Small-scale reliable multicasting
US6577599B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/329
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for efficient and reliable multicasting in a network environment. In embodiments of the invention, a sender transmits identical information encapsulated in data packets to a plurality of receivers. Periodically, receivers submit responses that include control information regarding the loss or receipt of data packets transmitted by the sender. Using these information a sender retransmits any undelivered packets to intended receivers. Responses submitted by the participating receivers, generate a traffic flow that can consume a substantial portion of the network bandwidth. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the rate at which the responses are submitted is monitored and controlled to minimize control traffic. Over congestion of the network bandwidth with control information is undesirable as it adversely effects the data transmission rate. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, packet loss responses are generated at time intervals. These intervals are adjustable based on the performance of the receivers. A time interval in generation of packet loss information may result in a lower error correction rate. However, since the control traffic that results from t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.