Patent ID: 6914907
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for providing multicast transmissions using a distributed router, the method comprises the steps of: a) determining, for a source virtual subnetwork, a list of downstream virtual subnetworks for multicast traffic based on multicast routing protocol; b) determining multicast group membership on a per downstream virtual subnetwork, edge device, and port basis; c) receiving a packet via the source virtual subnetwork; d) upon receiving the packet, generating a multicast session table entry based on the list of downstream virtual subnetworks and the multicast group membership; e) establishing virtual connections between the source virtual subnetwork and edge devices coupled to virtual subnetworks identified in the list of downstream virtual subnetworks; and f) downloading the multicast session table entry to the edge devices, wherein the distributed router comprises the edge devices.