Patent ID: 7512124
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A multicast optimization method in a cross-VLAN switching device operatively coupled to one or more multicast group members configured in a plurality of VLANs and to one or more nodes via a VLAN-tagged communications link; the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a multicast stream within a first VLAN of the plurality of VLANs; (b) receiving a multicast declaration message from a plurality of said one or more multicast group members; (c) registering the one or more multicast group members at the cross-VLAN switching device, each registration constituting a subscription to the multicast stream; (d) internally distributing the multicast stream toward substantially all the multicast group members registered at the cross-VLAN switching device to receive the multicast stream; and (e) forwarding only the first multicast declaration message of the plurality of multicast declaration messages upstream towards a root router; wherein a single copy of the one or more multicast streams propagates across said one or more VLAN-tagged communications links.