Patent ID: 8081628
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for multicast communications in a multi-hop relay network, said method comprising: receiving a message requesting multicast and broadcast service along said path connection; sending, by a multi-hop relay base station, an extended request message, wherein said extended request message includes a multicast connection identification, multicast distribution tree information and a path identification, wherein said extended request message is one of a request for an addition of said path connection, a request for a deletion of said path connection and a request to change quality of service information of said path connection, and further wherein said extended request message optionally includes service flow parameters; receiving, by said multi-hop relay base station, an extended response message, wherein said extended response message is one of a response to said extended request message for an addition of a path connection, a response to said extended request message for a deletion of said path connection and a response to said extended request message to change service flow parameters of said path connection; adding said path connection to said multicast distribution tree, if said request message is for said addition of said path connection; and further wherein said adding act further comprises; recording a number of end devices and identification information for said end devices that require said multicast and broadcast service; sending a response message; and receiving an acknowledgment.