Methods and apparatus for efficient IP multicasting in a content delivery network

A method for processing network traffic, said method comprising:

• dividing a plurality of client devices into at least two subsets;
• assigning a first physical data channel to a first one of said at least two subsets of said plurality of client devices;
• assigning a second physical data channel to a second one of said at least two subsets of said plurality of client devices;
• receiving a request for content from a particular one of said plurality of client devices in said first subset;
• and
• providing said requested content on said first physical data channel to all of said plurality of client devices in said first subset irrespective of said request being received only from said particular one of said plurality of client devices in said first subset;
• and
• wherein said plurality of client devices in said second subset do not receive said requested content.

A computer readable apparatus having a storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed:

• assign a first physical channel to a first one of at least two subsets of a plurality of client devices and a second physical channel to a second one of at least two subsets of said plurality of client devices;
• receive a request for content from a particular one of said plurality of client devices in said first subset;
• and
• provide said requested content on said first physical channel to all of said plurality of client devices in said first subset.