Method and system for multicasting data packets in an MPLS network
US7372853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L45/16
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for multicasting data packets is provided. The method includes determining that a data packet is to be multicast from an intermediate node to a plurality of destination nodes in a branch of a point-to-multipoint MPLS connection tree. The intermediate node has a plurality of connection interfaces. The method also includes establishing only one MPLS tunnel in response to the determination. The only one MPLS tunnel is for carrying the data packet to be multicast and established between a node and the intermediate node. The method also includes connecting each destination node to the intermediate node through a particular one of the connection interfaces. The method also includes receiving the data packet from the node at the intermediate node through the only one MPLS tunnel. The method also includes forwarding the data packet to the plurality of destination nodes through the connection interfaces identified in a multicast table.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.