Architecture and provisioning tools for managed multicast virtual private LAN trees
First Claim
1. A method for provisioning broadcast services over a managed packet switched communications network infrastructure, the method comprising:
- a. provisioning a multicast tree in the core of the managed communications network between an edge switching node associated with a super-head end content source node and a plurality of distribution edge switching nodes;
b. distributing a channel to the plurality of distribution edge switching nodes over the provisioned multicast tree;
c. each distribution edge switching node intercepting membership change requests received from destination nodes in the distribution portion of the communications network, each membership change request specifying a channel;
d. the edge switching node establishing, over the distribution portion of the communications network, a multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a join membership change request was received and forwarding content of the specified channel over the established multicast tree branch; and
e. the edge switching node tearing down the multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a prune membership change request was received, the interception and processing of membership change requests at distribution edge switching nodes reducing delays associated with establishing multicast tree branches to destination nodes.
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Abstract
Methods, tools, and a multicast connectivity architecture are provided for provisioning bundled high bandwidth multi-channel multimedia broadcast services over a packet switched communications network. Multicast group membership join/prune requests generated by the destination network nodes are processed on edge. Multicast tree connectivity in the core of the communications network is static and centrally provisioned based on multicast group member edge network nodes associated with subscribers, while dynamic multicasting techniques are employed over the distribution portion of the service provider'"'"'s communications network to deliver requested content to each destination network node. The methods and tools compute multicast trees, configure on-tree branching network nodes, and establish Virtual Private LAN network overlays for channel bundles to convey multi-channel content in the core of the managed communications network between edge network nodes. Centralized multicast tree provisioning enables the use of efficient multicast tree topologies, while VPLS packet transport provides interoperability between disparate Layer-2 packet transport technologies employed in different portions of the communications network.
136 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method for provisioning broadcast services over a managed packet switched communications network infrastructure, the method comprising:
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a. provisioning a multicast tree in the core of the managed communications network between an edge switching node associated with a super-head end content source node and a plurality of distribution edge switching nodes;
b. distributing a channel to the plurality of distribution edge switching nodes over the provisioned multicast tree;
c. each distribution edge switching node intercepting membership change requests received from destination nodes in the distribution portion of the communications network, each membership change request specifying a channel;
d. the edge switching node establishing, over the distribution portion of the communications network, a multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a join membership change request was received and forwarding content of the specified channel over the established multicast tree branch; and
e. the edge switching node tearing down the multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a prune membership change request was received, the interception and processing of membership change requests at distribution edge switching nodes reducing delays associated with establishing multicast tree branches to destination nodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for provisioning broadcast services over a managed packet switched communications network infrastructure, the system comprising:
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a. a network management system for provisioning a multicast tree over managed infrastructure in the core of the managed communications network between an edge switching node associated with a super-head end content source node and a plurality of distribution edge switching nodes;
b. distribution edge switching nodes for;
i. intercepting membership change requests issued by destination nodes in the distribution portion of the communications network;
ii. establishing, over the distribution portion of the communications network, a multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a join membership change request was received and forwarding multimedia content of the specified channel over the established multicast tree branch; and
iii. tearing down the multicast tree branch between the distribution edge switching node and the destination node from which a prune membership change request was received; and
c. at least one source filter employed by distribution edge switching nodes for filtering out illegitimate membership change requests from destination network nodes. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A multicast connectivity provisioning application for provisioning broadcast services over a managed packet switched communications network infrastructure, the application comprising:
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a. distribution edge switching node selection means for selecting a plurality of distribution edge switching nodes adapted to selectively forward content to associated destination nodes;
b. retrieval means for retrieving service provisioning, network provisioning, and connectivity information from one of a network management repository and a user interface;
c. a multicast tree heuristics selector for selecting multicast tree determination heuristics; and
d. multicast tree determination means for determining a multicast tree between an edge switching node associated with a super-head end content source node and the plurality of distribution switching nodes in accordance with the selected multicast tree heuristics based on the service provisioning, network provisioning, and connectivity information. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification