Inverse Multiplexing Multicast Distribution via Distributed Demultiplexers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large communication networks, multicast message transmission efficiency is hindered by the need for a central multicast router downstream of inversely multiplexed lines, which can form a bottleneck for message traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method where a stream of multicast messages is inverse multiplexed and distributed over multiple communication channels, with multiple inverse demultiplexers reassembling the stream at different locations, and forwarding devices control the distribution based on subscription information to ensure transparency and efficient delivery to subscribed devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a central multicast router is used downstream of inversely multiplexed lines to distribute multicast messages to multiple terminals, then multicast message delivery to multiple subscribers is achieved, but the central router forms a bottleneck for message traffic and reduces transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multicast distribution function into multiple distributed inverse demultiplexing devices located at different subscriber sites. Instead of concentrating all multicast message distribution at a single central router downstream of the inversely multiplexed lines, the system segments this function across multiple devices that can independently process and distribute multicast messages to their respective subscribers. This segmentation eliminates the bottleneck effect of a single central router while maintaining the ability to deliver multicast messages to multiple terminals.
2Ease of operation
If decentralized inverse demultiplexing is used to reassemble message streams at subscriber sites, then transparency for the network is improved, but coordination complexity increases when multiple subscribers are located downstream of inversely multiplexed lines
Solution Approach 1:
The inverse demultiplexing devices perform multiple functions: they reassemble message streams for their local subscribers, forward messages to other inverse demultiplexing devices, and manage subscriptions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain network transparency while handling coordination complexity through the combined capabilities of the distributed devices rather than requiring separate specialized components.
3Productivity
If multiple multicast routers are used (one upstream and one downstream of inversely multiplexed lines) to serve multiple subscribers, then multicast message distribution to multiple terminals is achieved, but the downstream router creates a bottleneck for message traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multicast distribution function from a centralized downstream router position and distributes it across multiple inverse demultiplexing devices at various subscriber sites. By taking out the concentration of this function and dispersing it throughout the network, the system eliminates the bottleneck that would exist at a single downstream router while preserving the ability to efficiently distribute multicast messages to multiple terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
A stream of multicast messages is forwarded through a network to a plurality of subscriber devices (18). The stream is inverse multiplexed and transmitted distributed over a plurality of communication channels (14). A plurality of inverse demultiplexers (16) is provided, to reassemble a plurality of copies of the stream from the multiplexed streams from the communication channels at different locations. Preferably, the final communication channels to a plurality of subscribers (e.g. telephone lines to different homes) are used as communication channels for said inverse multiplexing and the inversely multiplexed data is communicated locally (17) between the subscribers to enable reassembly of copies of the stream.