Generating multiple data streams from a single data source
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of transmitting packets, the method comprising:
- using a switch to receive communications;
using the switch to selectively filter and forward the received communications, wherein the switch selectively filters and forwards the received communications between different domains at a same level in a protocol stack;
as part of the received communications, receiving a stream of content, wherein the stream of content comprises at least one data unit having a payload portion and an address portion;
using the switch to store the stream of content;
receiving a request from a user terminal for the content of the stored stream, wherein the request includes address information of the user terminal; and
in response to the received request, using the switch to duplicate the stored stream of content by;
duplicating the stored stream of content;
replacing an address portion in at least one data unit comprising the duplicated stream with the address information of the user terminal; and
forwarding the duplicated stream to the user terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switch having a first communications interface to receive a stream of data units, a buffer to store the payload portion of the data unit, a replicator to duplicate at least the payload portion of the data unit, and a second communications interface to enable access to the stream of data units by two or more terminals.
210 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method of transmitting packets, the method comprising:
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using a switch to receive communications; using the switch to selectively filter and forward the received communications, wherein the switch selectively filters and forwards the received communications between different domains at a same level in a protocol stack; as part of the received communications, receiving a stream of content, wherein the stream of content comprises at least one data unit having a payload portion and an address portion; using the switch to store the stream of content; receiving a request from a user terminal for the content of the stored stream, wherein the request includes address information of the user terminal; and in response to the received request, using the switch to duplicate the stored stream of content by; duplicating the stored stream of content; replacing an address portion in at least one data unit comprising the duplicated stream with the address information of the user terminal; and forwarding the duplicated stream to the user terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A duplicating switch:
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a first communications interface structured and arranged to receive communications including a stream of content, wherein the stream of content comprises at least one data unit having a payload portion and an address portion; a processor structured and arranged to selectively filter and forward the received communications, wherein the switch selectively filters and forwards the received communications between different domains at a same level in a protocol stack; a buffer structured and arranged to store the stream of content; a second communications interface structured and arranged to receive a request from a user terminal for the content of the stored stream, wherein the request includes address information of the user terminal; and a replicator structured and arranged to duplicate the stored stream of content in response to the received request by; duplicating the stored stream of content; replacing an address portion in at least one data unit comprising the duplicated stream with the address information of the user terminal; and forwarding the duplicated stream to the user terminal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for distributing online video content to consumers over the Internet using a duplicating switch, the method comprising:
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using the duplicating switch to receive communications; using the duplicating switch to selectively filter and forward the received communications, wherein the duplicating switch selectively filters and forwards the received communications between different domains; receiving a stream of online video content, wherein the stream of online video content comprises at least one data unit having a payload portion and an address portion; using the switch to store the stream of online video content; receiving a request from a user terminal for the online video content of the stored stream, wherein the request includes address information of the user terminal; and in response to the received request, using the duplicating switch to duplicate the stored stream of online video content by; duplicating the stored stream of online video content; replacing an address portion in at least one data unit comprising the duplicated stream with the address information of the user terminal; and forwarding the duplicated stream to the user terminal.
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Specification