Patent ID: 7013389
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for managing addition of a first event service node to a secure multicast group that includes a plurality of other event service nodes in a communication network, wherein each of the event service nodes is capable of establishing multicast communication and serving as a key distribution center, wherein each event service node is created and stored within a domain of a directory server system, wherein each event service node is logically organized in a binary tree having a root node, intermediate nodes, and leaf nodes, wherein one of the event service nodes is a group controller and is represented by the root node, and wherein the other event service nodes are represented by the leaf nodes, the method comprising the steps of: authenticating the first event service node with a subset of the event service nodes that are affected by an addition of the first event service node to the multicast group, based on key information stored in a directory; receiving a plurality of private keys from the subset of nodes; generating a new private key for the first event service node; communicating the plurality of private keys and the new private key to the first event service node; communicating a message to the subset of nodes that causes the subset of nodes to update their private keys.