Patent ID: 7519662
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method implemented in a communication network for translating a join request from a host that uses a sparse mode multicast protocol for enabling the host to receive a service provided over the communication network by a source of a plurality of sources that use a source specific multicast protocol, comprising: storing at a the router running inside the communication network coupled to the host a multicast forwarding table (MFT) providing multicast group addresses, source addresses associated with the group addresses, and routing information for the sources; receiving a join request from the host, the join request identifying a group address for a multicast group that currently receives the service; determining a source address for the source from the multicast forwarding table (MFT) using the group address; and, converting the join request to a translated join request that includes the source address along with the group address to thereby enable the host to join the group and receive the service from the source; wherein the sparse mode multicast protocol and the source specific multicast protocol are network layer protocols.