excites an electron in the predetermined excited state of the first transmission medium to a further excited state of the first transmission medium, wherein a first photon in a second frequency range is emitted as part of a subsequent deexcitation of the electron from the further excited state of the first transmission medium; detecting the first photon in the first frequency range and having the first polarisation by detecting the first photon in the second frequency range; exciting a second transmission medium by a second probe signal at a second probe frequency, wherein the second probe signal excites electrons of the second transmission medium from a ground state of the second transmission medium to a first excited state of the second transmission medium; exciting the second transmission medium by a second coupling signal at a second coupling frequency, wherein the second coupling signal overlaps with the second probe signal in the second transmission medium and excites electrons of the second transmission medium to a predetermined excited state of the second transmission medium such that a second photon in the first frequency range incident upon the second transmission medium and having a second polarisation excites an electron in the predetermined excited state of the second transmission medium to a further excited state of the second transmission medium, wherein a second photon in the second frequency range is emitted as part of a subsequent deexcitation of the electron in the further excited state of the second transmission medium; and detecting the second photon in the first frequency range having the second polarisation by detecting the second photon in the second frequency range. This invention also provides a detector and system for implementing said method.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04B 10/70 - Photonic quantum communication
• G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
• H04B 10/60 - Receivers

Abstract

A method of obtaining a characteristic response from a communications network device in a communications network environment comprises accepting, at the communications network device, a challenge signal. Coupling all or part of the challenge signal or all or part of a transformation of the challenge signal in the form of radiation into one or more physical network channel media of the communication network. Allowing radiation to scatter between the physical communication channel media and a physically unclonable function PUF; and obtaining a response to the challenge by measuring scattered radiation from at least the PUF.

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
• G09C 1/00 - Apparatus or methods whereby a given sequence of signs, e.g. an intelligible text, is transformed into an unintelligible sequence of signs by transposing the signs or groups of signs or by replacing them by others according to a predetermined system

Abstract

To construct a neural network for image processing or other tasks, a population of software hox genomes is generated, each software hox genome encoding a neural network and comprising, for each of a plurality of zones of a neural network, a hox gene and at least one norm gene, where the norm gene encodes the zone and the hox gene controls at least one of: a quantity of instances of the zone in the neural network, a position of the zone in the neural network, a gradient of weights in the zone, a depth of nested zones within the zone, an amount of bias to be applied to weights in the zone. An evolutionary algorithm is applied to the population of software hox genomes where a fitness function of the evolutionary algorithm comprises a performance of a neural network encoded by a software hox genome on the image processing or other task.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06N 3/04 - Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
• G06N 3/12 - Computing arrangements based on biological models using genetic models
• G06N 3/045 - Combinations of networks
• G06N 3/126 - Evolutionary algorithms, e.g. genetic algorithms or genetic programming

Abstract

A digital twin system is provided for controlling a computing system including multiple hardware and software entities. The digital twin system comprises: a digital twin comprising a virtual model of the computing system including the multiple hardware and software entities and their environment. The virtual model incorporates three-dimensional physical dimensions of the hardware, the virtual model being configured to emulate the behaviour of the computing system. The digital twin system further comprises a communications interface for performing bi-directional communications with the computing system. The communications include receipt of real-time information regarding performance of the computing system and sensed conditions of the computing system and its environment. The digital twin system also comprises a machine learning system trained on (i) historical and real-time performance data; and (ii) historical and real-time sensed data of the computing system and its environment. The digital twin system further comprises an orchestrator configured to use the digital twin and the trained machine learning system in conjunction with the received real-time performance data and sensed data for the computing system and its environment to determine at least one action for the computing system and its environment that supports one or more selected system management objectives. The orchestrator is further configured to transmit a command over the bi-directional link to the computing system to perform the at least one action.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/0816 - Configuration setting characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings the condition being an adaptation, e.g. in response to network events
• H04L 41/14 - Network analysis or design
• H04L 43/08 - Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
• H04L 41/0823 - Configuration setting characterised by the purposes of a change of settings, e.g. optimising configuration for enhancing reliability
• H04L 41/16 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using machine learning or artificial intelligence

Abstract

A system, method and computer program for monitoring a subject are provided. The system comprises one or more sensors configured to collect data relating to the subject. The system further comprises a query pattern store configured to store one or more query patterns. Each query pattern is associated with a respective data processor for generating summary data based on the data, the summary data conveying less information about the subject than the data. The system further comprises a query processor configured to: receive a query regarding the subject from a user of the system; identify a query pattern that matches the query; determine whether the user is permitted to make queries matching that query pattern; and in response to determining that the user is permitted, provide a response to the query, the response comprising summary data generated using the respective data processor for that query pattern.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/2457 - Query processing with adaptation to user needs
• G06F 16/335 - Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
• G06F 16/338 - Presentation of query results

Abstract

Computer implemented methods, systems and programs of transmitting data from a source node to a destination node through a network via a plurality of intermediate nodes are provided. The method splits the data into a plurality of shares using a secret sharing algorithm. The method determines a respective route through the network to the destination node for each of the plurality of shares. Each route comprises a plurality of intermediate nodes via which that share is to be transmitted. At least two of the routes are different from each other. At least a first intermediate node of each route is common to the other routes. The method constructs a plurality of datagrams for conveying the plurality of shares through the network along their respective routes. Each datagram is intended for processing by a respective intermediate node and is encrypted with a key associated with that intermediate node. Each datagram comprises a payload and routing information for instructing the respective intermediate node to forward data contained in the payload for conveying one or more of the shares along their respective routes towards the destination node. The portion of the respective routes of the one or more shares prior to the respective intermediate node are common to each other. Each datagram other than an initial datagram intended for the first intermediate node is encapsulated within the payload of a preceding datagram intended for a preceding intermediate node on the respective routes of the one or more shares. The payload of at least one of the datagrams comprises a plurality of encapsulated datagrams. The routing information of the at least one of the datagrams instructs the respective intermediate node to transmit the plurality of encapsulated datagrams on to different respective intermediate nodes in the network. The method transmits the initial datagram to the first intermediate node.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• H04L 9/14 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• H04L 45/24 - Multipath

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of controlling the delivery rate of content to a client device to influence the quality level at which the client device requests subsequent content segments. The aim is to influence the client device so that it requests content segments at a consistent adaptive bit rate (ABR) level, where that level is one at which many client devices are requesting content segments. The result is that requests are more concentrated around a subset of the available ABR levels. This enables a more efficient and widespread use of any subsequent multicast.

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 65/65 - Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• H04L 65/1045 - Proxies, e.g. for session initiation protocol [SIP]
• H04L 67/02 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• H04N 21/6373 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components for rate control
• H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
• H04L 65/80 - Responding to QoS

Abstract

Examples exploit the processing capabilities of the available access points in a wireless telecommunications network operating in dual connectivity operation to enhance the data rate and fairness among the users. The wireless telecommunications network may include a first access point, or master node, connected to a plurality of further access points, or secondary nodes. The master node discovers which of the secondary access nodes has the processing capabilities and available processing capacity to handle NOMA transmissions. The master node can then coordinate the connection of a selected group of users to one of the secondary nodes that can support NOMA. The processing capabilities and available processing capacity to handle NOMA transmissions can be communicated by the secondary nodes to the master node actively, for example in a periodic manner, or reactively, for example as a result of a request for such information from the master node.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 76/15 - Setup of multiple wireless link connections
• H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path
• H04W 48/20 - Selecting an access point

Abstract

A method, computer system and computer program are provided for achieving a secure authentication token for accessing an application. The method captures a user gesture provided by a user as an authentication token and analyses the gesture to evaluate a measure of complexity of the gesture. Responsive to a determination that the measure of complexity does not meet a minimum measure of complexity, an amendment is determined and proposed to the gesture to increase a complexity of the gesture. The capturing and analysing steps are repeated, and, responsive to a determination that the gesture meets the minimum measure of complexity, the gesture is approved as a secure authentication token.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• G06F 21/36 - User authentication by graphic or iconic representation

Abstract

A computer implemented method of detecting anomalous behaviour within an environment is provided. The environment is monitored by a plurality of sensors providing a plurality of data feeds. Each data feed provides a respective data series representing a respective physical property of the environment over time. The method of detects an occurrence of an event within the environment and identifies a type of that event. The method identifies a plurality of normally correlated data feeds from the plurality of data feeds for the type of the event. The method determines a respective degree of correlation between the respective data series provided by each of the normally correlated data feeds for the occurrence of the event. The method determines a classification of the behaviour within the environment based on the determined degree(s) of correlation, the classification indicating whether the behaviour is normal or anomalous for the environment. Also provided is a method of training an anomaly detector for detecting anomalous behaviour within such an environment, as well as associated computer systems, computer programs, computer-readable data carriers and data carrier signals for performing such methods.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 13/00 - Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
• G08B 21/04 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
• G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors

Abstract

Presented is a method of detecting a loop length change in a digital subscriber line. An Uncalibrated Echo Response (UER) trace is obtained from the digital subscriber line by running a Single Ended Line Test (SELT). A historical (baseline) UER trace from the same line is retrieved. A line that has experienced a small change in loop length will have the same overall shape, but be compressed or stretched in the frequency domain. Thus, to detect such a change, a comparison between the two traces is made to determine if the difference between the two traces is less than a threshold but non-zero. Then a range of scale factors are applied in the frequency domain on either one of the traces, before determining which of the scale factors results in the lowest difference between the unscaled and scaled traces. The determined scale factor is above a certain threshold, then the line is determined to have had a loop length change. The value of the scale factor can be used to determine the amount the length has changed.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A method of timestamping an item at a timestamping device is provided. The timestamping devices comprising a classical computing device and a quantum computing device. The method comprises at the classical computing device obtaining the item to be timestamped and determining an input token based on the received item. The method further comprises at the quantum computing device receiving a randomly generated quantum state from a verifier via a quantum channel wherein the randomly generated quantum state is received at time, t and wherein the method comprises using the timestamping device to combine the randomly generated quantum state with the input token to produce a timestamp proof token associated with the time, t.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• 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

Abstract

A method, an unmanned mobile entity and a computer program are provided for evaluating a performance of a first sensor unit which is arranged to measure a physical property of its environment at a location. An unmanned mobile entity transports a reference sensor unit to the location and the reference sensor unit is arranged to measure the physical property at the location. The performance of the first sensor unit is evaluated based on a comparison of the measurements of the first and reference sensor units.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01D 18/00 - Testing or calibrating apparatus or arrangements provided for in groups
• G01D 21/00 - Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A method of operating an optical network comprising a plurality of sets of ONUs and a commensurate plurality of exchange apparatuses, the optical network being reversibly switchable between: a first configuration in which each of the sets of ONUs is optically coupled to a respective first exchange apparatus; and a second configuration in which one or some of the sets of ONUs, hereafter 'the second configuration transfer ONU sets', are optically uncoupled from their respective first exchange apparatuses and optically coupled to a respective second exchange apparatus; the method comprising: obtaining an indication that a period of low traffic demand on the optical network has commenced; and responsive thereto: ceasing optical communication between each of the second configuration transfer ONU sets and their respective first exchange apparatuses; powering down those one or more first exchange apparatuses; and switching the optical network to the second configuration.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04Q 11/00 - Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems

Abstract

A method, computer system and computer program are provided for validating a secure authentication token for accessing an application. The method captures a user gesture provided by a user as an authentication token and analyses the gesture to evaluate a measure of complexity of the gesture. Responsive to a determination that the measure of complexity does not meet a minimum measure of complexity, repeating the capturing and analysing steps until the gesture meets the defined measure of complexity. Then the user is requested to repeat the approved gesture and the repeated gesture is captured, and it is determined if the repeated gesture meets defined requirements for repeatability. Responsive to a determination that the repeated gesture does not meet the requirements for repeatability, the method is repeated; and, responsive to a determination that the repeated gesture does meet the requirements for repeatability, the gesture is validated as a secure authentication token.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/36 - User authentication by graphic or iconic representation
• G06F 3/04883 - 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 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
• G06F 21/32 - User authentication using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for monitoring a computer network is provided, the method comprising: storing a first attack graph, the attack graph comprising a plurality of nodes each representing an event that may occur within the computer network; storing one or more predetermined variation properties of one or more of the events represented by the nodes, the variation properties being indicative of possible changes to the nodes within the first attack graph; determining a plurality of possible alternative sequences of the nodes in the first attack graph based on the variation properties; generating a plurality of additional attack graphs, each of the additional attack graphs comprising a plurality of the nodes of the first attack graph arranged in one of the possible sequences; and monitoring events within the network to detect a set of events occurring in a sequence that corresponds to one of the additional attack graphs to identify a potential security attack. A computer system including at least one processor and memory storing computer program code configured to perform the said method, and a computer program or computer readable medium comprising instructions that when executed by a computer system cause the computer system to perform the said method are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of simulating the propagation of malware in a network is provided. The method comprises accessing a model of the network, where the model comprises a plurality of computer nodes and where each computer node of the plurality of computer nodes is connected to at least one edge of a plurality of edges. Each edge of the plurality of edges connects a pair of computer nodes of the plurality of computer nodes. The method further comprises initiating an outbreak of the malware in the model at a predetermined source computer node of the plurality of computer nodes, and propagating the malware through the model of the network from the source computer node. The propagation is determined based on a rate of transmission, where the rate of transmission is based upon a contact rate for each edge of the plurality of edges, and the contact rate for each edge of the plurality of edges is based upon the network traffic passing between the computer nodes connected by that edge over a predetermined time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of simulating the propagation of malware in a network is provided. The method comprises accessing a model of the network, where the model comprising a plurality of computer nodes and where each computer node of the plurality of computer nodes is connected to at least one edge of a plurality of edges. Each edge of the plurality of edges connects a pair of computer nodes of the plurality of computer nodes. The method further comprises initiating an outbreak of the malware in the model at a predetermined source computer node of the plurality of computer nodes, and propagating the malware through the model of the network from the source computer node over a plurality of step-times. The propagation is determined based on a rate of transmission per step-time for each edge, and each step-time of the plurality of step-times corresponds to a temporal point that is universal across the network, such that at each step-time the malware propagation through the network occurs simultaneously for each edge of the plurality of edges according to the rate of transmission per step-time for each edge.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

00, based on the total number of second simulated computer systems and the number of first simulated computer systems.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for determining a transmit precoding operation to apply to a signal to be transmitted through a wireless channel via beamforming wherein the signal u is represented by a vector, u, is described. The method comprises obtaining an inverse channel matrix, G wherein the inverse channel matrix, G, is an inverse of a channel matrix, H, wherein the channel matrix, H, is a matrix representation of the wireless channel. The method further comprises determining a vector, b, that approximately minimizes a square of a norm of a result of applying the inverse channel matrix G to the sum of the vector representing the signal, u, and the vector, b, wherein the entries of the vector, b, are integers and determining the vector b.

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 7/0426 - Power distribution

Abstract

A method for monitoring a network. The method comprises determining whether there is a performance issue in respect of streamed communication carried via a first network connection between a first customer premise equipment, CPE, in a local area network, LAN, and one or more remote entities outside the LAN, wherein the determination is based on data from the streamed communication. In response to determining that there is a performance issue in respect of the streamed communication carried via the first network connection, it is determined whether there is a performance issue in respect of the first network connection. In response to determining that there is a performance issue in respect of the first network connection, a monitoring process is triggered to determine whether there is a performance issue in respect of other network connections connecting to a set of other CPEs, in respective other LANs, so as to define a cluster of CPEs exhibiting performance issues in respect of their network connections, the cluster being for identifying a candidate cause of the performance issue in respect of the streamed communication.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/0631 - Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications using analysis of correlation between notifications, alarms or events based on decision criteria, e.g. hierarchy, tree or time analysis
• H04L 43/08 - Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
• H04L 43/0829 - Packet loss
• H04L 43/087 - Jitter

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of simulating a propagation of a malware through a set of computer systems, the method comprising: identifying a simulated computer system infected with a simulated malware; determining a first signature of the simulated malware; determining that a mutation condition for the simulated malware has been met; and in response to determining that the mutation period has been met, changing the first signature of the simulated malware to a second signature.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 30/20 - Design optimisation, verification or simulation
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer implemented security method security method is described, for detecting attacks on a system or network. The method comprises defining a sequence of attack tactics, each attack tactic representing a generalisation of a set of attack techniques, associating one or more attack detection rules with each of the attack techniques, detecting attack events based on the attack detection rules, correlating the detected attack events with the attack tactics based on the attack technique associated with the attack detection rule used to detect the attack events, linking the detected attack events based on one or more criteria, and identifying one or more paths of attack techniques through the sequence in dependence on the linked attack events. The identified paths of attack techniques represent kill chains. The present technique makes it possible to identify new kill chains of known techniques, as well as making it possible to identify high-risk kill chains.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A computer-implemented security method comprising: generating a plurality of partial clones of a malware file, each partial clone reflecting a different aspect of the malware file; causing trial deployment of one or more security services on a software-defined network (SDN); causing each of the plurality of partial clones to be run on a respective host; causing resulting traffic to be routed over the SDN, via one or more network elements on which the security services are deployed; causing performance of each of the security services with respect to each of the plurality of partial clones to be monitored to produce a respective plurality of security service performance measures for each of the security services; and causing operational deployment of a selected one or more of the security services on a network, in dependence on the one or more pluralities of security service performance measures.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/56 - Computer malware detection or handling, e.g. anti-virus arrangements
• G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of exchanging quantum information between a photon and a micro/nano scale resonant structure is provided. The method comprises providing the resonant structure (15) in an optical waveguide (10). The method further comprises passing a photon (18) through the resonant structure in the optical waveguide. The method also comprises applying a driving signal (17) to the resonant structure to cause phonic oscillation of the resonant structure and to modulate a wavelength of the photon such that the passing the photon through the resonant structure results in an exchange of quantum information between the photon and a quantum state in a phonon of the resonant structure.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03H 9/25 - Constructional features of resonators using surface acoustic waves
• H03H 9/02 - Networks comprising electromechanical or electro-acoustic elements; Electromechanical resonators - Details
• G02B 6/02 - Optical fibres with cladding
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution

Abstract

A method of managing a decentralised repository of stored digital units of information, the decentralised repository comprised of a plurality of inter-acting peer-to-peer computing systems, comprising steps of: (a) loading a software agent on each of a plurality of peer-to- peer computing systems, the software agents making up a network of distributed software agents; (b) using the network of distributed software agents to manage the decentralized repository of stored digital units of information; wherein at least one of (i) software agent code for at least one of the software agents, and (ii) a cryptographic digest of such software agent code, is stored in at least one block in the decentralised repository.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/64 - Protecting data integrity, e.g. using checksums, certificates or signatures
• H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of storing storage units representing digital assets into a decentralised repository arranged in a peer-to-peer network comprising a plurality of peer computing systems, to create an archive of the digital assets, comprising steps of, for each new storage unit being submitted to the archive by a submitting peer computer system: determining a specific quantity of stored existing storage units, each of which the new storage unit is to be cryptographically linked to, where the existing storage units have been previously submitted to the archive; selecting specific ones of all of the existing storage units up to the received specific quantity of stored existing storage units, where the selection has been made from existing storage units stored by specific ones of the peer computing systems; performing cryptographic processing by taking as inputs to such cryptographic processing, the selected specific existing storage units and the new storage unit, and obtaining a result of such cryptographic processing; adding the result into the new storage unit; and distributing the new storage unit to a plurality of peer computing systems, thereby adding the new storage unit to the decentralised repository.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/13 - File access structures, e.g. distributed indices
• G06F 16/182 - Distributed file systems

Abstract

A method of managing storage units representing digital assets in a decentralised repository arranged in a peer-to-peer network comprising a plurality of peer computing systems, comprising steps of: selecting at least one storage unit hosted on a first peer computing system, where the selecting is carried out using selection criteria rules encoded in software; performing a cryptographic processing function taking as inputs information related to a current version of a first storage unit and information related to the selected at least one storage unit to generate a result as an output of the cryptographic processing function, where the first storage unit is hosted on a second peer computing system; and storing the result into a new version of the first storage unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/64 - Protecting data integrity, e.g. using checksums, certificates or signatures
• H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for winding telecommunications cable into a figure-of-eight flake (1 10), the apparatus comprising: a free-standing base (120); a pair of supports (130), wherein each support is suitable for winding a telecommunications cable therearound such that the pair of supports are suitable for forming a figure-of-eight flake across the pair of supports; and an engagement formation (140) for engaging the pair of supports to the base so as to extend from the base.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 75/36 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables without essentially involving the use of a core or former internal to a stored package of material, e.g. with stored material housed within casing or container, or intermittently engaging a plurality of supports as in sinuous or serpentine fashion
• B65H 75/44 - Constructional details
• G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables

Abstract

A method of encoding a concatenated polar code is provided including evaluating channel reliabilities; selecting channels based on each channel's relative reliability; constructing a polar code of information bits arranged with a front and a rear; attaching additional CRC bits to the rear of the information bits; inserting parity bits at proper locations to yield a bit string; feeding the bit string into a polar encoder; and obtaining a codeword. A successive cancellation list and bit flipping decoding method for concatenated polar code is provided including initializing a LLR of the codeword; screening paths; performing CRC check on the screened paths and if the CRC check is not met; determining, in response to the CRC check not being met, at least one most unreliable bit based on an RCS; reversing a previous decision if the most unreliable bit was previously selected; and restarting the decoding method.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03M 13/13 - Linear codes
• H03M 13/15 - Cyclic codes, i.e. cyclic shifts of codewords produce other codewords, e.g. codes defined by a generator polynomial, Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem [BCH] codes

Abstract

A method of encoding a concatenated polar code is provided including evaluating channel reliabilities; selecting channels based on each channel's relative reliability; constructing a polar code of information bits arranged with a front and a rear; attaching additional CRC bits to the rear of the information bits; inserting parity bits at proper locations to yield a bit string; feeding the bit string into a polar encoder; and obtaining a codeword. A successive cancellation list and bit flipping decoding method for concatenated polar code is provided including initializing a LLR of the codeword; screening paths; performing CRC check on the screened paths and if the CRC check is not met; determining, in response to the CRC check not being met, at least one most unreliable bit based on a revised critical set RCS; reversing a previous decision if the most unreliable bit was previously selected; and restarting the decoding method.

IPC Classes  ?

• H03M 13/09 - Error detection only, e.g. using cyclic redundancy check [CRC] codes or single parity bit
• H03M 13/13 - Linear codes
• H03M 13/29 - Coding, decoding or code conversion, for error detection or error correction; Coding theory basic assumptions; Coding bounds; Error probability evaluation methods; Channel models; Simulation or testing of codes combining two or more codes or code structures, e.g. product codes, generalised product codes, concatenated codes, inner and outer codes
• H03M 13/00 - Coding, decoding or code conversion, for error detection or error correction; Coding theory basic assumptions; Coding bounds; Error probability evaluation methods; Channel models; Simulation or testing of codes

Abstract

A computer implemented method for detecting anomalous behaviour within a system is provided. The method generates an autoencoder for detecting anomalous behaviour within the system. The method also generates a classifier for predicting a classification of behaviour within the system. An input to the classifier comprises an output from one or more internal layers of the autoencoder. The method jointly trains the autoencoder and the classifier using a set of training data comprising a plurality of sample inputs that represent normal behaviour within the system and a plurality of sample inputs that represent anomalous behaviour within the system. The training is based on an output from a joint loss function that is configured to combine any reconstruction loss from the autoencoder with any prediction error from the classifier. The joint loss function is further configured to negate any reconstruction loss of the autoencoder in response to the sample input representing anomalous behaviour within the system. The trained autoencoder is used to classify a behaviour of the system as being normal or anomalous.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/55 - Detecting local intrusion or implementing counter-measures
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning

Abstract

A method of operating a wireless telecommunications network, said network comprising a plurality of User Equipment devices, UEs, a Wireless Access Point, WAP, and a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, provided by means of the WAP, the method comprising the steps of: associating, against each of the plurality of UEs, an item of information and a unique timeslot; determining a current time, and from said determination identifying, from the associated timeslots, a timeslot within which the current time coincides; broadcasting, by means of the WAP, for the WLAN, a network identifier comprising the item of information associated with the identified timeslot; identifying, by means of each of the UEs, the broadcast network identifier; and subsequently processing, by means of the UE associated with the identified timeslot, the identified network identifier, such that said UE derives the item of information allocated to said UE.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• H04W 4/20 - Services signalling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
• H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information

Abstract

A 3D printed antenna device comprising a cavity connected between an anode and a cathode and configured to resonate at a predetermined frequency and power to generate an output feed; and an antenna element configured to receive the output feed from the cavity.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01Q 9/04 - Resonant antennas
• B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
• H01Q 21/00 - Antenna arrays or systems
• H01Q 21/06 - Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
• B29C 64/00 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering

Abstract

This invention provides a method in a wireless telecommunications network having an access point and a User Equipment, UE, wherein communications between the access point and the UE utilise Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access, NOMA, and a position of the UE is used by the access point in communications to the UE, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data indicative of one or more properties of the UE; determining a new position reporting rate for the UE based on the one or more properties; and causing the UE to vary its position reporting rate so as to use the new position reporting rate.

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
• H04W 52/14 - Separate analysis of uplink or downlink
• H04W 52/34 - TPC management, i.e. sharing limited amount of power among users or channels or data types, e.g. cell loading

Abstract

This invention provides a method of managing users in a wireless telecommunications network having a first access point and a second access point, wherein the first access point communicates with a first set of users using Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access, NOMA, and the second access point communicates with a second set of users using NOMA, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data indicating Inter-User- Interference, I U I, for users of the first access point; obtaining data indicating IUI for users of the second access point; and based on the IUI for users of the first access point and the IUI for users of the second access point, identifying one or more users to transfer between the first and second access point; and causing a transfer of the one or more users identified for transfer.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 36/20 - Performing reselection for specific purposes for optimising the interference level

Abstract

A method (200) of operating a telecommunications network (100), said telecommunications network comprising a cellular telecommunications network (100-1) and a non-cellular telecommunications network (100-2), wherein both of said networks are accessible to a User Equipment (110), UE, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a network connection between the UE and the cellular telecommunications network via the non-cellular telecommunications network (210); obtaining, by means of the cellular telecommunications network, a: unique cellular subscriber identity associated with the UE and for accessing the cellular telecommunications network; and network address associated with the UE and for use with the non-cellular telecommunications network for the network connection (220); generating an identifier for identifying the UE to the non-cellular telecommunications network (230); generating, by means of the cellular telecommunications network, a mapping between the: identifier; unique cellular subscriber identity; and the network address; and receiving, at the non-cellular telecommunications network, based on the generated mapping, the identifier in association with the network address (240).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 12/69 - Identity-dependent

Abstract

This invention provides a method of analysing a wireless local area network, the wireless local area network including a plurality of devices wherein at least one device of the plurality of devices is configured to change its Media Access Control, MAC, address, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data including a plurality of records, wherein each record of the plurality of records relates to a device of the plurality of devices and includes: a device label, a MAC address, and a set of performance metrics; for each device label in the plurality of records, determining a uniqueness value for that device label based on a count of records in the plurality of records having that device label; processing each record of the plurality of records so as to assign a unique identifier to the record by determining that the MAC address of the record is a local MAC address and that the uniqueness value of the device label satisfies a uniqueness threshold; and analysing the set of performance metrics for a plurality of records having the same unique identifier.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/085 - Retrieval of network configuration; Tracking network configuration history
• H04L 41/0866 - Checking the configuration
• H04L 41/0823 - Configuration setting characterised by the purposes of a change of settings, e.g. optimising configuration for enhancing reliability
• H04L 41/16 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using machine learning or artificial intelligence
• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

Abstract

This invention provides a method of analysing a wireless local area network, the wireless local area network including a plurality of devices wherein at least one device of the plurality of devices is configured to change its Media Access Control, MAC, address, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining training data including a plurality of records, wherein each record of the plurality of records relates to a device of the plurality of devices, the training data specifying, for each record: a MAC address, and a set of performance metrics; training a machine learning model, based on the obtained training data, to output a MAC address based on the set of performance metrics; obtaining further data including a plurality of records, wherein each record of the plurality of records relates to a device of the plurality of devices and includes a set of performance metrics; determining a MAC address for each record of the further data by inputting the set of performance metrics of the further data to the trained machine learning model; and analysing the set of performance metrics for a plurality of records of the further data having the same determined MAC address.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 41/085 - Retrieval of network configuration; Tracking network configuration history
• H04L 41/0866 - Checking the configuration
• H04L 41/16 - Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks using machine learning or artificial intelligence
• H04L 61/00 - Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• H04L 41/0823 - Configuration setting characterised by the purposes of a change of settings, e.g. optimising configuration for enhancing reliability

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for traversing a suspended cable (110), said cable being anchored at each end, and said apparatus comprising: a motor (210); a driving mechanism (220) powered by the motor; a housing (230), wherein said housing is transformable between an open state and a closed state, in which: in the open state, the suspended cable is receivable by the driving mechanism, whilst said cable remains anchored, so as to permit bodily translation of the apparatus along the suspended cable; and in the closed state, the housing is configured to enclose, at least, the driving mechanism and the suspended cable when received by the driving mechanism.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02G 1/02 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for overhead lines or cables
• H02G 7/16 - Devices for removing snow or ice from lines or cables

Abstract

Attestation method for verifying the integrity of an attester device by an attestation proxy (AP): sending a trusted platform module (TPM) quote request message directly to a virtual TPM (vTPM) uniquely associated with the attester device, to prompt the vTPM to: produce a set of platform configuration register (PCR) values based on measurements requested and received by the vTPM directly from the attester device, then send a TPM quote comprising the set of PCR values directly to the AP; the attestation method further comprising the AP: receiving the TPM quote; sending the TPM quote to a remote relying party (RP) to prompt the RP to: verify the TPM quote is as expected, then return a remote attestation indicator to the AP; receiving the remote attestation indicator; and producing an attestation result based on the remote attestation indicator, wherein the attestation result is negative when the remote attestation indicator is negative.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities

Abstract

A method comprising an attestation proxy (AP): sending a trusted platform module (TPM) quote request message directly to a virtual TPM (vTPM) uniquely associated with an attester device, to prompt the vTPM to: produce a set of platform configuration register (PCR) values based on measurements requested and received by the vTPM directly from the attester device, then send a TPM quote comprising the set of PCR values directly to the AP; the attestation method further comprising the AP: receiving the TPM quote; retrieving, from a local copy of a distributed ledger (DL), a latest set of PCR values recorded for the attester device; comparing that set of PCR values retrieved from the local copy of the DL with the set of PCR values received in the TPM quote to generate a local attestation indicator; and producing an attestation result based on the local attestation indicator.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities

Abstract

A method for processing data performed by one or more processors, the method comprising: receiving input data that comprises a plurality of elements, each element comprising a plurality of attributes; and generating geometric data based on the input data by determining locations in a space for elements of the plurality of elements based on attributes of the elements and generating geometries in the space for the elements at the respective determined locations, wherein determining locations in the space for elements based on attributes of the elements comprises performing clustering on the elements based on attributes of the elements. The method may further comprise generating Geographic Information System, GIS, data by encoding the generated geometric data in a GIS format.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models
• G06F 18/2135 - Feature extraction, e.g. by transforming the feature space; Summarisation; Mappings, e.g. subspace methods based on approximation criteria, e.g. principal component analysis

Abstract

Methods and systems for reducing the effect of acoustic crosstalk interference using knowledge of a digital audio stream. The method comprises: (i) detecting at a network router, at least a first audio digital stream and a second audio digital stream, the first audio digital stream encoding a first audio acoustic signal and the second audio digital stream encoding at least a second audio acoustic signal; (ii) predicting acoustic crosstalk interference of the first audio acoustic signal with the second audio acoustic signal that would occur upon simultaneous production of the first and second acoustic signals, the prediction using the first audio digital stream; and (iii) reducing the effect of the predicted acoustic crosstalk interference by modifying the second audio digital stream with a cancellation signal generated based on the prediction of the acoustic crosstalk interference. Embodiments of the invention provide a noise cancellation technique which does not require detecting acoustic signals in the vicinity of a device, rather the invention uses knowledge of what other audio streams are present in a network to predict background noise present at a device.

IPC Classes  ?

• G10L 21/0208 - Noise filtering

Abstract

A method for monitoring or validating device compliance of the attributes of a device on a network, the method comprising: providing a first tree data structure (301) comprising compliance data associated with a network (300); performing a comparison of the first tree data structure (301) with a second tree data structure (303) comprising attribute data associated with an electronic device (200) to compare the compliance data with the attribute data; and determining, based on the comparison, whether the electronic device (200) is compliant with the network (300).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
• G06F 8/70 - Software maintenance or management
• H04L 41/08 - Configuration management of networks or network elements
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method for monitoring or validating compliance of the attributes of a device (709) on a network (703), the method comprising: obtaining, from a distributed ledger technology (701), a first tree data structure (705) comprising compliance data associated with a network (703), and a second tree data structure comprising attribute data associated with an electronic device (709); comparing the first tree data structure (705) with the second tree data structure to compare the compliance data with the attribute data; and determining, based on the comparison, whether the electronic device (709) is compliant with the network (703).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
• G06F 8/70 - Software maintenance or management
• H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
• H04L 41/08 - Configuration management of networks or network elements
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

An optical computing device is described which has a plurality of light sources, each light source arranged to generate a photon stream, whereby the plurality of photon streams together represent a data input to be processed. There is a plurality of modulators, each modulator arranged to modulate a photon stream received from one of the light sources, each modulator producing a caustic wavefront. The modulators are positioned relative to one another such that there is interference between the caustic wavefronts. A controller controls the modulators in order to control the interference between the caustic wavefronts such that there is computation of the data input. An output stage outputs light resulting from the interference between the caustic wavefronts, the output light representing the result of optical computation of the data input.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06E 3/00 - Devices not provided for in group , e.g. for processing analogue or hybrid data
• G06N 3/067 - Physical realisation, i.e. hardware implementation of neural networks, neurons or parts of neurons using optical means
• H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems

Abstract

User personality traits classification for adaptive virtual environments in non-linear story paths A method of providing adaptive training to a user in a training environment is provided. The method comprises generating, by a machine learning agent, a training scenario for a user, wherein the training scenario is generated based on a personality biometric profile and one or more personality characteristics of the user. The user is trained in a training session using the training scenario wherein, during the training session, the machine learning agent modifies the training scenario in real time based on user behavioural data that reflects the user's behaviour in the training session.

IPC Classes  ?

• G09B 19/00 - Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass
• G09B 7/04 - Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by the student characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation

Abstract

A computer implemented methods, computer systems and computer programs are provided for deploying a service to edge compute nodes located at the edge of a radio access network that are dispersed throughout a geographical area and for accessing the service from the same. The method for deploying the service receives a travel plan for a mobile entity, the travel plan indicating a route for an intended journey by the mobile entity through the geographical area. The method further selects at least one edge compute node in the network for providing the service to the mobile entity during the intended journey. The at least one edge compute node is selected based, at least in part on a geographical proximity of the at least one edge compute node to the route. The method further deploys a respective instance of the service to each of the at least one edge compute nodes so that it is accessible by the mobile entity while undertaking the intended journey. The method further provides a communications plan to the mobile entity, the communications plan indicating how the at least one instance of the service can be accessed during the intended journey.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 67/1021 - Server selection for load balancing based on client or server locations
• H04L 67/148 - Migration or transfer of sessions
• H04L 67/51 - Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
• H04L 67/52 - Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• H04L 67/53 - Network services using third party service providers
• H04W 24/04 - Arrangements for maintaining operational condition
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• H04W 36/32 - Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by location or mobility data, e.g. speed data
• H04L 67/289 - Intermediate processing functionally located close to the data consumer application, e.g. in same machine, in same home or in same sub-network

Abstract

A method of recording a network path in a network that comprises a plurality of nodes is provided. The network path comprising a source node, a destination node, and one or more intermediate nodes. The method comprising: receiving, at an intermediate node, a transaction, the transaction comprising a first cryptographic object and signatures of at least a subset of any preceding intermediate nodes in the network path; generating, by the intermediate node, a second cryptographic object based on the first cryptographic object; updating, by the intermediate node, the transaction with a signature of the intermediate node and with the second cryptographic object; and sending, from the intermediate node, the transaction to a succeeding node in the network path. Each cryptographic object allows the transaction to be verified up to the node that generated that cryptographic object. Nodes and a system for implementing the method are also provided.

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 9/14 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A method of managing content delivery to a client device by a proxy, where the content is made up of a sequence of segments. The proxy starts off by receiving content requests from the client device over unicast, and fulfilling those requests by forwarding them to a content server, and receiving that content over unicast before forwarding onto the client device. The proxy then determines that a multicast channel should be joined to more efficiently receive the content. However, the multicast channel is likely to be ahead of the available unicast data. Therefore, a multicast join command is delayed until the proxy has taken steps to obtain subsequent content by unicast faster than that content is being requested by the client device, so that the obtained content has caught up with the content available on the multicast channel. The proxy can do so by requesting some of this content from the retransmission server in advance of it being requested by the client device, and some from the content server in response to requests from the client device. Only when the requested content has caught up with the multicast channel does the proxy take action to join the multicast channel.

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 65/1045 - Proxies, e.g. for session initiation protocol [SIP]

Abstract

A method for providing adaptive training to a user is provided. The method comprises receiving user biometric data from a plurality of user devices, and generating a personality biometric profile based on the user biometric data, where the personality biometric profile comprises one or more personality characteristics of the user based on the user biometric data. A training scenario is generated for the user based on the user biometric profile, and the user is trained using the generated training scenario in a training session, wherein user behavioural data is collected in real time during the training session. The user biometric profile is updated based on the collected user behavioural data, and the training scenario is updated for the user subsequent to the training session based on the updated user profile.

IPC Classes  ?

• G09B 7/04 - Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by the student characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation
• G09B 19/00 - Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass

Abstract

In various examples there is a database management system which has a memory storing a plurality of addresses of items. The database management system has a mapping component for computing a mapped location of each item in a plane or volume comprising a plurality of tessellated cells. The memory stores, for individual ones of the items, the mapped location of the item.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 16/22 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures

Abstract

This invention provides a method of configuring a first access point in a wireless telecommunications network, the first access point being one of a first plurality of access points, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining time-series performance data for each access point of the first plurality of access points; determining a similarity value between the time-series performance data of each access point of the first plurality of access points and the time-series performance data of each other access point of the first plurality of access points using a dynamic time warping technique; based on the similarity values, identifying a first plurality of clusters of the first plurality of access points, the first access point being a member of a first cluster of the first plurality of clusters; identifying a configuration for the first access point based on its association with the first cluster; and causing the identified configuration of the first access point.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

Abstract

A computer implemented method for deploying a composite software application including a plurality of software components, the method comprising: accessing a classifier trained to classify characteristics of one or more consuming entities to a class identifying a set of software components and a configuration for at least a subset of the identified components; generating the composite software application using a default set of software components each having a default configuration for deployment to a consumer of the generated software component; receiving characteristics for the consumer; determining a set of software components and a configuration for at least a subset of the determined components by executing the classifier based on the received characteristics; and adjusting the composite software application for deployment to the consumer based on the determined set of software components and configurations.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 8/36 - Software reuse
• G06F 8/60 - Software deployment
• G06F 8/71 - Version control ; Configuration management
• G06F 9/445 - Program loading or initiating

Abstract

This invention provides a method of configuring a wireless telecommunications|network, the wireless telecommunications network having a first transceiver|serving a first plurality of User Equipment, UE, in a first coverage area.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 16/00 - Network planning, e.g. coverage or traffic planning tools; Network deployment, e.g. resource partitioning or cell structures
• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

Abstract

A method of operating a wireless telecommunications network, said network comprising a plurality of User Equipment devices, UEs, a Wireless Access Point, WAP, and a Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN, provided by means of the WAP, the method comprising the steps of: allocating, to each of the plurality of UEs, an item of information; encoding, by code-division multiplexing, the allocated items of information, thereby to output a signal string; assigning to the WLAN a network identifier, wherein said network identifier is derived from the output signal string; broadcasting, by means of the WAP, the assigned network identifier; retrieving, by means of each of the UEs, the signal string from the broadcast network identifier; and subsequently performing, by each of the UEs, code-division demultiplexing upon the retrieved signal string, each given UE thereby outputting the item of information allocated to that given UE. Methods of operating the UE and WAP are also described, as well as the wireless telecommunications network, UE and the WAP.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/20 - Services signalling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
• H04W 48/12 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using downlink control channel
• H04W 84/12 - WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

A method (200) of operating a telecommunications network (100), the telecommunications network comprising a client device (110), a server (150) configured to provide a service for the client device, and a plurality of network nodes (140) communicatively connecting the client device and the server, in which said method comprises the steps of: identifying: characteristic information associated with the client device (220); the service for the client device (220); in dependence upon the identified service and characteristic information, a service capability requirement for the provision of the identified service to the client device (220); and capability information for each of the plurality of network nodes (220); determining a given network node of the plurality of network nodes to be suitable in response to the capability information of said network node satisfying the identified service capability requirement (230); and subsequently routing network communications associated with the identified service between the client device and the server via at least one of the plurality of network nodes that is determined to be suitable (240). An apparatus (120) for performing the aforementioned method is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 67/63 - Routing a service request depending on the request content or context

Abstract

A rotary dispenser (100) for unwinding a telecommunications cable (115) from a drum (110), the rotary dispenser comprising: a rotating portion (125) for supporting the drum and for permitting rotation of the drum about an axis of rotation; a fixed portion (120) supporting the rotating portion and configured to remain static relative to the rotating portion; a locating member (135) for centring the drum about the axis of rotation; a cable guide (145), coupled to the fixed portion, for receiving the telecommunications cable from the drum when the drum is mounted on the rotary dispenser and configured to support movement of the telecommunications cable through the cable guide as the rotating portion and the drum are rotated with the rotating portion; and an urging member for urging the cable guide away from the rotating portion so as to tension the telecommunications cable in use.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 49/28 - Turntables
• B65H 57/18 - Guides for filamentary materials; Supports therefor mounted to facilitate unwinding of material from packages
• B65H 59/06 - Adjusting or controlling tension in filamentary material, e.g. for preventing snarling; Applications of tension indicators by regulating delivery of material from supply package by devices acting on material leaving the package
• B65H 59/16 - Braked elements rotated by material
• B65H 59/36 - Floating elements compensating for irregularities in supply or take-up of material

Abstract

A method of managing content delivery to a client device via a proxy is described. The proxy starts off by receiving content requests from the client device over unicast, and fulfils those requests by forwarding them to a content server, and receiving that content before forwarding onto the client device. The proxy then determines that it may be possible to join a multicast channel to more efficiently receive the required content. However, before joining the multicast channel, the proxy determines whether joining the multicast channel might result in the client device receiving content in a manner that would cause the client device to change the quality level of the content segments being requested. The proxy can do this by first obtaining segment requested by the client device from the unicast server over unicast. The proxy also requests timing information from the multicast server to determine a time at which the same segment will complete delivery over multicast. The proxy then delivers the segment received from the unicast server by the determined multicast delivery time.

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 21/2343 - 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 21/6405 - Multicasting
• H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments

Abstract

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of operating a software-defined network, the method comprising: initialising a plurality of paths through a data plane for traffic associated with a category of application s and/or services; selecting one of the plurality of paths to be an initial operational path; routing traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services via the initial operational path; subsequently obtaining data indicating that a trigger event has occurred; and responsive thereto: selecting a different one of the plurality of paths to be a replacement operational path; and routing traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services via the replacement operational path. Further aspects relate to a data processing system, a computer program, a computer-readable data carrier, and a data carrier signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of operating a software-defined network, the method comprising: obtaining specifications of a plurality of data plane elements which together form a path through a data plane suitable for carrying traffic associated with a category of applications and/or services; determining, based on the specifications, which one or more of a plurality of security profiles the path is capable of complying with; selecting one of the one or more security profiles to be an initial security profile; routing traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services via the path in compliance with the initial security profile; subsequently obtaining an alert that network performance conditions have worsened; and responsive thereto: selecting a different one of the plurality of security profiles, that is less resource-intensive than the initial security profile, to be a replacement security profile; and routing traffic associated with the category of applications and/or services in compliance with the replacement security profile.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• 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 45/00 - Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks

Abstract

A data access control system is provided together with methods, computer systems and computer programs for processing transactions to be recorded in a distributed ledger that is shared amongst a plurality of computing nodes and for controlling access to data recorded in the distributed ledger. The system comprises a policy store comprising one or more policies for controlling access to at least some of the data recorded in a distributed ledger that is shared amongst a plurality of computing nodes, each policy comprising one or more constraints on accessing the data. The system further comprises a key store for storing cryptographic keys. The system further comprises a transaction processor configured to: receive a transaction from one of the computing nodes; encrypt a payload of the transaction using a secret key to generate an encrypted transaction for recording in the distributed ledger; and store the secret key in the key store in association with an indication of the encrypted transaction. The system further comprises a data access module configured to: receive a request for access to the payload of the encrypted transaction from one of the computing nodes; determine whether the constraints specified by the one or more policies on accessing data contained in the payload are satisfied; and in response to determining that the constraints are satisfied: retrieve the secret key from the key store; and use the secret key to provide access to the data for the computing node.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
• H04W 12/63 - Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules

Abstract

A method of managing content delivery to a client device via a proxy is described. The proxy starts off by receiving content requests from the client device over unicast, and fulfils those requests by forwarding them to a content server, and receiving that content before forwarding onto the client device. At some stage, the proxy determines that it may be possible to join a multicast channel to more efficiently receive the required content. However, before a switch is made, the proxy gathers multicast delivery timing data from the content server without joining the multicast group, and behavioural characteristics of the client device. The proxy uses this data to determine whether the client device would change the quality level of the content segments being requested.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference

Abstract

This invention provides a method of configuring a wireless telecommunications network, the wireless telecommunications network including a first wireless transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining data indicating an amount of data transmitted by the first wireless transmitter in each Modulation and Coding Scheme, MCS, of a plurality of MCS; estimating a received signal strength change for the first wireless transmitter when using a first candidate configuration; estimating a first spectral efficiency for the first candidate configuration based on the amount of data transmitted by the first wireless transmitter in each MCS of the plurality of MCS and the received signal strength change for the first wireless transmitter when using the first candidate configuration; comparing the estimated first spectral efficiency for the first candidate configuration to a reference spectral efficiency; and causing a reconfiguration of the wireless telecommunications network based on the comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

Abstract

A beacon device transmits a challenge message to each of one or more responder devices over a respective direct communication link, inviting each responder device to prove the existence of its respective direct communication link by transmitting to a respective recipient device, distinct from the beacon device, a respective response message indicating knowledge of contents of the challenge message. A predetermined time period after its transmission of the challenge message, the beacon device transmits a confirmation message indicating knowledge of the contents of the challenge message to a message store. A validation device then compares contents of each response message which preceded the confirmation message in time, if any, to contents of the confirmation message and infers therefrom which of the respective responder devices, if any, received the challenge message over the respective direct communication link.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 12/104 - Location integrity, e.g. secure geotagging
• H04W 12/63 - Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• 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

Abstract

A beacon device comprising directional transmission means transmits a challenge message in a first predetermined direction to each of one or more responder devices over a respective direct radio communication link, to invite the responder devices to each transmit a respective response message indicating knowledge of contents of the challenge message. The beacon device transmits one or more directed repetitions of the challenge message in one or more respective further predetermined directions such that data relating to the location of each of the responder devices can be inferred from timings of each response message with respect to times the challenge message and the directed repetitions of the challenge message were transmitted. The beacon device either engages in or eschews subsequent two-way communication with each of the one or more responder devices over the respective direct radio communication link, in dependence on the existence and timing of a respective response message.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 12/08 - Access security
• H04W 12/63 - Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• H04W 12/64 - Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent using geofenced areas
• H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
• 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

Abstract

A computer implemented method for detecting the existence of a condition indicated by a signature vector sequence of events in an input vector sequence of events, each of the signature and input vector sequences being constitute by an ordered sequence of vectors, the method comprising: converting the signature vector sequence into an signature ordered numerical sequence in which each vector in the signature vector sequence is converted to a number indicative of a magnitude of the vector such that the signature numerical sequence is a sequence of magnitudes in the order of the signature vector sequence; converting the input vector sequence into an input ordered numerical sequence in which each vector in the input vector sequence is converted to a number indicative of a magnitude of the vector such that the input numerical sequence is a sequence of magnitudes in the order of the input vector sequence; determining a degree of similarity of the signature numerical sequence and the input numerical sequence to detect the existence of the condition indicated by the input numerical sequence.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A computer implemented method, a computer system and a computer program for detecting the existence of a condition indicated by data represented by a set of input graph data structures.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06N 5/02 - Knowledge representation; Symbolic representation
• G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
• G06F 21/70 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer

Abstract

A computer implemented method for detecting an occurrence of an event indicated by a set of data records, the event being associated with an event type, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of sets of training data records, each training data record having associated a geospatial indication, wherein the training data records in each set relate to an occurrence of an event of the event type; generating a training bitmap to represent each set of training data records in the plurality of sets, the bitmap defining a representation of a geospatial region including the locations identified by geospatial indications of training data records in the set, and the bitmap including identifications of each training data record in the set mapped into the geospatial region of the bitmap; training an image classifier based on each training bitmap such that the trained classifier is operable to classify an input bitmap as indicating an event of the event type.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
• G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects

Abstract

A computer implemented method, computer system and computer program for protecting a network are provided. The method trains a classifier to classify activity within the network. The method retrains the classifier using an active learning technique by: determining a respective level of uncertainty of the classifier in classifying each sample in a set of sample data; identifying a subset of the sample data, the subset comprising a plurality of samples from the set for which the respective level of uncertainty is highest; randomly selecting a number of samples from the subset, wherein the number of samples is less than a size of the subset; labelling the selected samples by querying an oracle; and using training data comprising the labelled samples to retrain the classifier. The method uses the retrained classifier to classify activity within the network and determines whether to take action to protect the network based on the classification of the activity.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols