Method and apparatus for data management of third party services

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising caching, by a server comprising a processor, a subscriber profile in a network repository to create a cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile comprises a replica of stored subscriber data. The method also comprises updating the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a first application from a first application provider to produce a first updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The method further comprises updating the first updated version of the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a second application from a second application provider to produce a second updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The first and second updated versions of the cached subscriber profile are accessible by the first application provider and by the second application provider. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for data management of third-party services, to facilitate provision of third-party services to subscribers via a network.

BACKGROUND

A network provider typically offers a platform for third parties to deliver services and applications to network subscribers. This platform should be provided without jeopardizing the integrity of subscribers' personal data or service providers' databases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for dynamic caching of network subscriber profiles to provide data management for subscriber data and third-party applications. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include establishing a cache function in a shadow consolidated network repository, so that a cached replica of a subscriber profile can be retrieved and updated by a third-party agent without jeopardizing the integrity of the subscriber data.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a server comprising a memory to store instructions and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations. The operations comprise storing subscriber data and network data in a first repository of a communication network of a network provider. The subscriber data is obtained from equipment of a subscriber to the communication network. The operations also comprise facilitating establishing a second repository in communication with the first repository and accessible by a first application provider, and caching a subscriber profile in the second repository to create a cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile enables updating in accordance with subscriber use of a first application to produce a first updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile comprises the subscriber data from the first repository and information related to the subscriber use of the first application from the first application provider. The first updated version is accessible by the first application provider. Access to the subscriber data in the first repository by the first application provider is prevented.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise caching a subscriber profile in a network repository to create a cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile comprises a replica of stored subscriber data. The operations also comprise updating the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a first application from a first application provider to produce a first updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The first updated version is accessible by the first application provider. Access to the stored subscriber data by the first application provider is prevented.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method comprising caching, by a server comprising a processor, a subscriber profile in a network repository to create a cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile comprises a replica of stored subscriber data. The method also comprises updating, by the server, the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a first application from a first application provider to produce a first updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The method further comprises updating, by the server, the first updated version of the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a second application from a second application provider to produce a second updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The first updated version of the cached subscriber profile and the second updated version of the cached subscriber profile are accessible by the first application provider and by the second application provider.

FIG. 1schematically illustrates a system100for providing applications and delivering services to subscribers to a network. As shown inFIG. 1, network101is provided and maintained by network provider102and can be accessed by equipment105of subscribers to the network. The subscriber equipment also can communicate with third-party providers150of various applications and services over network101.

The network architecture provides for a consolidated network repository (CNR)110. The CNR serves as a platform for centrally storing, accessing, retrieving and updating subscriber and network data. In particular, the CNR can store information115regarding each subscriber (e.g. demographic data, present location, media viewing habits, purchasing preferences, etc.). This information is generally referred to as a subscriber profile. In this embodiment, access to the subscriber profile is restricted to trusted parties only, in order to protect the integrity of the data and to prevent unauthorized disclosure. Specifically, non-trusted parties including the third-party agents (application and service providers)150are prevented from accessing or retrieving subscriber profiles stored in the CNR.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates a system200in which CNR110is linked to a shadow CNR210that includes a database212. Details of the shadow CNR are discussed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/134,126, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Database212can store information215for each subscriber using a given service. In an embodiment, a set of specific parameters for each subscriber is stored in database212for each service. If the network provider102or one of the third-party agents150offers a new service, a new database is accordingly provided with a set of parameters for each subscriber using the service.

Database212can be made available to application and service providers globally while maintaining the security of the data, since data in the main CNR is not affected by accessing, retrieval or updating activity in the shadow CNR. In this embodiment, a third-party agent150can access database212of shadow CNR210to obtain information215regarding a subscriber using a specific service, but is not permitted to alter the information. In other embodiments, a third-party agent may be permitted to retrieve and update a subscriber profile.

FIG. 3illustrates a network300with a shadow CNR in which the shadow CNR210is provided with a dynamic caching function310, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown schematically inFIG. 3, the caching function310temporarily stores a subscriber profile315that imports data from the subscriber profile115of the main CNR. In this embodiment, the cached subscriber profile315can be retrieved and modified by the third-party agents150, thereby creating new versions of the cached profile. The original and new versions are stored in a cache layer of the shadow CNR, which serves as an intermediate data management layer between the CNR and the third-party agents. This arrangement permits subscriber data to be accessed by third parties while maintaining the integrity of the data. The subscriber data in the main CNR remains isolated from the third-party agents, which are not permitted to access or retrieve profile115.

Since a variety of data management functions can be performed in the cache and multiple versions of the subscriber profile can be maintained in the cache, the dynamic caching function310can reduce traffic between the main CNR110and the shadow CNR210. In addition, since the shadow CNR interfaces to various elements of the network101, the dynamic cache function can control the quality and consistency of transactions between the shadow CNR and the various elements of the network.

FIG. 4schematically illustrates an embodiment400of the disclosure including a shadow CNR cache layer410in which multiple versions of a subscriber profile are created, accessed, retrieved and modified by third-party application providers. The original version411is a temporary copy of the subscriber profile maintained in the main CNR. As shown inFIG. 4, application “A”152(for example, a banking application) can retrieve and update the profile, thus creating a second version412. A different application “B”153then can retrieve and update the latest version of the profile and thus create a third version413. Each version is marked with a version number. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the caching function monitors the changes being made to each profile and attaches a label or flag415to the latest (most recently updated) version. An application can determine whether it has retrieved the latest version according to the presence of the flag. The flag serves as a trigger to inform the subscribed services of the most recent changes to a profile.

Different application providers152,153will typically maintain databases with different customer data schemes. For example, a network subscriber with profile115who is a customer in both a banking application and an entertainment application will have customer records in databases452,453respectively. Since the applications have different functions, the data schemes for a given customer in databases452,453will be different. In order to ensure that each application has access to the most recent version of the subscriber profile, the dynamic caching function propagates the current version to the various applications, including applications that do not have the current version. In an embodiment, this can be done using an Open API (Application Program Interface) to push profile changes to all application and service providers, independently of the specific data scheme for a given provider. For example, if application152is a subscriber's home security service and application153is a social networking application, a subscriber may update her location via application153so that version413has a more current location than version412. The Open API can propagate the most recent version, including the current subscriber location, to the home security service application152.

Changes to the cached subscriber profile are made in accordance with data management policies established by the network provider102. In an embodiment, the policies are implemented by the main CNR110, so that the main CNR controls requests to update a cached subscriber profile. The main CNR can discard a profile version, or deny a request, if it is not in accordance with the policies. Since older versions of a profile are not automatically discarded, the last version in accordance with the policies can be relabeled as the current version. Similarly, if an error in the latest version is discovered, that version can be discarded and a previous version relabeled as the current version.

It will be appreciated that multiple cache layers can be established for the shadow CNR. Accordingly, a multiple layer caching management scheme can be implemented for the cached subscriber data, wherein hierarchies of layers are provided. This also permits multiple sessions to be simultaneously set up and/or terminated for access and retrieval of the cached data by multiple and simultaneous third party agents (application/service providers).

It will be appreciated that the dynamic caching function of the shadow CNR can also provide a cached version of a database residing in the main CNR. For example, a home location register (HLR) of the network can be linked to a supplementary database that includes the status of third party agents with respect to the home location register. The caching function can monitor changes to a cached version of this supplementary database. Once those changes are completed and verified, the caching function can return the latest version of the database to the main CNR.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating a procedure500in which a cached layer of the shadow CNR is established and subscriber profiles therein are retrieved and updated, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The shadow CNR is established in communication with the main CNR (step502) and provides a database of subscribers and services (step504). A cache layer, with a dynamic cache function, is then established in the shadow CNR (step506). A subscriber profile is copied from the main CNR to the cache layer (step508). In step510, the cached subscriber profile is accessed, retrieved and updated by third party agents (application and service providers), so that a new version of the cached subscriber profile is created. The new version is stored in the cache layer (step512) and may be labeled with a flag (step513). If an error is discovered in the latest version of the cached subscriber profile, it is discarded and an older version is relabeled as the latest version (step515).

In this embodiment, the changes to the profile corresponding to the most recent update are propagated across the various applications (step514). An Open API can be used to push the profile changes to the applications.

In this embodiment, each dynamic caching session has a timer function that provides timer management for the cached subscriber data. Each subscriber profile may have an associated individual timer, so that each session has a limited time for a given subscriber. If the particular session timer has not expired (step516), new versions can continue to be retrieved and updated. If the particular session timer has expired, the individual session is terminated and the latest version of the subscriber profile is stored in the main CNR (step518).

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment600, in which the shadow CNR dynamic subscriber data caching function is realized as part of an access administration function (AAF) subsystem in the network integration and expansion subsystem (NIES). As shown inFIG. 6, the common architecture for real-time services (CARTS)610includes the main CNR110, in addition to operations support systems and business support systems (OSS/BSS), session initiation protocol (SIP) functions, the runtime execution environment, and CARTS applications. The NIES602is linked to various networks including internet protocol (IP) access networks and circuit access networks. The NIES has several components including a telephone number mapping function (ENUM) and a database linked to an access network discovery and selection function (ANDSF). The NIES also includes the AAF subsystem601including the dynamic policy and security function (DP&S) and the dynamic subscriber data caching function310.

FIG. 7depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system700for delivering media content. The communication system700can represent a broadcast media system. Communication system700can be overlaid or operably coupled with network101as another representative embodiment of communication system700. For instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system700ofFIG. 7can operate as a server

The media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)710with at least one super headend office server (SHS)711which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server711can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS)714via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)712according to a multicast communication protocol.

The VHS714can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network718to commercial and/or residential buildings702housing a gateway704(such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network718can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs719to buildings702. The gateway704can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors706such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices708such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller707(such as an infrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway704, the media processors706, and media devices708can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee® or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors706and subsystems of the media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system729can be used in the media system ofFIG. 7. The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the media system as another representative embodiment of communication system700. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite715that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver731coupled to the building702. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver731can be transferred to the media processors706for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices708. The media processors706can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network732to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system733can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the media system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system700. In this embodiment, the cable TV system733can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

Some of the network elements of the media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices730, a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network732to wireline media devices708or wireless communication devices716. In an embodiment, a wireless communication device716can be used as subscriber equipment105to access network101

Communication system700can also provide for all or a portion of the computing devices730to function as a server using computing and communication technology to perform the dynamic caching function described above. Server730can perform, among other things, the procedure500described inFIG. 5. For instance, server730can function as a network device providing the main CNR110, shadow CNR210, and caching layer410ofFIGS. 3 and 4. The media processors706and wireless communication devices716can be provisioned with software functions to utilize the services of server730. For instance, media processors706and wireless communication devices716can be used by network subscribers as subscriber equipment105as shown inFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 8depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system800employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system800can be overlaid or operably coupled with network101(including main CNR110, shadow CNR210and cache layer410) and communication system700as another representative embodiment of communication system700. In particular, this system can include a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise caching a subscriber profile in a network repository to create a cached subscriber profile. The cached subscriber profile comprises a replica of stored subscriber data. The operations also comprise updating the cached subscriber profile in accordance with subscriber use of a first application from a first application provider to produce a first updated version of the cached subscriber profile. The first updated version is accessible by the first application provider. Access to the stored subscriber data by the first application provider is prevented.

Communication system800can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)840, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server830, and other network elements of an IMS network850. The IMS network850can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs)801,802, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs803,805, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)820coupled to a PSTN network560. The MGCF820need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF820.

IMS CDs801,802can register with the IMS network850by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS840. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD801can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF804which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF806. The originating S-CSCF806can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more application servers (ASs)817that can provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers817can be used to perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF806in the SIP INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include determining whether the calling party number has international calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF806can submit queries to the ENUM system830to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)807to submit a query to the HSS840to identify a terminating S-CSCF814associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference802. Once identified, the I-CSCF807can submit the SIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF814. The terminating S-CSCF814can then identify a terminating P-CSCF816associated with the terminating CD802. The P-CSCF816may then signal the CD802to establish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 8may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system800can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition, communication system800can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs801,802with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system700ofFIG. 7.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD803or CD805(in instances where the cellular phone only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system830can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF806to forward the call to the MGCF820via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)819. The MGCF820can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network560to enable the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs ofFIG. 8can operate as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs ofFIG. 8can be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station821, a femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establish communications with the IMS network850ofFIG. 8. The cellular access base station821can operate according to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the CDs ofFIG. 8.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular base station821may communicate directly with the IMS network850as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station821and the P-CSCF816.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective function, server, or computer.

The server730ofFIG. 7can be operably coupled to communication system800for purposes similar to those described above. Server730can perform the dynamic caching function310thereby provide network services to the CDs801,802,803and805ofFIG. 8. CDs801,802,803and805can be adapted with software for use as subscriber equipment105to utilize server730. Server730can be an integral part of the application server(s)817, which can be adapted to the operations of the IMS network850.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 9depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal902of a communication system900. Communication system900can be overlaid or operably coupled with network101, communication system700, and/or communication system800as another representative embodiment of communication system700, and/or communication system800. The web portal902can be used for managing services of network101and a server performing procedure500, and communication systems700-800. A web page of the web portal902can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described inFIGS. 7-8. The web portal902can be configured, for example, to access a media processor706and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor706. The web portal902can also be used for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal902can further be utilized to manage and provision software applications and to adapt these applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers150. For instance, subscribers to network101can log into their on-line accounts and provision server730with profile115and additional information to enable the server to communicate with application/service providers150. Service providers can log onto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain databases shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 10depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device1000. Communication device1000can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of subscriber equipment shown inFIGS. 1-3, or the devices depicted inFIGS. 7-8.

Communication device1000can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver1002(herein transceiver1002), a user interface (UI)1004, a power supply1014, a location receiver1016, a motion sensor1018, an orientation sensor1020, and a controller1006for managing operations thereof. The transceiver1002can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver1002can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI1004can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad1008with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device1000. The keypad1008can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device1000or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad1008can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI1004can further include a display1010such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device1000. In an embodiment where the display1010is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad1008can be presented by way of the display1010with navigation features.

The UI1004can also include an audio system1012that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system1012can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system1012can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI1004can further include an image sensor1013such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply1014can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device1000to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver1016can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device1000based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor1018can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device1000in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor1020can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device1000(north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

Other components not shown inFIG. 10can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device1000can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller1006of the communication device1000. In yet another embodiment, the communication device1000can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device1000to force the communication device1000to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device1000can also include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device1000as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown inFIG. 10. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

The communication device1000can be adapted to perform the functions of subscriber equipment105, the media processor706, the media devices708, or the portable communication devices716ofFIG. 7, as well as the IMS CDs801-802and PSTN CDs803-805ofFIG. 8. It will be appreciated that the communication device1000can also represent other devices that can communicate with networks ofFIGS. 1-3and with communication systems700-800ofFIGS. 7-8such as a gaming console and a media player.

The communication device1000shown inFIG. 10or portions thereof can serve as a representation of one or more of the devices shown inFIGS. 1-3, communication system700, and communication system800. In addition, the controller1006can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions of subscriber equipment105.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

FIG. 11depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system1100within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. In particular, the machine can provide the dynamic caching function and cache layer for a shadow CNR as shown inFIGS. 3-4. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the server730, the media processor and other devices ofFIGS. 1-3and7-8. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network1126) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The computer system1100may include a processor (or controller)1102(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory1104and a static memory1106, which communicate with each other via a bus1108. The computer system1100may further include a display unit1110(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system1100may include an input device1112(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device1114(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit1116, a signal generation device1118(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device1120. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units1110controlled by two or more computer systems1100. In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units1110, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units1110.

The disk drive unit1116may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium1122on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software1124) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions1124may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1104, the static memory1106, and/or within the processor1102during execution thereof by the computer system1100. The main memory1104and the processor1102also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions (from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described).