Apparatus and methods for multicast delivery of content in a content delivery network
US9066153B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/8586
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for providing persistent multicast delivery of content to devices within a network. In one embodiment, a webserver is provided to determine whether requested content is to be provided via a persistent multicast. If a multicast is not to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query a unicast server. If a multicast is to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query an entity for joining the multicast. After joining the multicast, the entity processes and provides the content to the requesting device as a unicast stream. In one variant, a web persistent port which is assigned by the entity to receive the multicast comprises a WebSocket compatible TCP port and the requesting device runs a WebSocket compatible media player. The webserver tracks requests to identify “popular” content to be delivered as a multicast. Content protection schemes and trick mode functions are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.