Patent Publication Number: US-2016249185-A1

Title: Enhanced wireless multicast delivery

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Disclosure 
     The following relates generally to wireless communication, for example enhanced wireless multicast delivery. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). 
     A wireless network, for example a wireless local area network (WLAN), may include an access point (AP) that may communicate with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile devices. The AP may be coupled to a network, such as the Internet, and may enable a mobile device to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the access point in a service set, e.g., a basic service set (BSS) or extended service set (ESS)). A wireless device may communicate with a network device bi-directionally. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). From the STA&#39;s perspective, the DL (or forward link) may refer to the communication link from the AP to the station, and the UL (or reverse link) may refer to the communication link from the station to the AP. 
     In some wireless networks, the same data may be intended for or useful to multiple STAs served by an AP. In such instances, the AP may transmit the data as multicast. However, the multicast may be sent to all STAs served by the AP, regardless of whether all of the STAs served by the AP are interested in the data. Thus, STAs which are not assigned the multicast data may expend power and processing resources to receive and process the unwanted multicast transmission, which may result in system inefficiencies, reduced battery life, and poor user experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     Systems, methods, and apparatuses for enhanced wireless multicast delivery are described. In a wireless communication system, an access point (AP) may snoop subscriber messages between stations (STAs) and a network. Using information obtained from the snooping, the AP may identify which STAs are interested in receiving different multicasts. Using this information, the AP may generate and maintain a table at the bridge level mapping multicasts to interested STAs. The AP may assign a unique group identity (ID) to STAs interested in a multicast and include the group ID in the frame header of frames for that multicast which are broadcast to the STAs. In this way, STAs interested in receiving the multicast will recognize the group ID in the frame header and decode the entire multicast frame, and STAs not interested in receiving the multicast will avoid decoding and processing the entire multicast frame. In some cases, the AP may also use beamforming to direct the multicast frames to interested STAs and away from uninterested STAs. 
     A method of communication at a wireless device is described. The method may include determining, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast, assigning a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination, and transmitting a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID. 
     An apparatus for communication at a wireless device is described. The apparatus may include an IGMP snooper for determining, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast, a multicast assignment coordinator for assigning a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination, and a transmitter for transmitting a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID. 
     A further apparatus for communication at a wireless device is described. The apparatus may include means for determining, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast, means for assigning a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination, and means for transmitting a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID. 
     A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for communication at a wireless device is described. The code may include instructions executable to determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast, assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination, and transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID. 
     Assigning the group ID to the station may further comprise transmitting the group ID to the station prior to transmitting the frame comprising the data for the multicast. Transmitting the frame may further comprise using beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to the station. 
     Transmitting the frame may further comprise identifying the station as one of a plurality of stations associated with the group ID and using beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to the plurality of stations. 
     The method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for avoiding delivering the frame to a set of stations unassociated with the group ID. The method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining the group ID based at least in part on a multicast address of the multicast. 
     The method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for maintaining a bridge-level table, the bridge-level table identifying the association between the station and the multicast. The method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for determining the group ID based at least in part on the bridge-level table. 
     The method, apparatuses, or non-transitory computer-readable medium described above may further include processes, features, means, or instructions for updating the bridge-level table based at least in part on the IGMP snooping. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If just the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless local area network (WLAN) for enhanced wireless multicast delivery configured in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a wireless communications system for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a multicast frame for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of a signal field for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an example of a beamforming scheme for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in a wireless communications system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of a beamforming scheme for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in a wireless communications system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a process flow for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an access point (AP) configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of an AP configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a block diagram of a system including a device configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a block diagram of a system including a device configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  a flowchart illustrating a method for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart illustrating a method for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating a method for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a flowchart illustrating a method for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a flowchart illustrating a method for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The described features generally relate to improved systems, methods, or apparatuses for enhanced wireless multicast delivery. According to the present disclosure, an access point (AP) may implement internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping at the Layer 2 (L2) level. That is, the AP may use wireless IGMP snooping to listen to IGMP message exchanges (e.g., Membership Report, Leave Report, Query Report) between a network and client stations (STAs) served by the AP. The AP may use subscriber information obtained from the IGMP snooping to associate individual STAs with multicasts to which the STAs have subscribed or expressed interest. 
     Multicasts serviced by the AP may be associated with individual group IDs. When the AP detects that a STA has subscribed to or is otherwise associated with a multicast, the AP may assign an individual group ID to that STA. The AP may include the assigned group ID in the frame header of multicast frames for the associated multicast such that STAs interested in receiving the multicast will recognize the group ID in the frame header and decode the multicast frame. STAs not interested in receiving the multicast (i.e. STAs not assigned the group ID) may avoid decoding and processing the multicast frame, thereby saving resources. 
     The AP may track associations between STA and multicasts using a bridge-level table. The bridge-level table may map multicast group addresses to STA addresses. The bridge-level table may be maintained and updated based on the IGMP snooping. The AP may also use beamforming to deliver multicast frames to a single client, steering the multicast frames to interested STAs and away from uninterested STAs. 
     The following description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in other examples. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless local area network (WLAN)  100  (also known as a Wi-Fi network) configured in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The WLAN  100  may include an access point (AP)  105  and multiple associated client station (STAs)  115 , which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistant (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (e.g., TVs, computer monitors, etc.), printers, etc. The AP  105  may communicate with the STAs  115  within coverage area  110  via communication links  120 . In some cases, communication links  120  may be implemented using beamforming. The AP  105  and the associated stations  115  may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs  115  in the network are able to communicate with one another through the AP  105 . Also shown is a coverage area  110  of the AP  105 , which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN  100 . 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , a STA  115  may be located in the intersection of more than one coverage area  110  and may associate with more than one AP  105 . A single AP  105  and an associated set of STAs  115  may be referred to as a BSS. An ESS is a set of connected BSSs. A distribution system (DS) (not shown) may be used to connect APs  105  in an ESS. In some cases, the coverage area  110  of an AP  105  may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The WLAN  100  may include APs  105  of different types (e.g., metropolitan area, home network, etc.), with varying and overlapping coverage areas  110 . Two STAs  115  may also communicate directly via a direct wireless link  125  regardless of whether both STAs  115  are in the same coverage area  110  or wirelessly connected to the same AP  105  or BSS. Examples of direct wireless links  125  may include Wi-Fi Direct connections, Wi-Fi Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) links, and other group connections. STAs  115  and APs  105  may communicate according to the WLAN radio and baseband protocol for physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers from IEEE 802.11 and versions including, but not limited to, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, etc. In other implementations, peer-to-peer connections or ad hoc networks may be implemented within WLAN  100 . 
     An AP  105  may communicate with a network  130 , such as the Internet, via a wired or wireless communication link  135 . The AP  105  may receive data from the network  130  which is intended for a single STA  115 , or multiple STAs  115 , within coverage area  110 . Accordingly, the AP  105  may transmit data via unicast (e.g., one-to-one) or multicast (e.g., one-to-many) transmissions to STAs  115 . The STAs  115  may select which multicasts are of interest by subscribing to multicast addresses using internet group management protocol (IGMP). For example, the network  130  may send membership queries to a STA  115  to determine the multicast addresses in which the STA  115  is interested. Accordingly, the STA  115  may indicate interest in multicast addresses by sending membership reports and leave group messages to the network  130 . The AP  105  may serve as the gateway between a STA  115  and the network  130 , and as such may be privy to the IGMP exchanges. Thus, the AP  105  may snoop IGMP message exchanges between a STA  115  and network  130  and determine relationships between multicast addresses and the STA  115 . For example, the AP  105  may listen for IGMP messages from the STAs  115  and update the table accordingly. When the AP  105  detects a membership report for a multicast address from a STA  115 , the AP  105  may update the table to indicate that the STA  115  is registered to receive the multicast frames from that particular multicast address. When the AP  105  detects a leave group report for the STA  115 , the AP  105  may clear the table entry for that multicast address and STA  115 . 
     To summarize, an AP  105  may use IGMP snooping to listen to IGMP message exchanges between a network  130  and STAs  115 . The AP  105  may use subscriber information obtained from the IGMP snooping to associate STAs  115  with multicast addresses. Based on the IGMP snooping, the AP  105  may establish and maintain a bridge-level table which maps multicast group addresses to STAs  115 . The AP  105  may assign group identifiers (IDs) to STAs  115  based on the IGMP snooping. For example, the AP  105  may assign a unique group ID to a STA  115  which is registered to receive multicasts with a particular address M. The AP  105  may notify the STA  115  of the assigned group ID, and include the group ID in future multicasts with address M. Thus, the STA  115  may monitor multicasts for the group ID, and determine the relevance of the multicast based on the presence or absence of the group ID. If the group ID for the STA  115  is present in the multicast (e.g., in a frame header), the STA  115  may process the entire multicast. However, if the group ID for the STA  115  is not present in the multicast, the STA  115  may refrain from processing the multicast and enter a low power mode. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a wireless communications system  200  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system  200  may include STAs  115 - a ,  115 - b , and  115 - c , which may be examples of one or more STAs  115  described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The wireless communications system  200  may also include an AP  105 - a , which may be an example of an AP  105  described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . AP  105 - a  may communicate with STAs  115  within coverage area  110  as described in  FIG. 1 . AP  105 - a  may communicate data intended for specific STAs  115  in point-to-point unicast transmissions. AP  105 - a  may also communicate data to STAs  115  via multicast, which may involve a one-to-many transmission scheme. 
     The wireless communications system  200  may also include a network  130 - a , which may be an example of the network  130  described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The network  130 - a  may communicate with AP  105 - a  via a wired or wireless communication link  135 - a , which may be an example of the wired or wireless communication link  135  of  FIG. 1 . The STAs  115  may communicate with network  130 - a  indirectly via AP  105 - a . Thus, AP  105 - a  may listen to communications between the STAs  115  and the network  130 - a . For example, the AP  105 - a  may snoop and interpret IGMP message exchanges (e.g., Membership Report messages, Leave Report messages, and Query Report Messages) between the STAs  115  and the network  130 - a . Using information gained from the IGMP snooping, the AP  105 - a  may generate an association table at the bridge-level that maps relationships between multicast addresses and the STAs  115 . 
     As the STAs  115  subscribe and unsubscribe to multicast addresses using IGMP, AP  105 - a  may dynamically update the bridge-level association table. For example, STA  115 - c  may indicate, via IGMP messages, that it is interested in receiving multicasts with address M, while STA  115 - a  and STA  115 - b  may indicate that they are not interested in multicasts with address M. The STAs  115  may indicate disinterest by not subscribing to an address, or, in the event the STAs  115  are already subscribed, by unsubscribing. Accordingly, AP  105 - a  may update the bridge-level table to reflect the subscription changes. In other examples, AP  105 - a  may ascertain the interest of a STA  115  via other means (e.g., through a secondary party or the STA  115 ). Regardless of how AP  105 - a  gauges the interest of the STAs  115 , AP  105 - a  may group the STAs  115  according to common interests. 
     Once the STAs  115  have been grouped, the AP  105 - a  may assign group IDs to STAs  115 . The assignment of the group IDs may be based on the subscription information in the bridge-level table, such as a multicast addresses. Using the example from above, AP  105 - a  may assign a unique group ID to STA  115 - c  which is registered to receive multicasts with address M. AP  105 - a  may transmit the assigned group ID to STA  115 - c , which may reference the group ID in order to determine multicast association. Thus, a STA  115  may determine which group ID is assigned based on a group ID indication from AP  105 - a . The AP  105 - a  may indicate group IDs to the STAs  115  based on a change in subscription, or on some external factor (e.g., according to a timer or external request). 
     In addition to relaying IGMP messages and transmitting group IDs, AP  105 - a  may facilitate multicast communications from the network  130 - a  to the STAs  115 . For example, the network  130 - a  may convey multicast data  205  to AP  105 - a  with data intended for STAs  115  within and outside of coverage area  110 - a . However, within coverage area  110 - a , STA  115 - c  alone may be interested in the multicast data  205 . By referencing the bridge-level table, the AP  105 - a  may determine the respective interest of each STA  115  regarding multicast data  205 . AP  105 - a  may also determine which group ID is associated with the multicast, and attach it to a frame header of a multicast prior to transmission. Accordingly, the STAs  115  may receive the multicast transmission which conveys the frame header with the group ID. 
     The presence of the group ID in the frame header may indicate to the STAs  115  the relevance of the multicast data. For example, if STA  115 - a  and STA  115 - b  detect the multicast frames, STA  115 - a  and STA  115 - b  may ignore the frames based on the group ID in the header because the group ID is not assigned to STA  115 - a  and STA  115 - b . On the other hand, STA  115 - c  may know to decode the multicast frame based on its recognition of the assigned group ID. If a STA  115  is associated with the group ID conveyed by the multicast frame header, the STA  115  may determine that the multicast is of interest and process the rest of the frame. If the STA  115  is unassociated with the conveyed group ID, the STA  115  may refrain from processing the rest of the frame. 
     To summarize one possible scenario, AP  105 - a  may assign group IDs to STAs  115  which are associated with the same multicast addresses. AP  105 - a  may determine which STAs  115  are interested in a multicast by snooping IGMP subscriber messages. Based on the IGMP snooping, AP  105 - a  may establish and maintain a bridge-level table which maps multicast group addresses to STAs  115 . AP  105 - a  may indicate the assigned group IDs to the STAs  115 , and the STAs  115  may monitor future multicasts for the group IDs. AP  105 - a  may convey a group ID in a multicast frame header, which the STAs  115  may detect to determine if the frame should be processed. If a STA  115  is assigned the frame header group ID, the STA  115  may process the multicast frame. If the STA  115  is not assigned the frame header group ID, the STA  115  may refrain from processing the multicast frame. 
     In some cases, AP  105 - a  may use beamforming to direct the multicast frame in the direction of interested STA  115 - c  and away from uninterested STAs  115 - a  and  115 - b . While AP  105 - a  may not always steer the multicast frames away from all uninterested STAs  115 , the combination of beamforming with the inclusion of the group ID in the header of multicast frames may substantially reduce the time and power expended by uninterested STAs  115  to receive or process unwanted multicast frames. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example of a multicast frame  301  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The multicast frame  301  may be an example of a frame transmitted from an AP  105  to a STA  115 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . 
     The multicast frame  301  may include a frame header  305  and a payload  310 . The frame header  305  may be a physical layer header, such as physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) header. The frame header  305  may include a signal field  315  which facilitates decoding of the payload  310  by describing the parameters used for transmission (e.g., channel bandwidth, encoding information, etc.). The signal field  315  may be partitioned into two separate parts—a very-high throughput signal A (VHT-SIG-A), which may be associated with all STAs  115 , and a very-high throughput signal B (VHT-SIG-B), which may be specific to individual STAs  115 . In some configurations, the signal field  315  may be used to convey a unique group ID assigned to a STA  115  according to a relationship between the STA  115  and a multicast, as described with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 . The payload  310  may include multicast data intended for one or more STAs  115  served by one or more APs  105 . In some cases, the payload  310  may be encoded with space-time block coding (STBC), which may increase robustness. Thus, an AP  105  may transmit the multicast frame  301  as part of a multicast transmission to a STA  115 , as described generally in  FIGS. 1-2 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an example of a signal field  315 - a  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The signal field  315 - a  may be an example of at least a portion of the signal field  315  described with reference to  FIG. 3A . For example, the signal field  315 - a  may be a VHT-SIG-A. The signal field  315 - a  may include control information relevant to STAs  115  served by an AP  105 . The signal field  315 - a  may include a group ID  370 , which may be an example of a group ID described in  FIGS. 1-3A . In some cases, the group ID  370  may be unique to a single STA  115 ; in other examples, the group ID  370  may be unique to a number of STAs  115 . Group ID  370  may be assigned according to a single multicast a STA  115  is registered to receive, or according to multiple multicasts a STA  115  is registered to receive. For example, a STA  115  may be registered to receive five different multicasts. In some examples, instead of assigning a group ID  370  for each multicast, an AP  105  may assign a single group ID  370  corresponding to the five multicasts. 
     Thus, an AP  105  may indicate the relevance of a multicast frame to a STA  115  by conveying a group ID  370  in a signal field  315 - a  of multicast frame header. The group ID  370  may associate a STA  115  with a multicast address, and may be determined via IGMP snooping (e.g., by referencing a bridge-level table based on IGMP snooping). In some cases the AP  105  may notify a STA  115  of the assigned group ID  370  by transmitting the group ID  370  to the STA  115  prior to the multicast. Accordingly, the STA  115  may determine how to process a multicast frame based on the assigned group ID  370 . In some cases, an AP  105  may convey a multicast with group ID  370  to a STA  115  by steering the multicast in the direction of the STA  115 . For example, the AP  105  may use beamforming to target interested STAs  115  for the reception of a multicast. 
     The signal field  315 - a  may include a bandwidth field  320  to convey the bandwidth of the channel used to for the multicast transmission and reserved fields  325 ,  360 . If the payload corresponding to the signal field  315 - a  is encoded with STBC, the AP  105  may indicate the encoding via an STBC field  330 . Space-time stream fields  335 ,  340 ,  345 , and  350  may be used to indicate the number of space-time streams (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) streams) used for individual recipient STAs (i.e., users  0 - 3 ). For example, one space-time stream field  335  may indicate to a first STA  115  (e.g., user  0 ) the number of space-time streams used to convey a multicast to that particular STA  115 . A transmit power save forbidden (TXPS) field  355  may indicate whether the AP  105  allows STAs  115  to power off radios when the STAs  115  have the opportunity to transmit. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an example of a beamforming scheme for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in a wireless communications system  400 - a  in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system  400 - a  may include an AP  105 - b , which may be an example of an AP  105  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . The wireless communications system  400 - a  may also include STA  115 - d , STA  115 - e , and STA  115 - f , which may be examples of a STA  115  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 . The STAs  115  may exchange IGMP messages with a network (not shown) which AP  105 - b  may intercept and decode to associate individual STAs  115  with individual multicasts. AP  105 - b  may assign group IDs to STAs  115  based on multicast associations and include the group IDs in multicast frames transmitted over the wireless medium. 
     Some APs  105  may use an array of antennas to direct the energy of a signal in a chosen angular direction. This technique is known as beamforming, and may be implemented by adjusting signal weights and antenna orientations such that interference is produced according to a desired pattern. Thus, an AP  105  may steer a signal, via high energy signal beams, in a particular angular direction. 
     In the present example, AP  105 - b  may use beamforming to steer multicast transmissions to interested STAs  115  and avoid transmitting multicasts to disinterested STAs  115 . For example, STA  115 - d  may be subscribed to receive a particular multicast, while STA  115 - e  and STA  115 - f  may not be interested in receiving the multicast. In this instance, AP  105 - b  may use beamforming to steer frames for the multicast in the direction of STA  115 - d  and away from STA  115 - e  and STA  115 - f . For example, multicast frames may be transmitted in beam  405 , which may encompass intended target STA  115 - d  while avoiding unintended targets STA  115 - e  and STA  115 - f . AP  105 - b  may determine the direction of the beam  405  based on the location of the interested STA  115 - d , the location of the uninterested STAs  115 - e ,  115 - f , or a combination thereof. In some cases, the STAs  115  may be grouped such that beam  405  containing the multicast frames unavoidably encompasses uninterested STAs  115 . In such scenarios, AP  105 - b  may select a direction for the beam  405  which reduces the encompassment of uninterested STAs  115 . In any event, a STA  115  which detects a multicast frame via the beam  405  may identify whether the multicast frame is relevant to that particular STA  115  prior to decoding the entire multicast frame (e.g., the STA  115  may determine whether a header of the multicast frame carries a group ID assigned to that STA  115 ). 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates an example of a beamforming scheme for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in a wireless communications system  400 - b  in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system  400 - b  may include AP  105 - b , which may be an example of an AP  105  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 and 4A . The wireless communications system  400 - b  may also include STAs  115 - g , STA  115 - h , and STA  115 - i , which may be examples of a STA  115  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 and 4A . 
     In some cases, more than one STA  115  served by AP  105 - c  may be interested in a multicast. In the present example, STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i  may be registered to receive a particular multicast while STA  115 - h  may be uninterested in the multicast. AP  105 - c  may determine use IGMP snooping to associate STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i  with the multicast as described above. This association may be recorded in a bridge-level table. AP  105 - c  may assume that STA  115 - h  is not interested in the multicast. Accordingly, AP  105 - c  may assign the same group ID to STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i . AP  105 - c  may adjust transmission of multicast frames according to the known association of STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i  with the multicast. For instance, AP  105 - c  may use beamforming to direct the multicast frames in the respective directions of STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the AP  105 - c  may direct the multicast signal in the direction of STA  115 - g  and STA  115 - i  via beams  405 - a  and  405 - b . Thus, AP  105 - c  may refrain from or avoid delivering the multicast frames to STA  115 - h . In the present example, each beam  405  is shown as being directed to a single STA  115  for the sake of simplicity, but it should be understood that interested STAs  115  may be grouped such that a single beam conveys multicast frames to more than one interested STA  115 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a process flow  500  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in a wireless communications system. The wireless communications system may include AP  105 - d , which may be an example of an AP  105  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B . The wireless communications system may also include STA  115 - j  and STA  115 - k , which may be examples of a STA  115  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B . 
     At  505 , AP  105 - d  may perform IGMP snooping on IGMP message exchanges between the STAs  115  and a network. Through the IGMP snooping, the AP  105 - d  may intercept and decode multicast registration and deregistration messages to maintain and update a bridge-level table that identifies the associations between the STAs  115  and multicasts. 
     At  510 , AP  105 - d  may determine, via the IGMP snooping, that STA  115 - j  is associated with a multicast. This determination may be based at least in part on an intercepted multicast registration message sent from STA  115 - j  to a server associated with generating the multicast content. The AP  105 - d  may also determine that STA  115 - k  is unassociated with the multicast based at least in part on an absence of a multicast registration message from STA  115 - k  or an intercepted multicast deregistration message from STA  115 - k.    
     At  515 , AP  105 - d  may assign a group identification (ID) to STA  115 - j  based on the determined multicast association. AP  105 - d  may assign the group ID based on the bridge-level table or on a multicast address of the multicast. 
     At  520 , AP  105 - d  may transmit the assigned group ID to STA  115 - j . In other words, AP  105 - d  may inform STA  115 - j  of the assigned group ID prior to transmitting a multicast frame for the multicast associated with STA  115 - j . STA  115 - j  may store the group ID received from AP  105 - d . In some cases, STA  115 - j  may have more than one group ID, each of which may associate STA  115 - j  with a separate multicast. Additionally or alternatively, a single group ID may associate a STA  115  with multiple multicasts. 
     At  525 , AP  105 - d  may transmit a multicast frame for the multicast to STA  115 - j  and STA  115 - k . The multicast frame may include a header that conveys the group ID assigned to STA  115 - j . In one example, AP  105 - d  may attempt to avoid transmitting the frame to STA  115 - k , which is unassociated with the group ID. For instance, AP  105 - d  may use beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to STA  115 - j.    
     At  530  and  535 , STA  115 - j  and STA  115 - k  may detect the frame header of the multicast, respectively. At  540 , STA  115 - j  may determine that the frame header includes a group ID. Furthermore, STA  115 - j  may determine that the group ID conveyed by the header corresponds to the assigned group ID from  520 . At  545 , STA  115 - k  may determine that the frame header conveys a group ID which is unassociated with STA  115 - k . Accordingly, STA  115 - j  and STA  115 - k  may determine the extent to which the frame is processed based at least in part on the conveyed group ID. Thus, at  550  and  555 , STA  115 - j  may process the entire multicast frame, and STA  115 - k  may discontinue processing of the multicast frame, respectively. 
       FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of a wireless device  600  configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless device  600  may be an example of aspects of an AP  105  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5 . The wireless device  600  may include a receiver  605 , a multicast manager  610 , and a transmitter  615 . The wireless device  600  may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. 
     The components of wireless device  600  may, individually or collectively, be implemented with at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on at least one IC. In other embodiments, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another semi-custom IC), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors. 
     The receiver  605  may receive information such as packets, user data, or control information associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, and information related to enhanced wireless multicast delivery, etc.). Information may be passed on to the multicast manager  610 , and to other components of wireless device  600 . 
     The multicast manager  610  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast, assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination, and transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station. The frame may include a header that conveys the assigned group ID. 
     The transmitter  615  may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device  600 . In some embodiments, the transmitter  615  may be collocated with the receiver  605  in a transceiver. The transmitter  615  may include a single antenna, or it may include a plurality of antennas. In some examples, the transmitter  615  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID. In some examples, the functional aspects of the receiver  605 , multicast manager  610 , and transmitter  615  may be integrated into a single wireless modem chip. Alternatively, these components may be implemented discretely. 
       FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of a wireless device  700  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Wireless device  700  may be an example of aspects of a wireless device  600  or an AP  105  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . Wireless device  700  may include a receiver  605 - a , a multicast manager  610 - a , or a transmitter  615 - a . Wireless device  700  may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The multicast manager  610 - a  may also include an IGMP snooper  705 , and a multicast assignment coordinator  710 . 
     The components of wireless device  700  may, individually or collectively, be implemented with at least one ASIC adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on at least one IC. In other embodiments, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, an FPGA, or another semi-custom IC), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors. 
     The receiver  605 - a  may receive information which may be passed on to multicast manager  610 - a , and to other components of wireless device  700 . The multicast manager  610 - a  may perform the operations described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . The transmitter  615 - a  may transmit signals received from other components of wireless device  700 . 
     The IGMP snooper  705  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . For example, the IGMP snooper may listen to IGMP messages exchanged between a network and a station and determine which multicast addresses the station is interested. 
     The multicast assignment coordinator  710  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . For instance, the multicast assignment coordinator may reference the association between a multicast and a station and assign a group ID to the STA  115  based on the association. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a block diagram of a system  801  including AP  105 - e  configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery, a plurality of STAs  115 - 1 ,  115 - m , and a network  130 - b  in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. AP  105 - e  may be an example of an AP  105  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-2, and 4-5 , or an example of a device described with reference to  FIGS. 6-7 . AP  105 - e  may include a multicast manager  610 - b , which may be an example of a multicast manger as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-7 . The multicast manager  610 - b  may include an IGMP snooper  705 - a  and a multicast assignment coordinator  710 - a . Each of these components may perform the functions described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . The multicast manager  610 - b  may also include an assignment communication coordinator  810 , a selective delivery coordinator  850 , a multicast address mapper  860 , and a bridge-level table manager  855 . 
     AP  105 - e  may intercept messages exchanged between STA  115 - 1 , STA  115 - m  and network  130 - b . For example, AP  105 - e  may perform IGMP snooping by monitoring network communications manager  830  for IGMP subscriber messages. Using this information, the bridge-level table manager  855  may generate a bridge-level table which identifies the association between a STA  115  and a multicast, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . The bridge-level table manager  855  may update the bridge-level table based at least in part on the IGMP snooping. 
     AP  105 - e  may reference the bridge-level table in order to map group IDs to STAs  115  according to the respective interests of the STAs  115 . For example, the multicast address mapper  860  may assign a group ID based at least in part on the bridge-level table. According to the bridge-level table, STA  115 - m  may be interested in multicasts with a particular address. Using this information, the multicast address mapper  860  may select a group ID for STA  115 - m . In other words, the multicast address mapper  860  may determine a group ID for a STA  115  based at least in part on a multicast address of a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     The assignment communication coordinator  810  may be configured to communicate assigned group IDs to individual STAs  115 . In some cases, assigning a group ID to a STA  115  may include transmitting the group ID to the STA  115  (e.g., via transceiver  835 ). For example, the assignment communication coordinator  810  may facilitate transmission of a unique group ID to STA  115 - m . As discussed, the group ID may be based on IGMP snooping, and may associate a station with multicasts in which it is interested. The transmission of the group ID may be prior to transmitting a frame including the data for the multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . Thus, a station (e.g., STA  115 - m ) may determine which multicasts are relevant by referencing the assigned group ID. 
     AP  105 - e  may steer multicast frames, or group IDs, in the direction of interested STAs  115  (e.g., STA  115 - m ) and away from uninterested STAs  115  (e.g., STA  115 - 1 ). For instance, the selective delivery coordinator  850  may be configured to manage transmission of the frame (e.g., by transceiver  835  or a transmitter  615 ). For example, based on information from the selective delivery coordinator  850 , AP  105 - e  may use beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to STA  115 - m  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In the present example, this may include using beamforming to send the frame in the direction of STA  115 - m . The selective delivery coordinator  850  may also identify a station as one of a number of stations associated with the group ID. Accordingly, AP  105 - e  may use beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to the number of interested stations. Based on information from the selective delivery coordinator  850 , AP  105 - e  may avoid delivering the frame to a set of stations unassociated with the group ID (e.g., the transceiver  835  may avoid sending the frame to STA  115 - 1 ). The selective delivery coordinator  850  may coordinate the direction of the beamforming based on the locations of interested stations or uninterested stations. 
     The components of the multicast manager  610 - b  may, individually or collectively, be implemented with at least one ASIC adapted to perform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may be performed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on at least one IC. In other embodiments, other types of integrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, an FPGA, or another semi-custom IC), which may be programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unit may also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodied in a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general or application-specific processors. 
     In some cases, AP  105 - e  may have one or more wired backhaul links. AP  105 - e  may have a wired backhaul link (e.g., S1 interface, etc.) to the network  130 - b . AP  105 - e  may also communicate with other base stations  105  via inter-base station backhaul links. Each of the APs  105  may communicate with STAs  115  using the same or different wireless communications technologies. In some cases, AP  105 - e  may communicate with other APs utilizing AP communications manager  825 . In some examples, AP communications manager  825  may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between some of the APs  105 . In some cases, AP  105 - e  may communicate with the network  130 - b  through network communications manager  830 . 
     AP  105 - e  may include a processor  805 , memory  815  (including software (SW)  820 ), transceiver(s)  835 , and antenna(s)  840 , which each may be in communication, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., over a bus  845 ). The transceiver(s)  835  may be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the antenna(s)  840 , with the STAs  115 , which may be multi-mode devices. The transceiver(s)  835  (or other components of AP  105 - e ) may also be configured to communicate bi-directionally, via the antenna(s)  840 , with the STAs  115 - 1 ,  115 - m  or other APs (not shown). The transceiver(s)  835  may include a modem configured to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas  840  for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas  840 . AP  105 - e  may include multiple transceivers  835 , each with one or more associated antennas  840 . The transceiver(s) may be an example of a combined receiver  605  and transmitter  615  of  FIG. 6 . 
     The memory  815  may include RAM and ROM. The memory  815  may also store computer-readable, computer-executable software code  820  containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor  805  to perform various functions described herein (e.g., enhanced multicast delivery etc.). Alternatively, the computer-executable software code  820  may not be directly executable by the processor  805  but be configured to cause (e.g., when compiled and executed) a computer to perform functions described herein. The processor  805  may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, etc.). The processor  805  may include various special purpose processors such as encoders, queue processing modules, base band processors, radio head controllers, DSPs, and the like. 
     The AP communications manager  825  may manage communications with other APs  105 . The AP communications manager  825  may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs  115  in cooperation with other APs  105 . For example, the AP communications manager  825  may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to STAs  115  for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a block diagram of a system  801  including AP  105 - f  configured for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. AP  105 - f  may be an example of an AP  105  described with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , and  4 - 5 , or an example of a device described with reference to  FIGS. 6-7 . 
     AP  105 - f  may include a processor  805 - a , memory  815 - a , transceiver  835 - a , and antenna(s)  840 - a , each of which may perform the functions described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . In the present example, the memory  815 - a  may include software that performs the functionality of multicast manager  610 - c . For example, memory  815 - a  may include software that, when compiled and executed, performs the functionality of an IGMP snooper  705 - b , multicast assignment coordinator  710 - b , assignment communication coordinator  810 - a , selective delivery coordinator  850 - a , bridge-level table manager  855 - a , and multicast address mapper  860 - a , such as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8A . In some cases, a subset of the functionality of multicast manager  610 - c  is included in memory  815 - a ; in other cases, all of the functionality may be implemented as software executed by the processor  805 - a  to cause the AP  105 - f  to perform the functions of multicast manager  610 - c . For example, the functionality of the bridge-level table manager  855 - and multicast address mapper  860 - a  may be accomplished by software included memory  815 - a , while the functionality of IGMP snooper  705 - b , multicast assignment coordinator  710 - b , assignment communication coordinator  810 - a , and selective delivery coordinator  850 - a  may be accomplished using hardware. 
     Other combinations of hardware/software to perform the functions of multicast manager  610 - c  may be used. In the present example, the functions of an AP communications manager  825 - a  may also be embodied as software stored in memory  815 - a  and executable by the processor  805 - a . The AP communications manager  825 - a  may manage communications with other APs  105 . The AP communications manager  825 - a  may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs  115  in cooperation with other APs  105 . For example, the AP communications manager  825 - a  may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to STAs  115  (e.g., STA  115 - n  and STA  115 - o ) for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. 
       FIG. 9  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  900  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method  900  may be implemented by an AP  105  or its components as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8B . For example, the operations of method  900  may be performed by the multicast manager  610  as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8B . In some examples, an AP  105  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the AP  105  to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP  105  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. 
     At block  905 , the AP  105  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  905  may be performed by the IGMP snooper  705  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  910 , the AP  105  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  910  may be performed by the multicast assignment coordinator  710  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  915 , the AP  105  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In some cases, transmitting the frame includes using beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to the station. In certain examples, the operations of block  915  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  1000  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method  1000  may be implemented by an AP  105  or its components as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8B . For example, the operations of method  1000  may be performed by the multicast manager  610  as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8B . In some examples, an AP  105  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the AP  105  to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP  105  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. The method  1100  may also incorporate aspects of method  900  of  FIG. 9 . 
     At block  1005 , the AP  105  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1005  may be performed by the IGMP snooper  705  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1010 , the AP  105  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1010  may be performed by the multicast assignment coordinator  710  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1015 , the AP  105  may identify the station as one of a plurality of stations associated with the group as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1015  may be performed by the selective delivery coordinator  850  as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . 
     At block  1020 , the AP  105  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1020  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     At block  1025 , the AP  105  may use beamforming to steer transmission of the frame to the plurality of stations as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1025  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  1100  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method  1100  may be implemented by an AP  105  or its components as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8B . For example, the operations of method  1100  may be performed by the multicast manager  610  as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8B . In some examples, an AP  105  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the AP  105  to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP  105  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. The method  1100  may also incorporate aspects of methods  900  and  1000  of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     At block  1105 , the AP  105  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1105  may be performed by the IGMP snooper  705  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1110 , the AP  105  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1110  may be performed by the multicast assignment coordinator  710  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1115 , the AP  105  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1115  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     At block  1120 , the AP  105  may avoid delivering the frame to a set of stations unassociated with the group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1120  may be performed by the selective delivery coordinator  850  as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 12  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  1200  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method  1200  may be implemented by an AP  105  or its components as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8B . For example, the operations of method  1200  may be performed by the multicast manager  610  as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8B . In some examples, an AP  105  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the AP  105  to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP  105  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. The method  1200  may also incorporate aspects of methods  900 ,  1000 , and  1100  of  FIGS. 9-11 . 
     At block  1205 , the AP  105  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1205  may be performed by the IGMP snooper  705  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1210 , the AP  105  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1210  may be performed by the multicast assignment coordinator  710  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1215 , the AP  105  may determine the group ID based at least in part on a multicast address of the multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1215  may be performed by the multicast address mapper  860  as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . 
     At block  1220 , the AP  105  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1220  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  1300  for enhanced wireless multicast delivery in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method  1300  may be implemented by an AP  105  or its components as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-8B . For example, the operations of method  1300  may be performed by the multicast manager  610  as described with reference to  FIGS. 6-8B . In some examples, an AP  105  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the AP  105  to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the AP  105  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. The method  1300  may also incorporate aspects of methods  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 , and  1200  of  FIGS. 9-12 . 
     At block  1305 , the AP  105  may determine, via internet group management protocol (IGMP) snooping, that a station is associated with a multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1305  may be performed by the IGMP snooper  705  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1310 , the AP  105  may assign a group ID to the station based at least in part on the determination as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1310  may be performed by the multicast assignment coordinator  710  as described above with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     At block  1315 , the AP  105  may maintain a bridge-level table, the bridge-level table identifying the association between the station and the multicast as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1315  may be performed by the bridge-level table manager  855  as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . 
     At block  1320 , the AP  105  may transmit a frame comprising data for the multicast to the station, the frame comprising a header that conveys the assigned group ID as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5 . In certain examples, the operations of block  1320  may be performed by the transmitter  615  as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     Thus, methods  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1200 , and  1300  may provide for enhanced wireless multicast delivery. It should be noted that methods  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1200 , and  1300  describe possible implementation, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects from two or more of the methods  900 ,  1000 ,  1100 ,  1200 , and  1300  may be combined. 
     The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes exemplary embodiments and does not represent all the embodiments that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other embodiments.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments. 
     Information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. 
     The various illustrative blocks and modules described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration). 
     The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwiring, or combinations of any of these. Features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of [at least one of A, B, or C] means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). 
     Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, non-transitory computer-readable media can comprise random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), compact disk (CD) ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, include CD, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.