Patent ID: 8649377
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: receiving, by a core node device comprising a processor, at a communication network a message intended for a multicast group associated with a first plurality of node devices of the communication network, wherein the communication network comprises a communication tree and comprises the core node device, the first plurality of node devices, and a second plurality of node devices; determining, by the core node device, a distribution mode for the communication network; sending, by the core node device, a multicast message from the core node device to the first plurality of node devices through at least a first portion of the second plurality of node devices responsive to a first determination that the distribution mode of the communication network is active, wherein membership state information for the multicast group is stored at the core node device and at the first portion of the second plurality of nodes; and sending, by the core node device, a unicast message from the core node device to the first plurality of node devices through a second portion of the second plurality of node devices responsive to a second determination that the distribution mode of the communication network is inactive, wherein the membership state information for the multicast group is stored at the core node device and a first node device of the second plurality of node devices.