Method and system for multicast in a broadband satellite system
First Claim
1. A method for adapting multicast services over a satellite network, the method comprising:
- receiving a request for establishing a multicast session associated with a network address conforming to a first communication protocol;
assigning an address conforming to a second communication protocol for a multicast group of satellite terminals within the satellite network to map to the network address; and
transmitting configuration information including the assigned satellite address to the satellite terminals for establishment of the multicast session.
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Abstract
An approach is provided for adapting multicast services originating from a terrestrial network over a satellite network. A request for establishing a multicast session corresponding to a network address of the terrestrial network is received at a hub station. The request specifies participating satellite terminals in the multicast session. The hub station assigns an address unique within the satellite network to map to the network address for the multicast session. The participating satellite terminals are configured with the assigned satellite address. A distribution mechanism is selected to transport dataflow of the multicast session to the participating satellite terminals. The distribution mechanism utilizes one or more spot beams covering the participating satellite terminals, wherein the selected distribution mechanism is switched to another one of the distribution mechanisms based on capacity of the satellite network and reachability of the participating satellite terminals.
82 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for adapting multicast services over a satellite network, the method comprising:
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receiving a request for establishing a multicast session associated with a network address conforming to a first communication protocol;
assigning an address conforming to a second communication protocol for a multicast group of satellite terminals within the satellite network to map to the network address; and
transmitting configuration information including the assigned satellite address to the satellite terminals for establishment of the multicast session. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for adapting multicast services originated by a terrestrial network over a satellite network, the method comprising:
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detecting a dataflow supporting a multicast from a source host within the terrestrial network;
transmitting a request for establishing a multicast session over the satellite network to a hub station, the request specifying a multicast network address supported by the terrestrial network, wherein the hub station selectively assigns a satellite address that maps to the multicast network address and configures a satellite within the satellite network with a multicast distribution plan of participating satellite terminals; and
receiving an acknowledgement message from the hub station specifying the satellite address, wherein the dataflow is forwarded by the source host over the satellite network to the participating satellite terminals according to the satellite address. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for providing a multicast session over a satellite network, the method comprising:
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identifying participating satellite terminals in the multicast session;
determining whether one or more spot beams can cover the participating satellite terminals;
selecting one of a plurality of distribution schemes based on the determining step; and
selectively switching to another distribution scheme that utilizes a broadcast beam according to predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for adapting multicast services over a satellite network, the system comprising:
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means for receiving a request for establishing a multicast session associated with a network address conforming to a first communication protocol;
means for assigning an address conforming to a second communication protocol for a multicast group of satellite terminals within the satellite network to map to the network address; and
means for transmitting configuration information including the assigned satellite address to the satellite terminals for establishment of the multicast session.
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21. A system for providing a multicast session over a satellite network, the system comprising:
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means for identifying participating satellite terminals in the multicast session;
means for determining whether one or more spot beams can cover the participating satellite terminals;
means for selecting one of a plurality of distribution schemes based on the determination; and
means for selectively switching to another distribution scheme that utilizes a broadcast beam according to a plurality of criteria.
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22. A method for adapting multicast services originating from a terrestrial network over a satellite network, the method comprising:
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receiving a request for establishing a multicast session corresponding to a network address of the terrestrial network, the request specifying participating satellite terminals in the multicast session;
assigning an address unique within the satellite network to map to the network address for the multicast session;
configuring the participating satellite terminals with the assigned satellite address; and
selecting one of a plurality of distribution mechanisms to transport dataflow of the multicast session to the participating satellite terminals, the distribution mechanisms utilizing one or more spot beams covering the participating satellite terminals, wherein the selected distribution mechanism is switched to another one of the distribution mechanisms based on capacity of the satellite network and reachability of the participating satellite terminals.
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Specification