Virtual multicasting
First Claim
1. A method of virtual multicasting (VMC) multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising the steps of:
- determining if an attached network is multicast enabled, wherein the network includes client computers that have unicast addresses;
if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers;
listening for virtual multicast requests, wherein at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content; and
determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content.
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Abstract
A method and system of virtual multicasting content is disclosed. The method and system disclosed enable the receipt of virtual multicast content without requiring the expensive investment in the infrastructure necessary for a network to be multicast enabled. The virtual multicasting may be performed according to a method of virtual multicasting multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising the steps of determining if an attached network is multicast enabled, if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers, listening for virtual multicast requests, and determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content. The network includes client computers that have unicast addresses and the at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content.
196 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method of virtual multicasting (VMC) multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising the steps of:
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determining if an attached network is multicast enabled, wherein the network includes client computers that have unicast addresses;
if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers;
listening for virtual multicast requests, wherein at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content; and
determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions for virtual multicasting (VMC) multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, by:
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determining if an attached network is multicast enabled, wherein the network includes client computers that have unicast addresses;
if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers;
listening for virtual multicast requests, wherein at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content; and
determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A system for virtual multicasting (VMC) multicast content on non-multicast enabled networks, comprising:
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a virtual router;
an attached network associated with the virtual router, wherein the attached network includes a plurality of client computers that have unicast addresses; and
wherein the virtual router includes software comprising instructions for;
determining if the attached network is multicast enabled;
if the attached network is not totally multicast enabled, querying for virtual multicast requests for the multicast content from non-multicast enabled client computers;
listening for virtual multicast requests, wherein at least one virtual multicast request includes a unicast address identifying a client computer of the network and a requested method of delivery for the multicast content; and
determining, based on the virtual multicast requests, which client computers request the multicast content, from the unicast addresses, and the requested methods of delivery for the multicast content. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification