Method and apparatus for multicast routing in a network
US6321270A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/1877
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided for controlling a multicast session in a network having multiple network nodes. The system selects one of the network nodes as a control point associated with the multicast session. Identity of the control point is then advertised to all network nodes in a particular area. The control point determines multicast control information for the multicast session. Multicast control information determined by the control point is transmitted to the network nodes participating in the multicast session. The multicast control information may include network nodes participating in the multicast session, multicast reflection points, or instructions for transmitting multicast data to members of the multicast session. Updating of the multicast control information occurs in response to network changes. The system may provide a secondary control point that maintains a copy of control information associated with the multicast session.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.