Patent ID: 6339791
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
Multicast shortcut routing method, to be used in an Internet Protocol network over a network including a plurality of switch-routers (SR1-SR11) interconnected by links, adapted to carry a point-to-multipoint connection between a sending host (SH) and a plurality of receiving hosts (RH1-RH6), each coupled to one of said plurality of switch-routers, wherein a first data-packet of an Internet Protocol packet-flow is broadcasted from said sending host (SH) towards all potential receiving hosts (RH1-RH6) and wherein each potential receiving host (RH1-RH6) of said potential receiving hosts (RH1-RH6) may send, upon reception of said first data-packet, a prune-message in direction of said sending host (SH) to notify that said potential receiving host does not wish to receive said Internet Protocol packet-flow, said method further including the step of setting up a shortcut path for said point-to-multipoint connection, for said Internet Protocol packet flow, by said plurality of switch-routers, characterised in that before said step of setting up a shortcut path, said method includes the step of, delaying sad setting-up of said shortcut path over a predetermined time-interval which is dependent on the period of time said prune-message needs to reach said plurality of switch-routers in direction of said sending host.